This chapter covers the issues of
elders in politics and the impact they have on office and other certain issues
as well as employment and equity. As it pertains to voting, “Approximately 90
percent of Americans over age 50 are registered to vote, compared with an
overall national figure of less than 75 percent” (Hillier &Barrow, 2011, p.
408). Older people are neither more nor less conservative than younger people
and their parties are balanced more equally (Hillier & Barrow, 2011).
Holding
office, as well as voting, is another way of showing political power among
elders. There are no mandatory retirement ages from offices in congress etc.
which allows them to continue representation for their group of older peers
(Hiller & Barrow, 2011). As it pertains to representation of older people,
interest groups representing older Americans have increased in number and
political effectiveness over the past few decades (Hillier & Barrow, 2011,
p. 409). Such interest groups include American Association of Retired Persons,
National Council of Senior Citizens, The Gray Panthers, and many others that
advocate for senior citizens rights and representation (Hillier & Barrow,
2011).
“The
Older Americans Act (OAA) is designed to alter state and local priorities to
ensure that older people’s needs are represented in social service allocations”
(Hiller & Barrow, 2011, p. 413). The OAA intends to benefit elders in areas
such as their health, income, housing, opportunities, and retirement. Hillier
and Barrow (2011) explain that no public service program is without criticism,
but these programs are allowing our older generations to have more of a voice
than past generations as well as more opportunities. “The most exciting part of
the future, however, is that there now is a new generation of older people”
(Hillier & Barrow, 2011, p. 420). This chapter sums up the entire content
of the text, it shows us that older people are living longer and making more of
an impact on the younger generations. Due to the increased life spans, it is
crucial that this group of people are better understood and heard, along with
that goes the importance of equal opportunity for them regardless of their age.
Before reading this chapter I had no idea there were so many groups or policies that advocate for the older population. The needs of seniors are being addressed and met through policies such as The Older Americans Act provides seniors with the help they need in areas such as health care, housing and retirement. As you pointed out in your post, the new generation of older people will mean the need for programs to expand to address the needs of this growing population. I am sure we will see many challenges in the field of social work to find the needed resources and services to help the elderly population. Getting involved on a macro level to help advocate for their needs may alleviate the obstacles social workers face in providing these services.
ReplyDeleteI agree this final chapter does sum up all the information that we have acquired through out the semester. This was an elective class that I chose and I never realized the impact that it would have on my goals for my future. It amazing all the different jobs that a social worker does. Without these individuals are society and elderly individuals would have a tough time trying to make the aging transition smooth.
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