This chapter covers the topics of politics, policies and
programs for the elder population. It
was interesting to learn of the many political associations which represent
older Americans. So many of the groups
lobby on the behalf of older adults in order to provide them with benefits such
as Medicare, social security, or have a platform to promote equal rights for
the elderly. This chapter also discusses
policies that have been put in place to assist elderly persons in the areas of
programs which address meals and nutrition.
One act in particular is The Older Americans Act. This act ensures that older people’s needs
are represented in social service allocations (Hillier & Barrow,
2011). This act has 6 major sections
with outline the objectives and intentions of the act. These sections include adequate income, good
physical and health health, suitable housing at reasonable cost, a meaningful
existence, full restorative services for those who require instructional care, equal
employment opportunities, and retirement with dignity (Hillier & Barrow,
2011). Another program outlined and
discussed in this chapter which this learner feels is especially important and
valuable is the Foster Grandparent Program.
This programs pairs low income older adults with troubled, disabled, or
hospitalized children (Hillier & Barrow, 2011) The grandparent volunteers
15 to 40 hours per week and serve as role models, mentors or friends to disadvantaged
children. This program not only provides
a disadvantage child with the attention and love that can make a difference in
their live, it also gives the grandparent the opportunity to feel they have a
purpose in life, to feel needed and to contribute to the lives of special needs
children.
Hillier, S.,
& Barrow, G. (2011). Aging, the individual, and society.9th ed.California:
WADSWORTH.
I think that it is very important for aging individuals to be involved in politics and policies. With the younger generation mixed with the older generation's ideas it allows are society to not be as segregated.
ReplyDeleteThis learner found that the Foster Grandparent Program was very interesting. This learner found it comforting that the programs pairs low income older adults with troubled, disabled, or hospitalized children. Grandparents volunteering 15 to 40 hours per week serving as role models, mentors or friends to disadvantaged children is incredible because of the good it does for the disadvantage children.
ReplyDeleteThis learner found this chapter interesting because of the elderly accomplishing things in numbers. The elderly are being heard today and are persistent in having a voice. The elderly being represented in many programs was another fact that this learner has discovered. The American Association of Retired Person and The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare are two programs that have supported the elderly community. The American Association of Retired Person is to help the elderly gain some freedom and The National Committee to Preserve Social Security is to ensure finacia stability for the elderly community.