المشكلات الاجتماعية للمسنين ودور الاخصائي الاجتماعي في تكيفهم مع المجتمع

Abstract

ABSTRACT Problems associated with the elderly are numerous and varied from the standpoints of their nature and extent. This represents additions to direct causative factors. Many approaches are offered that tend to explain the various dimensions of such problems --classifications, analyses and discussions. On my part, however, I will suffice to present a general framework of such problems that are based on classifications. The latter are --personality, social and economic etc. Included in the presentation are suggestions related to the protection and prevention ofthe elderly. In addition, the present study seeks to identify the concept of gerontology (people with old age). Also, it sheds light on the problems of people falling in this category. Further, it seeks to identify the nature of assistance extended by the government to this category of people through social institutions. Moreover, it tends to identify the relative effectiveness of the role played by social workers towards the care of elderly. Furthermore, it suggests resources that are manipulated to reinforce such social institutions and the processes of surmounting problems that hamper the effective roles played by social workers in responding to meet the needs of the elderly and extend them adequate care. The present dissertation offers some findings. The most salient are as under: A. Social workers and their total numbers are 27. I. Among the male social workers under research are more than females. 2. Most of the social workers are married. 3. Average ages of the social workers are 33.8 years. 4. Dominant number of the social workers are holding B.A. degrees in Social Service. 5. Average years of experience with the elderly are five years. 6. Number of social workers who have obtained training courses in areas related to work with the elderly are substantial. 7. Most training courses conducted relate to work with the elderly. B. Elderly and their numbers arc 420. 1. The number of the male elderly under research are more than females. 2. Average calculation of the ages under research are 67.3 years. 3. Most ofthe elderly under research are widows. Next in order are married. 4. Average calculation of the family members are 4 persons. 5. The majority of the elderly are educated. They hold academic qualifications. Next in order are either illiterate or proficient only in reading - writing skills. 6. Prior to their admission in old age institutions, the elderly used to live as singles. Their average was substantial. Some others lived with their spouses. 7. Average stay of the elderly in Old Age Houses was three years. C. Problems encountered by the elderly: Among the problems encountered by the elderly, the most decisive are as under: I. No visit is made by the family or children during their stay in the institution. 2. No visit is made by the relatives to the elderly. 3. No initiative is taken by the social workers to listen the problems of the elderly. 4. Private societies are showing meager interest on the care ofthe old age. 5. No recreational ceremonies are offered to the elderly. 6. The elderly maintain no relationship with their companions. 7. No trips are made available outside the institutions. 8. The elderly face adverse health conditions and expensive treatments. 9. The elderly face sense of rejection as a result of public neglect to their tribulations. 10. The elderly perceive depression and alienation as a consequence of desertion by their children. Important Recommendations The present study has offered many recommendations. The most salient are as under: A. Family 1. Family should adhere to the religious dimension on extending care to the elderly as an ethical obligation. 2. Interactions among kindreds and relatives must he reinforced. Focus should be assigned on the upbringing of children. Mutual affection must be enhanced. 3. Material assistance must be extended to the elderly. This will enable the elderly to maintain their life as an alternative to stay in institutions. 4. Children, relatives and friends should be exhorted to continue their visits to the elderly in their habitations and eliminate any dilemmas that overwhelm their minds. B. Agencies and Edncational Institutions: 1. Parents must be given special significance on all occasions --Ed; beginning of the academic year; and end of the academic year. 2. School teachers and university instructors should provide respect 0 the parents on all festivals. This will have imperceptible favorable impact on the emerging youth. C. Ministry of Social Welfare 1. Ministry of Social Welfare should extend cards on extending material and technical assistance to the destitute elderly. 2. Ministry should develop techniques on working with institutions accommodating the elderly. 3. Ministry should supervise and maintain follow-up of all places that accommodate the elderly. D. Institutions on Old Age Care: I. Institutions on Old Age Care should prepare religious awareness program commensurate to the cultural standard of the elderly. This should include rituals related to Hajj and Umrah. 2. Exclusive focus on treatment should be avoided. 3. Consultative meetings among personnel associated with the institutions must be held. 4. Changes should be introduced in by-laws regulating the institutions of the elderly. 5. Basic needs of the elderly should be ensured inside the Old Age Care Houses. These include library, electric equipments like frigidaire used to preserve medicine.