International Policy on Older Persons

Background - Policy Issues

IFSW is called upon to reconsider the social workers' contributions to older persons given the demographic projections of an increasing older population, technological advancements, and medical research, all of which predict longevity and better health in general for the older population in the 21st century. IFSW recognises that the development of social and economic policies, the implementation of programmes and services, and the initiative of social action and research are all necessary to enhance the lives of older persons in the community and to maintain their human rights and their dignity until the end of life. Older persons have the potential of making significant contributions to society at large and within their respective communities. Their wisdom and experience can be utilised productively.

Recent research is now suggesting that the current cohort group of older persons are more attuned to prevention and are experiencing ageing in a more healthy manner. With increasing longevity, and medical advances, research is also beginning to reflect that the period of disability and debilitating illness is being shortened in the last stages of life. Meeting the needs of this population is essential to their social and emotional well-being. Moreover, an important ingredient for this state of well-being is a group of caring professionals who show respect and honour the principle of self-determination.

Therefore, IFSW is committed to furthering the development and provision of a variety of social services in order to meet the differential needs of this significant group ranging from the vulnerable, the frail and the infirm to the intact and well elderly.

Principles

For IFSW, the following principles should underpin social policy statements:

1. A comprehensive social policy statement should be in place for older persons and should take into account the differential needs of older persons as they move through the ageing process.

2. There is a similarity in the ageing process, which is universal, and thus ageing is a social issue and a global concern. In most countries it is conventional to define older people as those who have reached the age of retirement as accepted by the particular country and culture.

3. Each policy should reflect the right of older persons to continue to work if they so desire. However, the opportunity is necessary for paid and/or volunteer work to enhance a better sense of well-being for the individual and to make a major contribution to society.

4. Any social policy statement should safeguard the rights of older people to exercise their freedom to live in their own way, at their own pace and in different lifestyles.

5. Options and choices should be preserved for the physically dependent, respecting the rights of individuals to accept or alter the services offered to them.

Policy Statement

Through individual members of the associations in member countries, IFSW is involved in the promotion of policies, the implementation of programmes, the development of services, and the initiation of social action and research relative to older persons.

IFSW supports the social and economic policies that

ensure the delivery of co-ordinated and comprehensive services to sustain and enhance the well being and quality of life of older people in the community as well as in residential settings support the specific housing needs of older people in the community, in congregate care and in institutional settings

IFSW supports the level of income, which ensures that older persons are able to satisfy their personal needs and maintain a standard of living appropriate to the society in which they live in order to:

facilitate access to transportation, health services, adult education, cultural and leisure activities address the disadvantage experienced by women in particular who are now widows or living on their own, disabled, and experiencing the effects of poverty.

IFSW endorses

the promotion of the rights of older people to full access to preventative and comprehensive health care including hospital and long term care, and other services received in the community and at home policies which endorse the right of older people to remain in their own home and to have access to other housing options adapted to their specific condition and needs policies which ensure that older persons in long-term housing must at all times be treated with respect and in so far as is possible supported to exercise the right of self-determination and choice. Further those older persons with Alzheimer disease and other dementia should be given every opportunity for special care and services advocacy and principle for protection, empowerment, initiation and support of social legislation to promote and protect the rights of older people and to protect them against abuse, exploitation and neglect

IFSW endorses educational programs for social workers in the field of gerontology. An understanding of the issues associated with ageing and the lifestyle and needs of older persons should be integrated into social work core curricula.

Services, which might be developed for older persons should address the needs of the frail and those persons who are more able and intact. A variety of services and support systems, which include community based programmes, should be in place.

IFSW urges health and welfare agencies to ensure that adequate priority is given to the special concerns of older people and to the allocation of training resources to upgrade the quality of services for older persons.

Approved at the IFSW Executive Committee Council of Officers' Meeting,
New York, January 18 - 20, 1999