Citation

Bold 1992; 2(3): 15-17.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, International Institute on Aging)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12319350

Abstract

Prior to the International Short Term Course on Social Gerontology, organized by the International Institute on Aging in Malta, participants filled in a brief questionnaire regarding their personal views on the socioeconomic situation of the elderly. The questions dealt with: the definition of the elderly as understood by the respondents; availability of statistical data on the elderly regarding gender, marital status, location, immigration, industrialization, and the impact of urbanization; existing training facilities in gerontology in their countries; old age as perceived by the elderly population; socioeconomic problems faced by the elderly; degree of participants' involvement in working with the elderly. An attempt was made to quantify the views expressed by the participants. Countries with more than one representative--Argentina (2), China (4), Jamaica (2) and Malta (13)--each had their responses summarized as one contribution to this survey. The participants' replies were represented by a frequency distribution of 16 countries. In 9 out of 16 responses, elderly was defined as a chronological age. Females were almost always described as the majority gender represented in old age (13 out of 16). The state was identified as the greatest provider of special services, with the exception of religious organizations in only 2 of the countries. The most difficult problems of the elderly were defined as a lack of economic support, ill health, and social isolation. 8 out of 16 respondents described being active as the most important for the elderly. Governments are urged to provide for their senior citizens and their care-giving members who, in turn, are encouraged to support more elderly persons in developing countries.

Language: en