It is well documented that engagement in arts and cultural activities contributes to improving and maintaining the health and well-being of older people. Despite this, many health and social care professionals do not recognize or accept arts and cultural activities as relevant to their care remit. To address this, a team of 17 individuals…

Background: To what extent is there a significant difference between the elderly's demographic data and their attitudes toward the role of social welfare services in improving their lives? Employed Method: This study used a descriptive method to investigate the activities/services and programs provided by social care homes for the elderly, both…

As critical components of the aging continuum of care, senior centers promote older adult health and well-being by providing opportunities for recreation, socialization, nutrition, health education, and access to vital social services. Nationally, a vast network of 11,000 senior centers serves over four million older adults annually. As the United…

Drawing from 81 interviews with practitioners in social care and housing with care services in the United Kingdom, this paper explores practice issues in rural areas when supporting the mental health and well-being of older people from Black and minority ethnic groups. The paper begins with a review of the literature which provides evidence that…

It is commonly assumed that better living standards will boost subjective well-being. The post-apartheid South African government subscribes to this idea; its social policies aim to provide "a better life for all". Since the coming of democracy in 1994, the state has built over 3 million houses and supplied electricity and clean water to…

Native Hawaiians constitute 401,000 or 0.1 percent of the total U.S. population, with approximately 60 percent residing in the state of Hawai'i. In Hawai'i, Native Hawaiian elders ("na kupuna") face a number of social and health disparities when compared with their non-Native Hawaiian counterparts: higher rates of poverty, greater…

Needs assessment is the process of identifying the gap between a target population's needs and its services. If a gap exists, a program can be designed to effectively respond to those needs. This article explores the needs of elderly African immigrants in Minnesota through the use of qualitative interviews. A convenience sampling was used to…

Examines the perceptions of older, community-dwelling adults about factors they consider essential for remaining independent. In-depth interviews with 103 residents revealed that they considered finances, health, family support, a sense of identity, and a feeling of independence as contributing to their ability to remain in the community. (RJM)

The future of the elderly in the People's Republic of China will be influenced by political agenda, degree to which traditional values toward the aged are preserved, degree to which eldercare support is built on the existing social structure, eldercare program institutionalization in the state budget, and the elderly's continued integration into…

Reviews literature focusing on the effect of the high divorce rate on the family support system of older adults. Discusses possible short- and long-term effects of the demands and emotional consequences of divorce. Suggests implications for public policy. (Author/JAC)

This Federal Council on Aging report contains recommendations for a national policy regarding services for the frail elderly and describes the principles on which the recommendations are based. Recommended core services are discussed and characteristics and statistics relating to the frail elderly are identified. The report describes existing…

This report on the status of the black elderly in the United States is based on six issue forums that the National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc., conducted throughout the United States in 1986; and on three House Select Committee on Aging hearings on this subject. Statistics pertaining to the following issues affecting older blacks are…

This paper reports on the findings of an evaluation of a health and social services comprehensive care model project for the elderly residing in low-income urban public housing. The text contains a brief discussion of the previous research, the results of the present study, and comments on the applicability of previous research to the sample…

At a time when increasing numbers of elders need and continue to rely on social work services, it is important to build enthusiasm among students to prepare them for future work with this special population. A three-pronged approach to teaching about aging, which is built on the strengths perspective, critical social construction, and a human…

Noting the increasing challenges faced by families today, this book explores demographic, social and economic, and technological issues affecting the dynamics of and planning process for family well-being. Chapters in the book are: (1) "Expanding Choice in Long Term Planning for Family Futures" (Barbara H. Settles); (2) "Recent Demographic Change:…