Security
Self-Esteem
Health
Sense of Identity Seen
Housing
Education
Access to Services
Financial
Employment
Factors Affecting access to resources
Education
Ethnicity
Gender
Socioeconomic Status
Location
Age
Disability
In Depth Study 1: Aged
Characteristics
ABS defines them as being 65+, While the aged seniors association defines them as being 50+
Phased retirement, reduce hours and days as people age. Many engage in voluntary work and community activities Rely on government benefits, superannuation and savings
Deteriorating health, housebound, need respite care
Become lonely and detached from society when partners die.
80% of the aged live in their own home.
Needs
Security- Need to live comfortably and to feel safe in their home environment. Physical security of a house, safety of being close to family and friends. Many are victims of theft and attacks. Are in physical decline- feel insecure. Self Esteem- Many are healthy, working and living independently (have high self esteem). Some have no sense of belonging (leading to low self esteem). Need to have goals, if they are productive they are happy.
Health- The aged have many health problems including vision, hearing, blood pressure, heart disease.
Higher income leads to better health (can afford private health care). Lose mobility with age, need to exercise. Sense of Identity- Linked to self esteem- being older leads to lifestyle changes that include a decrease in time spent in paid work and an increase in time spent pursuing personal interests (changes sense of identity- question themselves)
Housing- Many remain in their own homes- may have assistance from community nurses. Nursing homes are expensive. Many live alone. With age there may need to be changes in the home, for example move to one story home or granny flat.
Education- The Aged need to have equal opportunities in education. May need education with technology, or wish to learn a new skill or language. Workers Education Association, promoting education to all.
Access to services- There is a demand on nursing homes. May not be educated about services available.
May need assistance with shopping, transport, home maintenance, personal care, housework etc. May be restricted by physical problems or not ESL
Financial Support- Mainly comes from the government through the age pension (which is income and asset tested) while some may have superannuation (or a combination of both). Centrelink also provides health concessions, subsidiary payments.
Employment-Many aren’t working, lack job satisfaction, rewards, responsibility and status.
Factors affecting access to resources
Education- Limited opportunities for education. Many in this group received a basic education (few went on to tertiary study). No longer relevant to their needs today.
Ethnicity/Culture- May be associated with barriers to accessing resources. Migrants and Aboriginal people may have trouble due to language, communication and cultural differences.
Gender- Social attitudes were different- gender may influence access to resources. Women seen as housewife, men as breadwinner. Only men had education, dealt with accessing resources.
Socioeconomic status- Some are financially secure, and some require pension. Higher status if independent. Location- People in rural areas may require different resources to those in urban areas. Location determines whether access to resources is easy or hard.
Age- Determining factor in accessing resources from government and non government services. Age is used to determine entitlements for example the pension.
Disability- Many in this group have health and mobility issues. Have deteriorating body functions. Need special care and assistance. Limited in their ability to access resources.
Rights and Responsibilities
Rights of this group include accessing information about services; maintain dignity, free of discrimination, special healthcare benefits, safety and