scholarly journals The impact of the Government Program for Social Participation of Senior Citizens (ASOS) on social activation of the elderly in Poland: Findings from a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1(29)) ◽  
pp. 9-25
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Michalewska-Pawlak ◽  
Monika Klimowicz

The main aim of this paper is to present the impact which the Government Program for Social Participation of Senior Citizens (in Polish: Rządowy Program na rzecz Aktywności Społecznej Osób Starszych; ASOS) for the years 2014-2020 had on the social activation of the elderly in Poland, based on a case study of one project. The first part of the article presents a justification for research concerning the activation of the elderly in Poland. Next, the paper discusses the main objective of ASOS, as well as its significance as the first national-level public intervention for social activation of the elderly in Poland. Then, the effects of ASOS on the social activation of the elderly are analyzed. The analysis is based on a qualitative approach to impact evaluation of the Active Regardless of Age project, which was co-financed by ASOS. Finally, the authors identify a list of various types of outcomes achieved by the project which apply to social activation of the elderly. Moreover, the issue of generalizing the project findings for the entire ASOS is discussed. Finally, the paper presents research results of the Innovative Social Investment: Strengthening Communities in Europe (InnoSI) project funded under the Horizon 2020 Program.

Ekonomia ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 73-84
Author(s):  
Sylwia Wojtczak

Social policy toward old people in Poland — conditions, development and directions of changesSocial policy shapes people’s living conditions. In the era of dynamic demographic changes, especially the aging of the population observed in Poland and across the world, the activity of the state focused on improving the quality of life of the elderly is particularly important. Population aging is a demographic process of increasing the proportion of older people while reducing the proportion of children in the society of a given country. Elderly people will continue to be a part of society, mainly due to the progress of civilization, advances in modern medicine and the popularization of so-called healthy living.Social policy toward the elderly should not be limited to managing the social security system and social welfare. Eff ective use of human and social capital of the elderly will be a growing challenge for this policy, and for senior citizens — spending satisfactorily the last years of one’s life. However, for some senior citizens, old age means or will mean poverty and living on the margins of civil society. The Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Polic y is responsible for the social policy of people in Poland, off ering for example in the years 2014–2020 to senior citizens such programs as “Senior +”, the Government Program for Social Activity of the Elderly ASOS or “Care 75+.” Each of the above programs have appropriate criteria that must be met to be able to use them. Are older people eager to use them, or are the eff ects of these programs already visible? This study will attempt to answer the above questions. The main purpose of the article is to diagnose and analyze selected government programs targeted at older people. In addition, perspectives for changes in social policy toward older people in Poland will be determined.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine V Talbot ◽  
Pam Briggs

Abstract People with dementia can experience shrinkage of their social worlds, leading to a loss of independence, control and reduced well-being. We used ‘the shrinking world’ theory to examine how the COVID 19 pandemic has impacted the lives of people with early to middle stage dementia and what longer-term impacts may result. Interviews were conducted with 19 people with dementia and a thematic analysis generated five themes: the forgotten person with dementia, confusion over government guidance, deterioration of cognitive function, loss of meaning and social isolation, safety of the lockdown bubble. The findings suggest that the pandemic has accelerated the ‘shrinking world’ effect and created tension in how people with dementia perceive the outside world. Participants felt safe and secure in lockdown but also missed the social interaction, cognitive stimulation and meaningful activities that took place outdoors. As time in lockdown continued, these individuals experienced a loss of confidence and were anxious about their ability to re-engage in the everyday practises that allow them to participate in society. We recommend ways in which the government, communities and organisations might counteract some of the harms posed by this shrinking world.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adweeti Nepal ◽  
Santa Kumar Dangol ◽  
Anke van der Kwaak

Abstract Background The persistent quality gap in maternal health services in Nepal has resulted in poor maternal health outcomes. Accordingly, the Government of Nepal (GoN) has placed emphasis on responsive and accountable maternal health services and initiated social accountability interventions as a strategical approach simultaneously. This review critically explores the social accountability interventions in maternal health services in Nepal and its outcomes by analyzing existing evidence to contribute to the informed policy formulation process. Methods A literature review and desk study undertaken between December 2018 and May 2019. An adapted framework of social accountability by Lodenstein et al. was used for critical analysis of the existing literature between January 2000 and May 2019 from Nepal and other low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) that have similar operational context to Nepal. The literature was searched and extracted from database such as PubMed and ScienceDirect, and web search engines such as Google Scholar using defined keywords. Results The study found various social accountability interventions that have been initiated by GoN and external development partners in maternal health services in Nepal. Evidence from Nepal and other LMICs showed that the social accountability interventions improved the quality of maternal health services by improving health system responsiveness, enhancing community ownership, addressing inequalities and enabling the community to influence the policy decision-making process. Strong gender norms, caste-hierarchy system, socio-political and economic context and weak enforceability mechanism in the health system are found to be the major contextual factors influencing community engagement in social accountability interventions in Nepal. Conclusions Social accountability interventions have potential to improve the quality of maternal health services in Nepal. The critical factor for successful outcomes in maternal health services is quality implementation of interventions. Similarly, continuous effort is needed from policymakers to strengthen monitoring and regulatory mechanism of the health system and decentralization process, to improve access to the information and to establish proper complaints and feedback system from the community to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of the interventions. Furthermore, more study needs to be conducted to evaluate the impact of the existing social accountability interventions in improving maternal health services in Nepal.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
V A Sironi ◽  
M A Riva

Abstract The recent epidemic caused by the Covid-19 virus, which originated in China and then spread rapidly, can rightly be defined as the real 'first' epidemic in the social era. In an increasingly globalized world other recent epidemics (but more circumscribed, even if severely more lethal, such as Ebola and Sars) have been experienced with less media and emotional involvement, while the recent epidemic due to the new coronavirus has generated deserving reactions of analysis from an anthropological and social point of view, rather than on a health aspect. In Italy the epidemic event provoked sometimes excessive and irrational psychological reactions (from an unjustified panic to an irresponsible underestimation) and a cognitive distortion on anthropological level (wrong perspective perception of the pathological event). It has also generated disproportionate social repercussions at national level (refusal of stay for subjects coming from the lands in which diseased people are present) and at international level (foreclosure of landing of Italian tourists in some foreign countries). There was also incorrect medical information (confusion between infected - asymptomatic and/or non-hospitalized paucisymptomatic -, real patients with important symptoms - hospitalized - and sometimes in need of intensive care, subjects - the elderly and carriers of other serious diseases - died not for but with the Covid-19 infection) generated and amplified also by the pounding informative role of the mass media and by the news (often inaccurate and generating fake-news) spread in real time through social media. Key messages Irrational reactions must be avoided. Correct medical information are indispensable.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-159
Author(s):  
Józef Młyński

In an ageing society, over-60s’ problems take an important place in the social policy. The State should be prepared for various implications, both positive and negative, of the ageing of the population, and should treat the potential problems of citizens as a challenge and an opportunity for the development of social policy, and within its framework, the policy aimed at the senior citizens. The senior citizens, by all means, constitute an important age group. This type of policy should be focused on both early and late old age people, addressing their different needs and expectations. This article attempts to show the challenges and the role of social policy addressed to the seniors, both at the early and late old age, especially at the local community level. The impact of the article is analysed in the three dimensions described, i.e. a brief outline of the ageing of the population from a demographic perspective, social policy towards seniors at the early and late old age, the challenge the 60 and over pose to the local policy versus their resources.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 663-673
Author(s):  
Lulu Liu

Objectives: Starting from the tobacco economy, this paper studies the “surge phenomenon” of macro-economy in developing countries. Methods: This paper studies the impact of tobacco industry on Anhui economy by using the relevant theories of industrial economics, econometrics and regulatory economics, combined with the actual situation of tobacco industry. Based on the analysis of the overall development of tobacco industry, this paper empirically analyzes the relationship between tobacco industry and Anhui economic growth. This paper combs the relevant literature of the existing research results of this theory. Combined with the special fact that government investment accounts for a large proportion in China’s current economic construction, this paper redefines the hypothesis of the investor in the theory of principles. On this basis, the expected equilibrium results of enterprise investment decision-making under government led and market led modes are compared and analyzed by using incomplete information static game model. Results: When the output value of tobacco industry increases by 1%, it will drive the GDP to increase by 0.373%. Secondly, by comparing the economic benefits of tobacco with the social costs of tobacco, it is found that with the economic development, the social costs caused by tobacco increase year by year, but the economic benefits are slightly greater than the social costs. The difference between the two is also increasing year by year. Conclusion: In the context of tobacco control, we should fully consider the advantages and disadvantages of developing the tobacco industry. Under the excessive intervention of the government, the manifestation of the surge phenomenon is more intense, and the final consequence of overcapacity is more serious than that under the market-oriented mode..


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Sophie Grenier ◽  
Louise Lafontaine ◽  
Andréanne Sharp

It is well known and documented that sensory perception decreases with age. In the elderly population, hearing loss and reduced vestibular function are among the most prevalently affected senses. Two important side effects of sensory deprivation are cognitive decline and decrease in social participation. Hearing loss, vestibular function impairment, and cognitive decline all lead to a decrease in social participation. Altogether, these problems have a great impact on the quality of life of the elderly. This is why a rehabilitation program covering all of these aspects would therefore be useful for clinicians. It is well known that long-term music training can lead to cortical plasticity. Behavioral improvements have been measured for cognitive abilities and sensory modalities (auditory, motor, tactile, and visual) in healthy young adults. Based on these findings, it is possible to wonder if this kind of multisensory training would be an interesting therapy to not only improve communication but also help with posture and balance, cognitive abilities, and social participation. The aim of this review is to assess and validate the impact of music therapy in the context of hearing rehabilitation in older adults. Musical therapy seems to have a positive impact on auditory perception, posture and balance, social integration, and cognition. While the benefits seem obvious, the evidence in the literature is scarce. However, there is no reason not to recommend the use of music therapy as an adjunct to audiological rehabilitation in the elderly when possible. Further investigations are needed to conclude on the extent of the benefits that music therapy could bring to older adults. More data are needed to confirm which hearing abilities can be improved based on the many characteristics of hearing loss. There is also a need to provide a clear protocol for clinicians on how this therapy should be administered to offer the greatest possible benefits.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 66
Author(s):  
Anggun Tsabitah Rachmah ◽  
Noer Saelan Tadjudin

Pemerintah Indonesia selama pandemi COVID-19 menerapkan PSBB (Pembatasan Sosial Berskala Besar) dimana PSBB tersebut membuat aktivitas masyarakat dibatasi, dampaknya juga bisa dirasakan pada lansia di Panti Wreda sehingga dapat menyebabkan timbulnya gangguan depresi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan pandemi COVID-19 dan PSBB dengan gangguan depresi pada lansia di Panti Wreda Hana Ciputat Jakarta. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode analitik observational dengan desain studi cross sectional. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Panti Wreda Hana Ciputat Jakarta terhadap lansia sejumlah 56 subjek penelitian yang terdiri dari perempuan 48 orang dan laki-laki 8 orang. Dari 56 subjek penelitian jumlah laki-laki 8 (14,3%) dan perempuan 48 (85,7%). Sebelum terjadinya pandemi COVID-19 dan PSBB, subjek penelitian yang tidak depresi sejumlah 49 subjek (87,5 %), kemungkinan besar depresi 6 subjek (10,7%), dan yang mengalami depresi 1 subjek (1,8%). Selama pandemi COVID19 dan PSBB, subjek penelitian yang tidak depresi 38 subjek (67,9%), kemungkinan besar depresi 14 subjek (25%), dan yang mengalami depresi 4 subjek (7,1%). Berdasarkan hasil uji Chi-square nilai p= 0,000. Dapat disimpulkan terdapat hubungan pandemi COVID-19 dan PSBB dengan gangguan depresi pada lansia di Panti Wreda Hana Ciputat Jakarta. The Government of Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic implemented PSBB (Large-Scale Social Restrictions) where the PSBB made community activities restricted, the impact can also be felt on the elderly in nursing home so that it can cause depressive disorders. This research was done in order to determine the relationship of the COVID-19 pandemic and PSBB with depressive disorders in the elderly at the Ciputat Hana Nursing Home in Jakarta. This study used an observational analytic method with a cross sectional study design. The research was conducted at the Ciputat Hana Nursing Home in Jakarta for 56 elderly subjects. In the nursing home consist of 48 women and 8 men. In 56 research subjects, there were 8 (14,3%) men and 48 (85,7%) women. Before the Pandemic of COVID-19 and PSBB, there were 49 (87,5%) research subjects who were not depressed, 6 (10,7%) research subjects who were most likely depressed, and 1 (1,8%) research subject who were depressed. During the Pandemic of COVID-19 and PSBB, there were 38 (67,9%) research subjects who were not depressed, 14 (25%) research subjects who were most likely depressed, and 4 (7,1%) research subjects who were depressed. Based on Chi-Square test result, the value of P = 0,000. In conclusion, there is a correlation between the pandemic of COVID-19 and PSBB with depression disorder in the elderly at Ciputat Hana Nursing Home in Jakarta.


2021 ◽  
Vol 124 ◽  
pp. 03006
Author(s):  
Abdul Mutalib Embong ◽  
Norzamziah Afzainizam ◽  
Mariati Norhashim ◽  
Amirsaman Ahmadi

Population ageing; where there is growth in the percentage of older persons in the population; is becoming a worldwide phenomenon due to better healthcare and lower birth rates. The phenomenon of population ageing brings with it both challenges and opportunities. The challenges of an ageing population include social, health and economic support of the elderly. Malaysia is recognizing the need to address this issue of financially supporting an ageing population. The purpose of the paper was to investigate the impact of business on the financial well-being (FWB) of the ageing, specifically the government retirees. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among retirees who were in business throughout Malaysia that employed a cross sectional design. Forty-one respondents were successfully interviewed. Statistical procedures for the analyses included descriptive analysis and a profile analysis using scatterplot on the perceived business performance vs financial well-being. The survey revealed that the majority of the respondents operated business in the services, trade or retail industries which were set up and fully owned by themselves. Resource wise, the majority had very low financial capital, human capital and social capital. The study provides some empirical evidence that the retirees in business may be categorized into opportunity driven and necessity driven groups. The paper concludes that there is a need to find alternative income generation methods for the necessity driven group. Making paid work accessible to the elderly must be urgently put on the national agenda.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (12) ◽  
pp. 855-867
Author(s):  
Elika Sifra Lidya ◽  
Mitro Subroto

LAPAS or Correctional Institution under the auspices of the Directorate General of Corrections is the final place of the criminal justice system process that fosters and integrates the social of convicts, so that when returning to society they are able to live a normal life. Elderly (according to Law No. 13 of 1998: Elderly) is a person whose age reaches the age of 60 years and above. In its efforts, Correctional Services interpret this understanding by regulating the rights of inmates contained in Law no. 12 of 1995 article 14 paragraph 1.The increasing age and declining body condition of the elderly inmates need special treatment both in health, treatment, and public services. Elderly inmates as much as possible are treated as people usually are, it's just that the place and application are different. This is for the implementation of part of Human Rights (HAM) as a national instrument. This special handling effort involves other stakeholders be it medical or health workers and the government to support the infrastructure needed. The elderly as one of the vulnerable groups become important objects in terms of how decent handlers are so that they feel cared for in their twilight years. Although until now still in the process and stages of refinement of special handling for them. The fact is still not optimal and this study illustrates how well the effort is.


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