Social integration of elderly people living in hostel type homes : myth or reality?

Abstract

The ties that hold people together and yet allow them to function with a maximum amount of self-sufficiency are called social support systems or social networks. It is how older people interact with others and establish meaningful social ties which give purpose in life. "Older people do not constitute an homogenous group and we should be wary of treating them as if they do." Old age is an age old problem and a distinct culture has surrounded it for centuries. The study of social gerontology emerged from the Kansas City study of adult life, with the advancement of the contradictory process in modern ageing of ''disengagement'' and "activity" theories. Sociologists maintain (from research) that belonging and participating in family, community, peer groups, reference groups, and other forms of group life leads to a full and abundant social life, which in turn affects mental and physical health positively. Likewise when social life is lacking, or unsatisfactory, mental and physical health are adversely affected. Consequently, when mental and/or physical health falters, participation in group life declines or c:hdnget). Philiblad and McNamara reported from a study of the elderly that social adjustment in ageing is particularly correlated with high levels of social participation, good health and high income.