Challenges Faced by the Elderly in the Evolving Indian Context and the Necessity for Social Work Interventions

Abstract: The ageing population and increased life expectancy result from reduced mortality and fertility rates, indicative of a society's socioeconomic advancement. In several nations, the internationally acknowledged threshold for categorising persons as elderly is 60 years. The increasing older demographic heightens apprehensions over physical and functional health, social isolation, and maltreatment. The ageing process is linked to several issues, each arising from multiple factors. Geriatric social workers are essential in augmenting the mobility and autonomy of elderly individuals, thereby raising their quality of life and that of their loved ones. Social work intervention is crucial for successful ageing, encompassing comprehensive evaluation, counselling, crisis intervention, information distribution, and interdisciplinary teamwork. A multidisciplinary strategy, incorporating geriatric social workers, is crucial in the 21st century for guaranteeing a secure living environment and facilitating good ageing.