Premium
Psychologic Problems of the Aged
Author(s) -
Mooney Craig M.
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1978.tb02401.x
Subject(s) - poverty , alienation , medicine , investment (military) , service (business) , social alienation , gerontology , fundamental human needs , maslow's hierarchy of needs , social needs , economic growth , social psychology , psychology , law , political science , economics , health care , economy , politics
Some serious psychologic problems associated with the biologic processes of growing old and the sociologic states of being old are discussed in the light of a recent (1974) inquiry into the sufficiency of gerontologic resources in Canada and the adequacy of provisions for the well‐being of elderly Canadians. Many inadequacies in old‐age provisions are attributable to insufficient understanding on the part of program planners, service directors and the general public, of the personal, social and cultural needs of old people. This indicates a requirement for substantial investment in basic and applied gerontology. At present, many of the psychologic problems of old age seem to be a consequence of the demoralizing effects of personal poverty, social alienation, and cultural deprivation. Significant improvements in the conditions of life in old age will depend upon wide public understanding of the vital importance and enduring nature of the human needs of old people.