The Meaning of “Place” to Older Adults
Social workers are well-equipped to work with older adults and their families. The life course perspective provides a framework for seeing older adulthood as a stage of life in the continuum of life as well as a stage with its own characteristics and tasks. All the roles within social work practice can be adapted to this population. In addition, social workers working with older adults and their families must be cognizant of the specific issues that are associated with aging and older adulthood. The issue of loss on many levels is a frequent topic. One area of loss that is not frequently addressed is the loss associated with where one lives. The word place can have several meanings. One meaning has to do with where one lives. The second meaning of loss is about one’s status and role—place-in-society. For older adults both meanings become important issues as they and their families navigate the decisions that have to be made. While residence is based on the level of independence and competence of the older adult, the issue of place-as-status is a constant frustration for older adults. Issues of leaving one’s place and losing status in the eyes of others evoke a myriad of feelings depending on the particular older adult. But given that as one ages there are naturally some physical and mental acuity losses, every older adult is subject to feelings of sadness, depression, hopelessness, and even anger. These feelings are natural responses to loss. Among the roles of social workers working with older adults is one of helping a mourning process move to a healthy acceptance of one’s aging and planning rather than devolving into major depression.