Social Inclusion

Iwuagwu et al. suggested that individuals with disabilities have limited awareness of the services that are available to them, and proposed that governments and other organizations increase formal assistance, public-education initiatives, employment options, skill-development opportunities, assistive technology, and financial aid. They recommended the participation of social workers in the development and execution of programs, the establishment of awareness campaigns to combat negative stereotypes, and efforts to implement and enforce laws that prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities.

In more specific terms, individual predispositions, such as negative self-discernment and a lack of acceptance of old age, prevent the socialization of more mature adults with disabilities. They feel unprepared to contribute to society because of their incapacity and age, and they choose to avoid social activities. They also believe that their health and death preparations take precedence over social involvement and that they are a burden on their families and society. Some members believe that they are failing, and they take little pleasure in public activities, focus on their health, and prepare for death. A few individuals exhibit poor self-esteem, which leads to self-disengagement from society and daily life (Iwuagwu et al., 2023).

Many older adults in Canada live in housing for older adults; this may be independent living or supportive living. Many older adults have very positive experiences with independent living and are able to thrive socially, yet some may have a more isolating experience. Factors such as personality, level of socialization before moving into independent or dependent living, and level of happiness may influence a person’s experience.

Knight and Mellor (2009) investigated the impact of social activity and inclusion on the experiences of elderly individuals in residential care. The researchers found that the residents in nursing homes were unhappy and uninterested, which indicated the necessity of more investigation. Although activities at the facility enabled socializing, they were inadequate to fulfill the residents’ requirements, and hindered opportunities for fulfilling experiences.

The results question the perception of senior care and demonstrate the importance of healthcare policies that are well informed and take into consideration the needs of seniors and their challenges with adapting. Knight and Mellor added that, although the care staff were supportive of the residents’ participation in activities, the research revealed that the residents often felt isolated, vulnerable, and disconnected from a sense of belonging. The discrepancy between carers’ understanding and residents’ actual feelings of social isolation emphasized the importance of moving away from merely providing activities to truly grasping the individual experiences of those in care. Although the experiences of older adults in care may vary greatly, it is important to acknowledge the various factors that promote or impede socialization and the well-being of residents in care facilities.

References

Iwuagwu, A., Okah, P., Nnama-Okechukwu, C., Chukwu, N., Agha, A., Anazonwu, N., Onalu, C., & Okoye, U. (2023). Barriers to social inclusion among older adults with disabilities in IMO state, Nigeria: A descriptive phenomenological inquiry. Scandinavian Journal of Disability Research, 25(1), 132–146. https://doi.org/10.16993/sjdr.997

Knight, T., & Mellor, D. (2009). Social inclusion of older adults in care: Is it just a question of providing activities? International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being, 2(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/17482620701320802