GENDER ASPECTS OF SOCIAL WORK WITH THE ELDERLY PEOPLE

Abstract

The article highlights the actual problem of the constant growing share of elderly people. Population aging affects the number and structure of the economically active people. And this, in turn, has a negative impact on the country’s economy and aggravation of social issues. Matters of support, protection, assistance and care ensure the necessary level and quality of life of the elderly. These issues require consideration of gender aspects of social work with this population category. Today, the social sphere should be based on rethinking of many gender stereotypes, which will allow specialists to be guided by unerring ideas about needs, problems and characteristics of elderly women and men. According to the authors, updated approaches, methods, forms of work with the elderly will help overcome their difficulties. They will also help this category of customers to become not a burden on society, but active participants in it. It is they who will have a positive influence on the younger generation and will be an example for them about a bright and full life in retirement. Statistical data allow us to note that the percentage of elderly men and women regarding life satisfaction does not differ significantly. Quality of life indicators are influenced by physical health, individual living conditions, and a person’s spiritual state. At the same time, women turn to doctors more often than men, and men associate life satisfaction with the possibility of interaction with the world around them. Retirement requires socio-psychological adaptation and integration of men and women to new living conditions. It is determined that elderly people who lead an active lifestyle are more satisfied with their lives than those who prefer passive forms of spending time.