Psycho-Social Issues in Geriatric Care

Abstract

The world's population is ageing rapidly. In 2020, one billion people around the globe were sixty years of age or older. By 2030, this number will increase to 1.4 billion, or one in six people. The population aged 60 and over will double to 2.1 billion by 2050. Between 2020 and 2050, the number of people over 80 is expected to triple to 426 million. In addition to being active family and community members, many older people also volunteer and work in the community. Although most are healthy, many are prone to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Many may also develop mobility impairments, persistent pain, weakness, dementia or other health problems. The psychosocial issues of older people are situational, which means that in addition to affecting the generally perceived ageing process, they also arise from the changing circumstances these individuals must navigate. As people age, they are forced to adopt various new roles, influenced by cultural and social changes such as clothing and verbal and nonverbal communication. Older people take on new age-related responsibilities, such as attending social events, engaging in hobbies, or raising grandchildren, to replace some of the previous responsibilities, such as family, work/retirement, and organizational roles.