The Supportive Network: Coping with Old Age

This study of the everyday lives of elderly people in the community, published in 1984, challenged the notion of isolation and highlighted their creative adaptations to age. It explored the role of family, friends, neighbors, voluntary associations, and statutory services in forming composite networks of support. The detailed picture presented in the book is valuable for social workers, policy makers, and social gerontologists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 05 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Here is the rephrased text:

Previous research on older adults often portrayed them as a marginalized and isolated group facing insurmountable social challenges. This groundbreaking study, originally published in 1984, sought to change that narrative by delving into the everyday lives of older individuals and exploring the various sources of help and care available within their communities.

The author's approach was unique in that it went beyond the traditional focus on problems and instead emphasized the creative adaptations older adults made to navigate the challenges of age. By examining the roles and availability of family, friends, neighbors, voluntary associations, and statutory services, the author painted a comprehensive picture of the intricate networks of support that these contacts formed.

The book's significance lies in its ability to shed light on the diverse experiences of older adults and their reliance on a multitude of sources for support. It recognized the importance of gender, class, and household composition in shaping these networks and highlighted the need for community-based social work practices that prioritize the integration of older adults into their communities.

Furthermore, the book provided valuable insights for policy makers who sought to understand the dynamics of natural support systems and how they could be reinforced and maintained. It expanded our understanding of the normal lives of older people and appealed to social gerontologists and network theorists in sociology and anthropology.

In conclusion, this study was a pioneering effort in understanding the lives of older adults and the networks of support that sustain them. Its insights have had a lasting impact on social work practice, policy, and our broader understanding of aging and the role of social networks in supporting individuals throughout their lives.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032074498