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BSc DISSERTATION
SOCIAL ISSUES IN IMPROVING THE LIFE OF THE ELDERLY PEOPLE IN GRAVESEND UK
Abstract
This research has been carried out to find out the social initiatives for improving the life of old age people in the Gravesend, UK and determining its impact on their life. This study has been carried out in a mixed method where primary quantitative and qualitative data has been collected through survey and interview respectively from care providers and old age people from five renowned old age care and old age health care organisation. The results have been analysed through excel and represented through graphs and tables where the findings have stated that there is a lack of planning and implementation and a generalised plan which may not be suitable for everyone. This necessitates the need of future research in this topic for it wide application, which can lead to reformulation of policies and development of holistic customised care plan.
Table of Contents
Abstract    2
Chapter One: Introduction    8
1.0 Introduction    8
1.1 Enquiry Overview    8
1.2 Aims and Objectives of the Study    9
1.2.1 Aims    9
1.2.2 Objectives    9
1.3 Research Questions    9
1.4 Background of the Study    9
1.5 Rationale of the Study    10
1.5.1 What is the issue?    10
1.5.2 Why is this the issue?    10
1.5.3 Why is it an issue now?    10
1.5.4 What can this research shed light on?    10
1.6 Scope and Limitations of the Study    11
1.6.1 Scope    11
1.6.2 Limitations    11
1.7 Summary    11
Chapter 2: Literature Review    12
2.1 Introduction    12
2.2 Conceptual Clarifications    12
2.3 Social Issues among Elders    12
2.3.1 Deterioration of Mental Health    12
2.3.2 Lack of Family Care    12
2.3.3 Self-Neglect    13
2.3.4 Health Issues    13
2.3.5 Mistreatment and Abuse    13
2.4 Factors Influencing the Social Issues among Elders    13
2.5 Theories that Regulate the Social Issues within Population    14
2.5.1 Disengagement Theory    14
2.5.2 Activity Theory    14
2.5.3 Continuity Theory    15
2.5.4 Social Exchange Theory    15
2.6 Policies to Protect the Lives of Elderly Population in the UK    16
2.6.1 Come and Meet Each Other Scheme    16
2.6.2 Care Home Visit Restriction    16
2.6.3 State Pension Triple Lock    16
2.6.4 Green Paper on Ageing    16
2.6.5 Mortality Associated with COVID-19 Outbreaks in Care Homes: Early International Evidence    17
2.6.6 Rental Housing for Ageing Population    17
2.7 Summary    17
Chapter Three: Research Methodology    18
3.1 Introduction    18
3.2 Research Paradigms    18
3.2.1 Research Philosophy    18
3.3 Research Approach    19
3.3.1 Deductive and Inductive Approaches    19
3.4 Research Strategies    19
3.5 Data Collection Methods    19
3.6 Strengths of the Methodology    20
3.7 Weakness of the Methodology    21
3.8 Data Analysis    21
3.9 Ethical Considerations    21
3.10 Summary    21
Chapter 4: Data Analysis and Findings    22
4.1 Introduction    22
4.1 Quantitative Data Interpretation    22
4.2 Qualitative Data Interpretation    31
4.3 Summary    33
Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations    34
5.1 Introduction    34
5.2 Evaluation of Key Findings    34
5.3 Recommendations    34
5.4 Managerial Implications    34
5.5 Further Research Directions    34
5.6 Summary    35
References    36
Appendices    39
Appendix 1: Survey Questionnaire for the Old Age Respondents    39
Appendix 2: Interview Schedule for the Care Providers    42
List of Tables
Table 4.1: Data Representation of Question 1    22
Table 4.2: Data Representation of Question 2    23
Table 4.3: Data Representation of Question 3    24
Table 4.4: Data Representation of Question 4    25
Table 4.5: Data Representation of Question 5    25
Table 4.6: Data Representation of Question 6    26
Table 4.7: Data Representation of Question 7    27
Table 4.8: Data Representation of Question 8    28
Table 4.9: Data Representation of Question 9    29
Table 4.10 Data Representation of Question 10    30
List of Figures
Figure 4.1: Graphical Representation of Data in 4.1    22
Figure 4.2: Graphical Representation of Data in 4.2    23
Figure 4.3: Graphical Representation of Data in 4.3    24
Figure 4.4: Graphical Representation of Data in 4.4    25
Figure 4.5: Graphical Representation of Data in 4.5    26
Figure 4.6: Graphical Representation of Data in 4.6    27
Figure 4.7: Graphical Representation of Data in 4.7    28
Figure 4.8: Graphical Representation of Data in 4.8    29
Figure 4.9: Graphical Representation of Data in 4.9    30
Figure 4.9: Graphical Representation of Data in 4.9    31
Chapter One: Introduction
1.0 Introduction
The ageing population in the UK who are between 65 to 80 years are at the edge of life and face severe challenges in all aspects of their lives. That is why it becomes important to take social initiatives for them. In this chapter, the significance and the aim of carrying out the research will be discussed.
1.1 Enquiry Overview
Old age people over 65 have faced severe challenges because the target group lives under the poverty line despite being pensioners. Readmission is very common among those with a non-decent living condition and household (Age UK, 2013). Despite existing developmental plans, the condition of the people is still a questionable fact and constantly in need of improvement.
Later life is a tough one where a person's working ability declines and one has to depend on their previous income or their late generation, which is pathetic. That is why many nursing homes have been formed to provide shelter, health and food to the older adults, who need support and care. Despite the rising challenges the population faces, older adults, there are certain initiatives to make them live fulfilling lives.
Over the last few years, significant progress has been made where the government has taken policies and programmes. Due to that, there has been an increase in the number of employed people over the age of 65 years that have increased and the annual spending for the households meant for the older adults has even faced an increase. In addition, many people are aged and they take part in volunteering events and civic engagement (Randall, 2017).
Even the number of a particular ethnic background that is the black minority has also risen over the years. These are the indicators, which due to the initiatives, life and life expectancy have progressed. As a result, there has been a case of better life growth and a better quality of life provided to people. There are an increased number of people, who are living longer than ever before. However, certain issues are still associated with this living.
For example, separation from family, being taken care of by care providers, physical impairments and a sense of lifeless grasp get people mentally. That hampers their overall wellbeing. That is why it becomes very important to take care of the living ageing population to focus on the indicators and the inner feeling, sense of inclusion, fulfilment and happier life (Vedavanam et al. 2020). There is also palliative care present in the UK regarding the health of the end of life care needs of people to make them a good experience, but that also has some drawbacks that result in deteriorated services.
1.2 Aims and Objectives of the Study
1.2.1 Aims
The major concern of conducting this research is determining the social issues to improve the eldest people living in Gravesend UK. The impact of this initiative on the old age people will be identified through this. Based on the research findings, some recommendations will also be provided for improving the existing ways and programmes to alleviate the condition of older adults.
1.2.2 Objectives
· To highlight the social efforts on improving the lives of the elderly people
· To analyse the impact of this effort in improving the quality of life
· To evaluate how the life of older adults are improved
· To recommend alternative strategies and policies to have a positive effect on the elderly people
1.3 Research Questions
· What are the social efforts towards improving the lives of older people?
· How do these efforts affect the lives of older adults?
· What are the ways, which affect improving the life of the people?
· What strategies can be implemented in improving the lives of the elderly?
1.4 Background of the Study
The study's novelty is something that makes it unique, while the emphasis on both qualitative and quantitative aspects will be provided. There have not been many previous literature sources, which have worked in this context. This research can shed light on the aspects where the social lives for the betterment of old age people in the UK can be effective. The impact of those initiatives on the old age people can also be deduced; this can provide a vast knowledge of the existing procedures and programmes, which might necessitate the need for policy formation in the future.
If a policy has been formed by the people not being benefitted through this, upgrading the services or altering the rules is needed. This study can provide insight into the existing policies where there can be such importance, which will not be limited to policy formulation and data gathering but will focus on its impact on alleviating the quality of life of the people. This study will also focus on whether there has been an improvement; due to the policy, which exists which has been designed for this target group. This leaves the space for future recommendations and policy formation or alteration, which would be more suitable for the older adults in the UK.
1.5 Rationale of the Study
1.5.1 What is the issue?
The government has declared that the UK is the best country to grow old due to its facilities and provision for older adults with careful planning and implementation. Nevertheless, despite so much effort, certain issues are not fully addressed, like the health outcome, loneliness, age-old lack of support and care from family and cognitive impairment. As a result, the country has several increased life expectancies, but the quality is being hampered. The aim is not to stay ahead of other countries as a competition but also to provide a contented life to the elderly population.
1.5.2 Why is this the issue?
Older adults are the ones that have served the society and the country once they were you and in return, the country must have fulfilling end to life days and years. Therefore, to make their life better in all aspects, there comes the need for planning policies, initiatives and care programmes for the holistic development of the people; though the country has taken several initiatives still some challenges are yet to be overcome that is why social initiatives become so significant for improving the lives of the old age people.
1.5.3 Why is it an issue now?
Senior citizens' quality and life expectancy enhancement aim to have a good later life experience for the rest of their lives, matching their abilities (Fisk, Livingstone and Pit, 2020). However, the goal setting depends on the consideration that with age, there comes the decreasing working, thinking and decision-making ability where the resources and intellect also get poor. That is why a not very challenging plan is needed. This issue has become important now because there are several challenges that the ageing population is facing that need to be eradicated.
1.5.4 What can this research shed light on?
This research will provide the details regarding the social efforts made for improving the quality of life of old age people and analyse the impact of those efforts on older adults. Based on the research findings, there will be recommendations that can be helpful for reform and altering the existing programmes, policies and efforts for the betterment of older adults.
1.6 Scope and Limitations of the Study
1.6.1 Scope
This research will emphasise on the aspects that are existing initiatives of the country to better the ageing population. However, it does not limit its aim there; it also aims to find out the impact of those initiatives to determine whether that is at all being fruitful. That is where the reformation or restructuring is important.
1.6.2 Limitations
This research has taken data from respondents who are in the care home settings and the care providers but apart from that, the lifestyle and perception of other ola aged populations. Living alone has not been studied, limiting its application to only the particular area and the care home setting.
1.7 Summary
This chapter of the dissertation has provided the entry mode to the reach and the rest of the part will provide the insight to this research where the concepts and findings will be made evident to be readily understood by the readers.
Chapter 2: Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
This chapter will analyse the underlying theories and concepts regarding the social issues for the old age people and based on the existing literature to support the facts that have been presented in this chapter. This will also emphasise the initiatives for social improvements to the aging population in the country. In this chapter, the major point is establishing the literature support for the researcher's current research.
2.2 Conceptual Clarifications
The fastest-growing section of the UK population is the old age section. In total, there are 12 million aged people over the age of 65 years where there is an increase in the mortality rate declined in the life expectancy (AGE UK, 2019), where the chances of being disabled with age increases and disability-free life expectancy have also increased where it has been seen that females live longer than the makes. 3.8 million Females live alone, making them more likely to need emergency help (ONS, 2017).
Those living alone are more prone to having lifelong conditions and mental health issues. Though most old age people are killing in self-owned houses, the number of people not able to pay for that is not eligible. Specifically, in the rural areas, there are more old age people than in urban areas due to expense and other related factors. More than 5.5% of people are single or widows who have poorer health and large complications (ONS, 2018).
2.3 Social Issues among Elders
2.3.1 Deterioration of Mental Health
Irrespective of the provision one gets, there is an already existing and inevitable form of isolation and loneliness, which is a feeling one cannot escape from. Loneliness while losing and retiring from a job and being separated from family consumes a person wholly from within (Parkar, 2015). In addition, the health and well-being of the person overall gets impacted due to the mental depression that the older community is facing in the UK. This is a major public health issue and needs tough tackling.
2.3.2 Lack of Family Care
Family care providers have the most potential for leading to a fast recovery and better physical and mental health (Pickard, 2015). However, unfortunately, inactive life, delayed procreation and increased mobility of these people available for care are decreasing in number with each passing day. This necessitates the need for external care providers.
2.3.3 Self-Neglect
Not keeping proper care when needed and not being in touch with other people can be isolating at times. Moreover, it is aggravated with the impaired ability of the six senses, which keeps them staying alone and separated from the masses (Berkman and Kaplan, 2021). Chronic disorder adds on to that and depression adds even more to that. While privacy, autonomy and self-neglect have only thin lines between them, which sometimes becomes harmful and even that is because they do not feel accepted by others in their family and society. That is why the only solution put by them is to stay alone if that can be afforded.
2.3.4 Health Issues
Hypertension, diabetes, osteoarthritis, bronchial asthma and cognitive impairments are very common among old age people (Amiri, 2018). Others also involve cataracts, poor eyesight, hearing impairment and skin concern. In addition, due to restricted movement, biological changes and deprived mental health, a daily activity is hampered, making them feel that they are a burden to the family and society.
2.3.5 Mistreatment and Abuse
This is a major social problem where they and even their family members are abused physically, mentally or sometimes sexually (Lumen, 2021). Being Dependent on others makes them feel like someone is doing some favour to them, which is why they are more prone to tolerate the treatments thinking that there is no way out. Even this happened by a caretaker. Sometimes, many older people are victims of such abuse, which hampers their mental and physical well-being among the bore Beale and unable to go outside and get free from tension and other such issues.
2.4 Factors Influencing the Social Issues among Elders
Lacking social interaction due to limited mobility and decreased working ability necessitate the need for staying connected and that is why, there is greater depression, loneliness and feeling alone, which affects their health and well-being to a major extent. While some of them can volunteer and some cannot stay active physically, limiting their choice of staying active throughout the day (Lee and Oh, 2020).
Pursuing hobbies and staying with other social groups are impossible due to physical disability and other limiting factors. Financial burden in case of care provision to older adults is a high issue of concern. Their quality of care cannot replace the care provided by the family members. Full-time leaves can be potential factors that necessitate alternatives, apart from the need for counselling; emotional support can sometimes lead to burnout among the care providers, which deteriorate the quality of service provided.
As time goes by and the physical capacity declines, there is a decline in the need for these people to be incorporated into the social structure; that is why there is a great need for them to be accepted and felt needed. This hampers their mental health. Apart from that, their memory gets weak due to which they are not able to make decisions, which makes them more vulnerable and dependent on others. Their extra dependency on the family members and the short life of the members often lead to removing them from the proper family care and then living alone or ending up in care centres (Mishra and Chalise, 2019). That is why there is a need for these people to be taken care of.
Other factors are based on the social exchange theory, as fewer benefits can be derived from them, not prioritising them. Other than that, their biological structures are alerted, which hampers their thinking, activity and other ability forms, including less participation in social gatherings and physical work. Also, all of the time, isolation and developing a sense of elimination is bound to come with time....