Aging and Human Rights: a Rights-Based Approach to Social Work with Older Adults

Abstract

The world is aging, and this demographic shift necessitates social workers with gerontological knowledge and expertise. The physiological, social and economic changes that commonly impact older adults and frequently contribute to dependency make them vulnerable to having their human rights violated. By focusing on needs rather than rights, the human dignity, security, and autonomy of the individual can be easily ignored. Social workers involved at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels can play key roles in ensuring that private problems are perceived as public issues and that rights are recognized. This paper focuses on policies and practice in the USA impacting older adults and the ways in which social work involvement can be critical to ensuring well-being and social justice for those among the most vulnerable in society.