What It Means To Be An Older Adult In Canada: Marxist View

The basis of defining of how older adults live in Canada is found while studying ageism and how they are affected by this simple term. Many have a hard time accepting the aging of people because we are living in a society that fights aging to vigorously. There are many programs in place in Canada, and over the world (the prospect of aging has taken over peoples ideas and philosophies) that are trying to shine the light on the positives of aging. One example of this is the European Union's Healthy Aging Project, who stated: "Older people are an intrinsic value to society. Many older people live a most meaningful life and are a resource for society. They contribute to society, work in a paid or unpaid capacity as volunteers, care for family members and friends, and carry out informal work in organizations and associations" (Keon, 2009). If more people were able to get a hold of this idea then we are able to possess a more positive outlook towards older adults and would be more eager to care for them and provide better services for them.

Dealing with the aging in Canada is dealing with the stereotype it sets on older adults. Ageism is an act of discrimination towards older adults that deals with making assumptions about capacity, ignores the older person's wishes, and can sometimes treat the older adults as children (Keon, 2009). For some reason people cannot come to the conclusion that older adults can be useful to society even in their circumstances. The fact that they are mistreated and underprivileged is a major concern and personally does not sit right with me. All of these major concerns such as pensions, workplace, health benefits, accessibility, etc., are primitive issues that concern society in aiding older adults.

When looking at this issue from the marxism perspective, it is easy to see where the discrimination comes from in our society. Marxism deals with the idea that people are on top because they worked for it, and those on the bottom deserve to be because they didn't meet society's requirements. In Marxism the most important features in society are its economic classes and their relations to one another (McCarthy, 1995). Perhaps society has such a hard time assisting older adults because they have an underlying marxist views. We can't deny this fact; people will always strive to be on the top, because they believe they deserve it and will do what they can in their power to achieve those goals. There is a focus on themselves and not others, particularly why older adults have such a hard time achieving equality in society.

-Amy

References:

"Canada's Aging Population: Seizing the Opportunity ." Special Senate Committee on Aging Report. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Dec. 2012. <www.parl.gc.ca/Content/SEN/Committee/402/agei/rep/AgingFinalReport-e.pdf>.

"Marxism (27-Aug-2008)."  Formal Reasoning Group . N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Dec. 2012. <http://www-formal.stanford.edu/jmc/progress/marxism.html>.

 

Older Adults in the Canadian Workforce: EAPs and Training from a Liberal Perspective

The aging baby boomer generation creates shifts in the labour market. These shifts call attention to the need for increased support of this population in the workforce to ensure well-being and success at work. Between 2001 an 2009, the proportion of older adults in the Canadian workforce (aged 55 and up) has grown from 10 percent to 17 percent. Stats Canada projects that this figure will rise to 24 percent by 2021 (Statistics Canada, 2011).

Older adults in the Canadian workforce experience higher levels of personal and workplace stress which are increasing over time. They also experience more conflict and relationship problems in the workplace. Finally, they are less likely to access Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) than their younger counterparts (Fairlie, 2004). EAPs developed in the 1940s out of industrial alcoholism programs. Today they are used as support programs in the workplace that cover a broad range of areas including work-related stress, addiction, personal stress, conflict, relationship challenges, and any other factors that may hinder an individual’s success in the workplace (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 2009).

Through liberal ideology, high employment in Canada is ideal. Supporting the labour force keeps productivity high which perpetuates the success of the markets. One with a liberal perspective would concede that we can live successfully under a capitalist system; however, the government should step in to give those who fall through the cracks a hand up (Mullally, 2007). Although for the most part, a residual approach to welfare is taken when working through a liberal ideology, it appears that a fair amount of attention would be drawn to issues of employment. It could be argued then, through this lens, that EAPs are of benefit to various sectors. By accounting for the challenges of aging, and by working to remedy some of the disparities present between age groups, the production and success of the workforce is upheld.   

Older workers contribute immensely to a workplace. With age, creative problem-solving, conscientiousness, emotional stability, and leadership become honed skills. With age, absenteeism falls and job satisfaction rises (Fairlie, 2004). Older workers thrive when the workplace supports them by accounting for the challenges that they may be facing (Fairlie, 2004). Some of these challenges are based on the changing environment in the workplace brought on by the rise in technology (Fairlie, 2004). These changes are visible across Canada in nearly every sector. Other challenges are linked to personal stress due to the loss of loved ones and increasing health problems (Fairlie, 2004). Another significant challenge is associated with ageism. In one year, between 2001 and 2002, the reported complaints of work place harassment due to ageism rose by 71 percent. Older adults in the workplace are often perceived to be lower in productivity, slower in decision making, resistant to change, and slow to learn. Evidence suggests that this is not the case. Even with radical changes in technology and the expectations of faster and more intensified work, older workers are as productive as their younger counterparts with the appropriate training (Fairlie, 2004).  

To ensure the well-being and success of older Canadians in the workforce, more attention should be given to encouraging older workers to access EAPs. Currently, younger workers access EAPs for fairly minor complaints, whereas older workers only access them when significant challenges are present (Fairlie, 2004). More attention should also be given to appropriate training and programs that help older workers adapt to new technologies. The value of older workers is tremendous. They bring wisdom, knowledge, and experience to the table. These qualities should not be undermined. The workers who possess these qualities should not be left stranded. Finally, as young workers, we should be aware of what we have to gain from our older colleagues in the work place and we should be cognizant of our own biases about older adults at work.

Thank you,

-          Kayla T.

References

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, (2009). Employee assistance programs (EAP). Retrieved from website: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/eap.html

Fairlie, P. (2004). The aging workforce: An EAP’s perspective. WarrenShepell Research Group, 3 (6), 1-7. Retrieved from http://www.morneaushepell.com/_brochures/reports/ir_agingpop_enREPORT.pdf

Mullally, B. (2007). The new structural social work. (3^rd ed.). Oxford University Press.

Statistics Canada, (2011). Study: Projected trends to 2031 for the Canadian labour force. Retrieved from website: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/110817/dq110817b-eng.htm

Senior's homelessness, physical security and income security, a hierarchy of needs...

     I have always been a strong advocate and a voice of compassion for the social inequality for the housing crisis faced by our people, especially for our senior citizens! The Federal Government has a fiduciary responsibility to address our housing needs. (Aboriginal Roundtable to Kelowna Accord, Aboriginal Policy Negotiation [ARKA, 2004-2005]) [NAHA, 1993].  Their constant desire to “pass the buck’ is transparent in our sub-standard living conditions in all of our communities across Canada.

 

    National Chief, Atleo was instrumental in teaming up with celebrity home builder, Mike Holmes on a joint initiative to create a housing project on the Whitefish Lake First Nation in Ontario. The article written by the CBC quoted a response from the celebrity home builder “If we include them in the build – we teach them new theory, which is what I am doing in Whitefish Lake – If we do this, they’ve done it themselves (CBC, 2011) ".This certainly reflects a liberal ideology. Education is key!

    Our First Nation communities do not have the financial resources to build sustainable housing for our aging population. (AOKFN, 2011)  We need housing stock that is designed specifically to meet their needs.  Housing policies at the band level do not recognize their housing needs and is solely based on the needs of families with children (AOKFN, 2011).  There is ageism and discrimination within our current practices.  

     A majority of seniors reside with their families due to the lack of affordable housing on reserve (CMHC, 2008) and the lack of income security.  This creates overcrowding which results in a variety of social problems and sick home syndrome (UCCMM, 2011).  There is also a new trend where some tend to move from house to house sleeping at friends or neighbor’s homes due to a wide range of social issues encountered by their children. 

     Based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, basic needs for physical survival is fundamental which must be achieved and satisfied in a sequence to advance to the highest level of satisfaction. (Maslow, 1968).  (P Ebersole, PA Hess, AS Luggen, 1998) As their needs for basic survival are not being met, they themselves are going through a downward spiral of addiction issues.  Gambling and alcohol addictions are so prevalent with our older population. (Ladd, GT, Mulina, Kerins, Petry, 2003).  A sadness enters my heart when I see the destructive path that are seniors walk upon when they don’t have a place to rest their body, mind and spirit.  They truly need a place to call their own. 

     Senior Citizens in my community do not have a private pension and live on a fixed income of Old Age Security, GIS and Provincial Territorial supplements.  The combined income is little over $1000.00 per month. (Hick, S. 2007). It’s very difficult for them to maintain the cost of a house. The hydro and fuel costs in the north are significantly higher and would take up a majority of their income.  Housing options are quite limited or none whatsoever due to affordability and availability (UCCMM 2011).   

     In order to address both issues we need to build rent geared to income housing in our communities that are inclusive of their special needs, such as home adaptations that address physical limitations. The explosive youth population (Statistics Canada, 2008) is creating a huge impact on reserve and our seniors are going to be left at the curb if our local leaders simply focus on that demographic.  We must also pressure the Federal Government and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the National Housing Agency to combat the housing crisis faced by our senior citizens in all our First Nations across Canada.
 

Miigwetch, Janet            

 

 

REFERENCES

      

Aboriginal Roundtable to Kelowna Accord – Aboriginal Housing Negotiation

(Citation) The National non-reserve Aboriginal Housing Strategy

Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation - Housing Policy and Caldwell & Caldwell Audit Presentation

Brown & Hannis, Community Development - Maslow 1968

CMHC Research Highlight - Impacts of Aging of the Canadian Population on Housing and Communities Retrieved from: htpp://www.cmch.ca/researchdivision/agingofthecanadianpopulation.html

Ebersole, P., P.A. Hess, Luggen, AS, - Towards Healthy Aging – human needs and nursing response

Hick, S. - Social Welfare in Canada, Understanding Income Security, 2nd Ed. 

Journal of Geriatric Psychology & Neurology – Ladd, G. T., Mulina, Kerins, Petry

Statistics Canada, 2008
               

CMHC Research Highlight – Impacts of the Aging of the Canadian Population on Housing and Communities

United Chiefs & Councils of Mnidoo Mnising- Mnaadmadzwin Helath Report & Technical Unit Housing Report 2011

Teach First Nations to build their own homes:  Retrieved from: htpp://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2011/12/02/f-firstnations-housing.html

Older Adults -- Aging in Canada: Older Adults -- Aging in Canada: Older Adults--Eut...

Older Adults -- Aging in Canada: Older Adults -- Aging in Canada: Older Adults--Eut...: Older Adults -- Aging in Canada: Older Adults--Euthanasia; Taking Life for Granted ... : Older Adults--Euthanasia; Taking Life for Granted ...

Older Adults -- Aging in Canada: Older Adults -- Aging in Canada: Older Adults--Eut...

Older Adults -- Aging in Canada: Older Adults -- Aging in Canada: Older Adults--Eut...: Older Adults -- Aging in Canada: Older Adults--Euthanasia; Taking Life for Granted ... : Older Adults--Euthanasia; Taking Life for Granted ...

Older Adults -- Aging in Canada: Older Adults--Euthanasia; Taking Life for Granted...

Older Adults -- Aging in Canada: Older Adults--Euthanasia; Taking Life for Granted
...: Older Adults--Euthanasia; Taking Life for Granted Euthanasia can be defined as the act of a merciful, relatively painless killing of a te...

A thought provoking article, Jenna. Euthanasia is not a topic that Anishnaabe people discuss.  I have somewhat of an awareness of the issue as there have been some high profile cases that have been profiled in the news in the United States.  Our culture belives in the rights of living, the dead and the unborn. So it's very difficult to fathom.  Miigwetch for sharing. Janet

Elderly Abuse

Elder Abuse refers to the violence, mistreatment or neglect that older adults living in either private residences or institutions may experience at the hands of their spouses, children, other family members, caregivers, service providers or other individuals in situations of power or trust. Elder Abuse also includes older adults abused by non-family members who are not in a position of power or trust and self-neglect. There are many different forms of elder abuse including neglect (self or by others), physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, economic / financial, and institutional abuse. The stress associated with abuse can lead to physical and mental health problems such as stroke, anxiety, depression, heart attack, etc. (“Elder Abuse - Royal Canadian Mounted Police,” n.d.).

Research by academics, Statistics Canada and seniors' advocates suggests that almost one of every 10 older Canadians experiences some form of abuse. However, much of it goes un-reported. Statistics Canada said in 2009 that about seven in ten crimes against older Canadians are not reported to police, mainly because the victims didn't think they needed help (“Elder Abuse: Canada's Federal Government To Introduce Stiffer Sentences,” n.d.).

The liberal ideology promotes equality and equal opportunities for all people living in society. Many older adults are being taking advantage of due to their assumed inability to defend themselves and the high level of dependency they have on others. Everyone in society is equal, and no one should feel controlled or threatened by another individual. The value of human life cannot be measured by age; we all are entitled to freedom from neglect and abuse. No individual holds the power to take away ones power to exercise their rights. Older adults are belittled into thinking that they are no longer of use to society, therefore their rights and equal opportunities are being robbed from them. The majority of older adults do not seek assistance from the law when necessary because they feel like their situations are not worthy of attention. The liberal ideology would promote older adults to stand up for their rights and get help when feeling neglected or abused.

It is very disturbing hearing about the amount of elders that are abused by not only strangers but by their own family members. My grandmother passed away the end of last summer after having extreme lungs problems, which affected her ability to breathe immensely. On my grandma‘s last months, she required assistance everyday from family, friends, service workers, and health care professionals in order for her to be constantly looked after and made comfortable. My grandma wouldn't have been able to live her life as long as she did without the help from so many people. It breaks my heart to think that many older adults are experiencing severe health problems as my grandma did, and  are not  receiving the care they need and also being taken advantage of due to the inabilities that come along with their health problems. I think elder abuse is not seen as a huge issue in society today because there so many other issues occurring amongst young adults. This is wrong; elders deserve the same support and attention concerning their social issues as the youth age group. Something must be done to reach out to the older adults and remind them that their lives are valued and important to everyone. No one should ever feel like being abused is not an issue no matter what the case may be. It is very hard to imagine that abuse is a reality to many older adults. Something must be done about this issue in the future to ensure that older adults feel safe and receive the proper care they need.

-Lindsay 

References:

Elder Abuse: Canada's Federal Government To Introduce Stiffer Sentences. (n.d.). Huffington    Post Canada - Canadian News Stories, Breaking News, Opinion. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/03/14/elder-abuse-canada-crime_n_1345596.html

Elder Abuse - Royal Canadian Mounted Police. (n.d.). Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Welcome | Gendarmerie royale du Canada - Bienvenue. Retrieved from http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ccaps-spcca/elder-aine-eng.htm

Straka, S. (2012). Liberal Ideology. SWRK1006 Slides Oct 12 Ideologies.