Informal Support Systems for the Aged: Limitations and Issues

Authors

Marjorie Buckholz, West Virginia University

Abstract

The need for community social services to enable older persons to remain in their homes has been well documented (Gold, 1974; Lohman, 1978; Atchley, 1977; Blenkner, 1977). Inspite of a growing service industry and professional corps of helpers, it does not reach the growing numbers of elderly, especially the older-elderly who are most likely to be frail (Gold, 1974; Lohmann, 1978; Heyman and Polansky, 1977). The aged share of the population has grown relative to the younger age group. In 1900, 6.4% of the U. S. population was 60 years or older; in 1975, it had increased to 14.8% (U. S. Bureau of the Census, 1976). The ratio of older "dependents" to those in their productive years, age 20-59, has also increased. In 1900, those 60 and over to the younger group were 13 in every 100; in 1975, the number was 29 to 100, with predictions that the growth will continue (U. S. Bureau of the Census, 1976).

Recommended Citation

Buckholz, Marjorie (1978) "Informal Support Systems for the Aged: Limitations and Issues," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 5: Iss. 6, Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.1317
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol5/iss6/3