The social support systems and quality of life indicators of Jewish seniors living in Milnerton and surrounds

[摘要] The motivation for this research study was the lack of available literature on Jewishseniors and the social support systems which enabled independent living. The aim of thisresearch study is to provide guidelines for social work intervention with Jewish seniorsby gaining a better understanding of the social support systems which promote the qualityof their lives and independent living.To this end, both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used. Theresearch design was a non-experimental design using a survey research strategy. Theknowledge purpose of the research design was exploratory/descriptive.The literature study gives an overview of demographic trends with special emphasis onpopulation ageing and its influence on social policy and legislation within the SouthAfrican context. In addition to describing the quality of life indicators and well-being inthe older person, the literature study seeks to identify and describe the function of socialsupport systems from a systems theory approach.This small scale social survey used a simple random sample of 30 Jewish seniors whowere aged 60 years and above. The response rate was 80%. All were members of avolunteer-based community centre, Cape Jewish Seniors Association, Milnerton. Theresearch instrument was a face to face interview using both closed and open endedquestions. All but one interview took place in the participants' homes.The results of the survey showed that the majority of Jewish seniors have matriculatedand were financially independent. Most owned their own homes and were satisfied withtheir living arrangements. The majority of seniors lived independently and did not wantto live with their children. Business/financial reasons and traumatic events were reasonsfor moving from an area while family and downsizing were reasons for moving to an area(push/pull factors). Most aged in place.Women outnumbered men and change in marital status was linked to increasing age. Themajority of the participants enjoyed a high degree of social contact with, family and friends. The primary and secondary support systems of Jewish seniors and types of socialsupport, showed few disparities to findings in the literature study. Most seniors did notuse formal support systems.Financial independence, involvement in community organisations and having good healthwere perceived as enabling older persons to live independently within the community.Being very active in organisations, ageing in place and ownership of property aredeterminants of a very good quality of life. Having a state pension, widowhood andadvancing age are factors that have the most negative impact on the older person'squality of life.In light of the above, it is recommended that social work interventions with older personstake cognisance of the following: social participation in civic organisations vs. socialisolation; ageing in place vs. long distance migration; financial independence vs. statepension grant; the marital status and age of the older person.As there is limited data on Jewish seniors, it is recommended that a national social surveyof the Jewish senior population is undertaken.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University