Understanding Normative Growth and Development in Aging: Working With Strengths

Three distinctive subgroups among the elderly are identified: the young old (62%), newly retired or still employed, aged 65-75; the middle old (28%), typically experiencing chronic disabilities & diseases, aged 75-84; & the old old (8.4%), mostly frail & dependent, aged 85-95. The problems of social work practice with these subgroups are described & compared. A need is seen to overcome stereotypes of old age as a period with only negative characteristics, & to recognize that many of the elderly can be active & can contribute to society. W. H. Stoddard