Editorial
Cliff Picton
School of Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora VIC
Peter E Foreman
Lincoln Gerontology Centre, Australian Institute for Primary Care, La Trobe University, Bundoora VIC
Liz Morrison
School of Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora VIC
PP: 155 - 155
Article Text
Celebrating the International Year for Older People reminds us that longevity is now an established destination for the majority of old people around the world. This should not, however, be grounds for complacency, as being very old and poor, sick, homeless, is still an accompaniment for millions. Being old as we approach the new millennium should rather remind us of the challenges still to be met - to achieve a world without war, hunger, and deprivation, for all not just the old.
This special edition of the Journal of Family Studies is significantly focused on some of the many different aspects of care that are the essential marks of an inclusive society. The United Nations rightly enjoins us to work to integrate older people into society in ways that validate their capacity to be contributors as well as sharers. Too often we hear older people regretting that they have been pushed to the sidelines to become spectators rather than participants. Our distinguished contributors show that this need not be so as there are many important caring roles to perform that provide mutual benefits regardless of age. In addition to a range of scholarly research papers - all with a caring theme - we have broken new ground with a section on Ongoing Projects which have a public policy focus that acts as a pointer to the need for the progressive implementation of ideas, insights, and strategies. Interestingly, each member of the family is examined in terms of role, function, and need. Thus inclusiveness is achieved. Practice Notes shifts the emphasis to older people doing things for themselves and is therefore an affirmation of ability, motivation, and achievement. Perhaps the most liberating thing we can say to ourselves, as well as to older people, is that there is always something that we can contribute. In a society that still clings to its stereotypes, however, we need more people to say it, and to say it loudly.
As the International Year nears its end we must guard against a common human tendency to regard the job done and move on to the next task. The challenges facing us all in 2000 and beyond will be harder to surmount if we do not carry with us in partnership the wisdom, experience, and knowledge of older people.
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