Social Work Practice with Older Adults: Addressing Mental Health Issues in the Aging Population in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistan is undergoing a slow but pronounced rise in aged population, especially in Punjab where the socioeconomic inequality and population concentration worsen the age vulnerabilities. Mental health problems in the elderly are extremely high in this area; the elderly are subject to depression, anxiety, loneliness, and psychosocial distress that are usually increased by chronic disease, poverty, and a declining family support structure. The aim of the research is to establish the prevalence and the nature of mental health problems among older adults in Punjab, Pakistan. To investigate the practice and role of professional social workers in solving mental health problems in the older adults in Punjab. To examine the barriers and challenges to access and provision of mental health services to the aging population in Punjab through the lens of older adults and social workers. To evaluate the feasibility of the current social work interventions and support systems in enhancing mental health and psychosocial welfare in older adults in Punjab, Pakistan. In this study, a qualitative research design was used because the researcher sought to provide a detailed insight into the mental health problems of older adults and the role of social work practice in Punjab, Pakistan. It was done in some urban and semi-urban districts of Punjab, Pakistan, where demographic aging and the access to social and health services pose unique problems. The sample population included older adults of 60 years or older who face mental health issues and professional social workers dealing with geriatric or community-based services. Purposive sampling was also used to draw the participants who had pertinent knowledge and experience pertaining to the topic of the research. The semi-structured in-depth interviews were used in data collection where the interviewer was free to enquire about the experiences of the participants without losing uniformity in the interviews. They were analyzed as part of thematic analysis as the data collected underwent a systematic coding, categorization, and theme development. The method has made it possible to identify recurring patterns that are associated with mental issues, social work practice, and service delivery obstacles.