Statement of the Problem

Financial instability is a problem that plagues elderly Chinese and other immigrant citizens in the USA. If the seniors had jobs, they would be less dependent on handouts from organizations or relatives for survivals. The individuals would meet their basic needs, particularly healthcare costs easily with a steady income source. Moreover, the populous would have more social connections. Working with other people enhances communication and interaction with other people, which many seniors need. Equally, if the seniors were hired, they would not be bored. Work occupies them as they put their hours in constructive work. With working, seniors also acquire new knowledge like how to operate new technology and developments in their work areas. Multiple benefits would accrue to seniors should they be in stable employment.

In the USA, there are many Chinese-American and immigrant seniors that are unemployed. Consequently, they rely on the community and government agencies to avail financial and social support. Organizations like the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) train and hire these individuals so that they have a source of livelihood. Without employment, these seniors risk losing their homes or having deteriorating health because they have no income and could even be illiterate. The seniors are dependents on society.

Literature analysis will be done to unearth the prevalent of senior unemployment and the challenges that it poses to the elderly and society at large. The findings will also be useful in guiding future research in the field of social work.

Review of Related Literature

Employment has adverse health implications for the elderly. According to Lee and Kondo (2018), employment among seniors is linked to health benefits that reduce healthcare costs. When unemployed, the aged could suffer physical deterioration because of loneliness and inability to afford healthcare. Elderly employment is imperative because it preserves the population’s memory. Research suggests that education and working enhanced the building and preservation of cognitive reserves (Yuan, Chen, &Chu, 2015). Combining education and work teaches seniors how to take advantage of the health benefits available to them. Employment has positive impacts on the health of the seniors.

There is inconclusive research regarding employment and health benefits. Study finds that unemployed seniors take better care of their health (Lee & Kondo, 2018). The seniors have more time for engaging in healthy activities and seeking healthcare services. Moreover, employment may not be the answer to health issues plaguing the elderly. Other factors which influence the use of health services like independent health factors that must be considered. Yuan et al. (2015) add that there are limited findings on the relationship between elderly education and mental health.Axelrad, Malul, and Luski (2018) state that there is data misinterpretation concerning elderly unemployment. The elderly populous suffer unemployment mainly because of age constraints and not because of economic cycles or health issues as popularly thought. Inconclusive research on employment benefits among the elderly suggests that the perceived benefits may not be as prevalent as thought.

Background of Problem in Social Context

Being unemployed lowers the esteem of the elderly. Seniors derive prestige from their work, and when they lose it, they feel hopeless. The situation is especially worse among men who may have suicidal tendencies (“Parliament of Australia,” n.d. P. 56). The anti-social behaviors like becoming alcoholics, resulting from self-esteem issues affect not only their partners but other relatives.Some develop anger issues, making them unpleasant to be around. The anger stems from reverse in roles where the individual is not the breadwinner but a dependent. Unemployment affects the esteem of the aged, which affects their families.

Equally, the elderly become a burden to their family and society members. Unable to keep up with their finances, they depend on handouts from their children and their community (Yuan et al., 2015). Most of them are also lonely and seek the company of society, which may not always be readily available. As their demanding nature increases, so does their need for constant monitoring and financial aid from other people. The elderly unemployed people rely on others for their wellbeing, which strains the givers’ resources.

The elderly also have poor social skills. Being unemployed leaves seniors home alone for most of the time. Without the company of fellow workers, they are unable to polish their social skills, which are vital in human interaction (“Parliament of Australia,” n.d. P. 57). Similarly, lacking funds curtails their ability to partake in social festivities that would strengthen their presence in society. Poor social skills result from isolation and lack of funds to engage in activities.

The Importance of Studying Elderly Unemployment Issues

Studying unemployment in elderly populous is vital. There will be a better understanding of the causes of unemployment in this group. Moreover, people will understand the impact of unemployment on the elderly. The field of social work practice will be informed of the best strategies to help the elderly. Researchers will unearth any relationship between the wellbeing of the elderly and employment and the implications of such findings. There is a lot of insight to be gained from studying elderly unemployment.

References

“Parliament of Australia.” (2016). Consequences of Unemployment. Retrieved from https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House_of_Representatives_Committees?url=ewr/owk/report/chapter2.pdf

Axelard, H. Malul, M., &Luski, I. (2018). Unemployment among younger and older individuals: does conventional data about unemployment tell us the whole story?. Journal for Labor Market Research, 52 (1). Retrieved From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5843690/

Lee, H.Y., Kondo, N., & Oh, J. (2018) Medical expenditure and unmet need of the pre-elderly and the elderly according to job status in Korea: Are the elderly indeed most vulnerable? PLoS ONE 13(3): e0193676. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0193676

Yuan, M., Chen, W., Chu, C. I., & Fang, Y. (2015) Joint Effect of Education and Main Lifetime Occupation on Late-Life Health: A Cross-Sectional Study of Older Adults in Xiamen, China. PLoS ONE 10(6): e0131331. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0131331

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