The existing literature identifies social exclusion as a concept linked to deprivation and marginalization of specific groups, which could lead to or emanate from poverty-related implications (Mathieson et al., 2008). However, different scholars also agree on the fact that the context of social exclusion is contradictory and complex in nature, which warrants further analysis and a multidimensional perspective when addressing a particular phenomenon (Peace, 2001; Mathieson et al., 2008). The fundamental perspectives associated with social exclusion have been in existence for over 20 years. Different groups of population experience social exclusion. One of the groups that have featured in social exclusion debates, research, and policy discussion across the globe is the elderly people. This paper explores social exclusion perspectives and the related impact among the elderly people in Australia.
Social exclusion has been examined from the perspective of the vulnerable groups. People under categories such as asocial or social misfits, mentally ill, physically handicapped, the aged, abused children, and those exposed to extreme poverty levels (Mathieson et al., 2008). Such groups are excluded from secure livelihood, earnings, access to welfare benefits, cultural capital, proper medication, humane treatment, and legal equality. Therefore, when these groups are subjected to different exclusions, there is a possibility of adverse outcomes such as poor housing, increased crime, high mortality rates, family-related challenges, and unemployment (Peace, 2001). Based on these three dimensions, social exclusion is considered as a process associated with skewed perspectives emanating from social, economic, and political occurrences that separates an individual or a group of people from the superior reals of existence in line with the available resources, values of life, and power (Mathieson et al., 2008; Szreter & Woolcock, 2004). Based on this multidimensional definition, social exclusion is clearly understood from the context point of view as opposed to generalization. This explains why the use of generalized understanding in policy formulation remains debatable (Mathieson et al., 2008; Percy, 2000). The European states have incorporated social marginalization, abject poverty, political skewness, material deprivation, seclusion from the normal way of life, and culture segregation as the major characteristics that define and shape social exclusion perspectives and policy formulation (Shaw et al., 2006). Other factors such as gender, age, and ethnic relations have also been used as labels to postulate social exclusion phenomenon.
The Australian population is considered as aging because of the number of those over 65 years. The last century has been characterized by a constant increase in the number of elderly people in the country. The trend emanates from the improving life expectancy due to enhanced healthcare, lower birth rate, and a corresponding decreased death rate (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2017). It is estimated that the number of people aged above 65 is increasing at an average of 16% annually. From 2011 to 2016, the country had an additional 664,500 elderly people, which resulted in a 65% of the total population representation for those above 65 years (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2017). Although this is a high percentage, Australia is in the 21st position out of 31 states in OECD countries when the proportion of the older generation is considered. It is important to note that a significant portion of this population in Australia is facing social exclusion. The experienced disadvantages are cumulative over an extended period. The adverse experiences during the early stages of life have negative implications when they extend into old age. Therefore, the elderly in Australia facing different life limitations are vulnerable to persistent social exclusion.
The elderly people in Australia face social exclusion because of several factors. In fact, the scholar has pointed out how social exclusion among this population has been persistent. The increasing disparity because of the social and economic disadvantages is one of the major cause of consistent exclusion among individuals older than 65 years in the country. At an individual level, a high percentage of the elderly population are homeowners, which creates an assumption of being secure and having a shelter (Twigg, 2007). However, a significant portion is also struggling with paying their mortgages while some are still living in rented homes. The little and fixed income and pensions that some receive is not enough to cater to their financial needs. Access to material and financial resources has denied some elderly people in Australia access to social amenities, proper care, and participation. Some are forced to sell their properties and other items to foot their bills. According to Miranti and Yu (2015), some elderly people in Australia have not worked for a payment or owned a business, which secludes them from pensions and other benefits that employed people enjoy.
At society level, social and structural changes have affected other life dimensions relevant to the elderly because they are forcefully required to spend the rest of their days in institutions, survive on a fixed income, and face isolation from family and friends. Being confined to an institution or care service of limited to a fixed budget contributed to mobility seclusion. The criteria used to classify one as an elderly and to be subjected to the outlined benefits is another factor that has contributed to increased social exclusion. The overemphasis on economic status and chronological age as the only metric leads to exclusion of those who qualify based on social and psychological metrics. The increasing government expenditure on the elderly population has led to the enactment of stringent measures to curb overspending. Moreover, some scholars have postulated that the lack of community support has caused social exclusion because the elderly in some communities cannot access sufficient nourishing food, proper clothing, and home provision (Miranti & Yu, 2015; Walsh, Scharf, & Keating, 2016). Sociocultural aspects have also played a role in fostering exclusion of the elderly in Australia. For example, the tendency for retirees to migrate to rural areas is among the factors that enhance exclusion due accessibility-related issues (Parr, Phil, & Burns, 2004).
The elderly face diverse needs, which can be categorized as financial, emotional, social, physical, spiritual, and sexual. When older people are socially excluded, these dimensions of life are distorted and therefore, affect their wellbeing (Warburton, 2016). Exclusion from the social reals contributes to poor health among the elderly. Lack of enough income and overdependence on pensions limits the ability of the elderly people to access proper medical care. Lack of enough income to afford proper housing is associated with a significant number resorting to poor neighborhoods and rural areas (Lamprini, 2016; Faulkner, 2007). Deteriorating shelter contributes to increasing illnesses and other psychological challenges that are not good for comfortable aging. Moreover, aging comes with an increasing need for sufficient food and nourishing meals; however, without enough income, one cannot be in a position to maintain such a lifestyle (Warburton, 2016). Poor nourishment attracts other health-related challenges that are common to the older generation.
Social and mental stability is equally important when compared to financial wellbeing. However, socially excluded individuals above 65 years face limited companionship that their expectations (Lamprini, 2016). The lack of human relations emanates from their restriction to institutional care. Seclusion comes with lack of love and affection, which deteriorate the wellbeing of the elderly. Inability to afford proper housing could lead to separation from the family especially when one decides to migrate to the rural areas (Walsh, O’Shea, & Scharf, 2012; Saunders). The distance contributes to limited integration. Sometimes an individual could make a deliberate choice of staying away from the family because of the feeling of being a burden. The inability to access the essential services such as medical attention, community support, and home care leads to emotional deterioration and mental instability (Warburton, 2016). Elderly people also need the ability to move freely and independently in their residence, which could be through the help of another person, using a wheelchair, or a crutch. However, this is not possible whenever the necessary support such as access to financial and social support (Lamprini, 2016). In many occasions, the help that is available restricts or deprives the elderly their desired independence of movement.
Moreover, elderly people also require to be into activities and employment opportunities that are favorable for their age to keep them active. However, the Australian elderly population is excluded from many activities that could enhance their involvement, social interaction, and fun experience. Such a limitation emanates from poor programs and limited voluntary opportunities for this population. Therefore, in most cases, people above the age of 65 do not have the opportunity to explore new experiences and interests. A significant number of the elderly in Australia suffer from different health conditions, which in turn limits their ability to participate in social activities. Family negligence, whenever an elderly person faces an illness that requires constant attention, escalates the psychological problems. Partial support and indifference from some members of the family also contribute to towards the limited integration and alienation from work, friends, and the relatives. Exclusion of the elderly also extends to the sexual and spiritual wellbeing (Lamprini, 2016). The affected individuals have little influence on the choice of lifestyle they desire since they are either under institutional care or family support and control. Socially excluded individuals above the age of 65 are also vulnerable to physical abuse and violence. In fact, the chances of losing their property because of manipulation from a family member and other third parties are high. Lack of knowledge or someone to trust affects their ability to make the right choices (Lamprini, 2016).
A critical analysis of the experiences of the elderly subjected to social exclusion indicates that different perspectives and intersection characterize the Australian scenario. Geographical aspect is one of the key elements that influence social seclusion among the elderly. A study that investigated the lifestyle of the elderly indicated that those living in rural areas are at a high risk of suffering from social exclusion (Walsh, O’Shea, & Scharf, 2012). After retirement, a significant number of people resort to rural areas, which is considered a transition to a calm environment that will guarantee the peace of mind. However, this is not always true for most of the elderly people in Australia (Miranti & Yu, 2015). Living in rural areas subjects the individuals to isolation from their peers, friends, and family members. Access to social services is also limited because of the distance factor. On the other hand, the high cost of living in urban areas in Australia also contributes to the risk factors that enhance social exclusion among the elderly. For example, Miranti and Yu (2015) found out that the aging population in urban areas were unable to cater for their recurrent expenditure such as food, rent, electricity, water, and medication.
Moreover, the gender factor is also an important element that defines social exclusion in this population. A high number of females faced social exclusion as compared to males. Although the existing literature indicates other factors that indirectly lead to this gender disparity, it is clear that women lack proper care and environment after retirement. The cumulative effect of lifestyle disadvantages increases the risk factors among women. For example, employment disparity, single motherhood, home ownership, divorce, and education variations are skewed based on the gender factor (Saunders, Naidoo, & Griffiths, 2007). Furthermore, the elderly who come from smaller families face limited options in line with support from immediate relatives when compared to large and extended families (Walsh, O’Shea, & Scharf, 2012). Such a scenario is common among immigrants and has contributed to a higher level of representation when compared to the local residents. The intersections indicate the need for a comprehensive approach to mitigation of social exclusion among the elderly in Australia.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the number of aging population in Australia has been increasing over the recent years. The economic and social disparity has contributed towards social exclusion that this group face. Critical analysis of the evidence-based assessment indicates that the elderly face significant challenges emanating from the exclusion they face. Physical, mental, sexual, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing are some of the major dimensions that characterize the impact of social exclusion on this population. Moreover, gender, race, and location are equally essential elements that enhance the risk factors.
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