SOCIAL ADAPTATION OF OLDER PEOPLE IN MODERN SOCIETY

ABSTRACT

In the context of global demographic aging, the problem of social adaptation for older people is becoming particularly relevant. This article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the process of adaptation of older adults to rapidly changing social conditions. It examines the key aspects of this adaptation, identifies main challenges, and suggests possible solutions.

Keywords: social adaptation, older people, gerontology, age-related changes, social integration.

Modern society is characterized by rapid transformations in all spheres of life, which creates significant challenges for the elderly. The process of their social adaptation is a complex, multifaceted phenomenon that requires a profound rethinking of established social roles, active acquisition of new competencies, and consistent overcoming of deep-seated age stereotypes.

In the context of social adaptation, several interrelated dimensions can be distinguished. Psychological adaptation involves accepting natural age-related changes, overcoming the identity crisis that often follows retirement, forming a renewed system of life values and meanings, and adjusting to an altered social status. Social and role adaptation manifests itself in the mastery of new social positions, such as volunteer, student in "third age" programs, or mentor, in the search for alternative ways of self-realization, in active participation in community life, and in maintaining meaningful family ties and functions. No less important in the modern world is information and technological adaptation, which entails mastering digital technologies, using electronic government and commercial services, maintaining social contacts via the internet, and ensuring access to relevant information resources.

The success of the adaptation process is influenced by a complex set of factors. Positive factors include maintaining satisfactory physical and mental health, having strong social connections and reliable support from family and friends, access to special educational and awareness programs, economic stability, and cognitive flexibility that allows for adjustment to new conditions. On the other hand, negative factors also exist, such as declining health and associated limited mobility, a shrinking social circle and growing sense of loneliness, the rapid development of technology creating a digital divide, fixation on past experience and rigid thinking, as well as widespread age-related stereotypes and prejudices in society, known as ageism.

The role of society and the state in this process cannot be overemphasized. For the successful integration of older people, a targeted policy is necessary, encompassing the creation of an accessible environment that meets the needs of the older generation, the development of a system of gerontological care and social services, the implementation of educational programs tailored for "silver age" individuals, and active informational support aimed at dismantling negative stereotypes about old age.

Thus, the social adaptation of older people in the modern world is not a passive adjustment to new conditions, but an active, dynamic process of mutual transformation of both the individual and the surrounding society. Creating an inclusive environment where older people can fully realize their potential is not only a matter of social justice but also a crucial condition for the sustainable development of society as a whole. Successful adaptation of the older generation makes it possible to harness their vast life experience, knowledge, and wisdom, turning a demographic challenge into a valuable resource for the future.

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