Policy recommendations
would be useful first to introduce the concept of ‘civic engagement’. Although numerous researchers have basically associated this concept with volunteer activities and community services in later life, it actually occurs when the elders become engaged in social, economic, political or religious activities. If we are to provide a full scope definition of civic engagement, it is most likely to include numerous roles and activities in organizations that do not put economic profit as the basis for their existence. It is also possible for the older adults to engage into different activities in cultural and religious sphere, attend informal meetings with different discussions, thus executing their civic engagement.
The Older Americans Act (OAA) supports such activities that facilitate the “inherent dignity of the individual” by providing “freedom, independence, and the free exercise of individual initiative.” (OAA) The act serves as a legislative framework for numerous programs and events that are designed to support the elders. It is one of those laws that was enacted by the American government to support the elders in their well-being, whether we are talking about economic or financial aspects of such well-being. The act was implemented at different levels of the state authority, namely federal, state and regional, and was used to create nation-wide network responsible for coordination function of various services designed for the older adults. This network is much more than just a number of different agencies, it is a comprehensive and well structured system that interlinks the Administration of Aging (AoA) (including ten regional offices), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS), more than 50 units on aging (SUAs), close to seven hundred agencies on aging (AAAs), different grants to Indian tribes, and around 29 thousand of service providers that have traditionally worked with the elder community in America.
AAAs are considered the most efficient tool in provision services to those parts of elder population that are disadvantaged. Those units serve older Americans with “the greatest needs”, most of the clients being described as “low income and over age 75.” (National Council on the Aging, 200, p.6) Thos units have also been found effective in providing service to minority population and rural area adults. (National Council on the Aging, 200, p.6). The nature of AAAs allows them to create opportunities for older adults that are similar in their essence to the opportunities that youngsters are provided in schools. However, they have certain benefits attached to their status – they work with the elderly, who already have experience in volunteering and only need moderate facilitation (Karner, 2001). Also, this part of population is especially kin to participate in the activities fostered by AAAs. (Cornwell et al., 2008).
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