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The Role of Older People in Our Communities

School of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts, University of Tasmania at Hobart, GPO Box 252-41, Hobart 7001, Tasmania, L.Shotton{at}utas.edu.au

The proportion of older people in the total population is increasing in most countries because of advances in medical technology and resulting longer life expectancy. The role that older people play in our communities does not reflect this. Sometimes they are reduced to mere statistics and stereotypes in economic and political discussions on the financial burdens of care for older people. I argue that we need to rebuild inclusive communities in which older people are respected as valuable members. I suggest that this can be done by studying the characteristics of past communities and by learning from the work of environmental ethicists who advocate the preservation of our heritage. Nurses share with them a holistic perspective on complex issues such as ageing. They are therefore in a position to empower older people to play a role in our communities as unique individuals with integrity and wisdom.

Key Words: care of elderly people • environmental ethics • global and holistic approaches to care

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