The Older Americans Act (OAA) calls upon those in human service fields to engage...
in advocacy to improve the lives of older adults. Social workers are in optimal positions to promote advocacy across the spectrum of social work practice through a case-to-cause framework. Despite laudable advocacy successes in the social work profession on behalf of the aging population, there remains huge areas of concern such as financial hardship, affordable housing and livability, and inadequate mental health and long-term services and supports in older adults and their caregivers. This symposium addresses these issues from an advocacy standpoint. The first presentation describes what is meant by financial hardship and how it is linked to poor physical and mental health outcomes. The second presentation will focus on the importance of advocating for affordable housing. The final presentation will discuss the importance of the "Church" as a viable partner in advocacy efforts on behalf of adults and their caregivers. Implications for practice and advocacy will also be addressed in this symposium. Within this simulation are real life challenges addressing persistent needs such as food insecurity, medical or mental health conditions, depleting income, financial exploitation, elder abuse, fears of frailty, homelessness and impact of ageism. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the Poverty and Aging Simulation, I will present the concept and implementation with some abbreviated tasks for attendees. I will detail the developmental concepts and process for conducting the program. Attendees who are interested in offering this simulation in their communities, elder care centers or universities can be part of an evaluation group to assess effectiveness and the next step to wider circulation of the process. My goal for the Poverty and Aging Simulation is to raise awareness among all generations of the underserved needs of older adults and to encourage social advocacy that respects the local community and culture.
