Social surveys of old age in Great Britain, 1945-58.

In Great Britain, since the end of the Second World War, the problems of old age have tended to supersede those of poverty and unemployment as the object of social studies. The following article assesses some of the most important findings of 33 surveys conducted between 1945 and 1958 investigating the social needs and circumstances of old people.The fact emerges that family ties are stronger than is perhaps realized and that most of the aged live a reasonably secure life within their families. It is pointed out, however, that a small minority exists whose distress is evident and who do not seem to be contacted by social welfare agencies. These are the housebound and bed-ridden; the "isolates" and "semi-isolates"-old people who are without relatives or whose care puts too great a strain on the relatives they have; and those for whom retirement and the consequent loss of occupation is a source of unhappiness. In a discussion of how the needs of this group can be met, it is suggested that the pattern of home and welfare services should be based less on administrative tradition and more on the way of life of the people.