Concepts of Ethics to Engage the Older Person with the Community

Abstract

Abstract Almost half of Europe’s region is rural. There is also a dearth in essential services along with an aging population. There is an ethical obligation by society to reflect on how the older person is facilitated to engage with communities. Family structures in Europe are changing, moving from rural to urban areas with increasing numbers of older people living alone. This has consequences for the role of communities and public policy to ensure that the older person remains socially connected. The aim of this review paper is an attempt to explore some important concepts in relation to the older person and their engagement with communities. It is not an ultimate review. The objective is an attempt to reflect on ethical considerations that necessitates consideration in relation to the older person and their self- determination with regards to reducing loneliness and assisting them to live in age friendly communities. Methodology utilised a snapshot of various ideologies in relation to the older person and their unique attributes that may improve their quality of life. Conclusion: The older person is growing in population, throughout the globe. Their enormous contribution to society is at times undermined. Empowerment of the older person to enable them to express their wishes is vital. An ethical model for enabling the older person to make decisions is vital. This model must also include components with expertise from various technologies in relation to the older person. This review will place emphasis on communities to ensure that the older person is included in societal affairs and facilitate them to make their contribution. This review will help to understand how important it is to ensure that the older person gets opportunities to get involved in communities so that loneliness and social isolation is minimised.