As the population of older adults continues to grow, social policies designed to address the challenges and issues they face become increasingly important. One such policy is the Social Security system, which provides economic support to retired, disabled, or deceased individuals and their dependents (Li, 2023). However, the system faces long-term sustainability issues, and proposed changes to address these issues could significantly impact older adults’ well-being. This paper aims to analyze the Social Security system from a human rights perspective, examining the scope and magnitude of the problem, evaluating proposed social policies, considering potential impacts on older adults, exploring counterarguments, and making recommendations for policy changes. By taking a human rights approach, we can ensure that older adults are empowered to claim and protect their rights and that individuals and institutions are accountable for respecting and fulfilling them. The Social Security system is a crucial social policy that affects the well-being of older adults, and as such, its proposed changes must be evaluated from a human rights perspective to ensure that older adults are empowered to claim their rights and that institutions are accountable for fulfilling them.
The scope of the problem with the Social Security system is broad and multifaceted. As the population ages, more people are relying on Social Security benefits for retirement income. However, the system faces long-term sustainability issues, with projected shortfalls in the Trust Fund supporting the program. Research by Social Security Administration (2021) shows that without intervention, the Trust Fund will be depleted by 2034, which could result in significant benefit cuts for current and future beneficiaries. This would have severe consequences for the financial security and well-being of older adults who rely on Social Security benefits as a primary source of income. Additionally, the Social Security system faces challenges in meeting the needs of certain subgroups of older adults, including those with disabilities, low-income individuals, and minorities who face higher rates of poverty and financial insecurity. These challenges highlight the need for targeted policy solutions that address the unique needs of vulnerable populations and ensure equitable access to Social Security benefits.
The increasing number of older adults presents significant challenges related to healthcare, social security, and other entitlement programs. According to Wilson et a. (2021), old adults cannot work well using technology in healthcare, such as e-health. As the population ages, there will be greater demand for healthcare services, which can strain the healthcare system and increase healthcare costs. Additionally, the growing number of older adults means that more people will be eligible for social security and other entitlement programs, which can strain these programs’ funding and sustainability. These challenges require innovative policy solutions that address older adults’ unique needs and concerns while ensuring that entitlement programs remain sustainable and effective. The issue of older adults not being able to use technology in healthcare is a significant concern. With the increasing use of technology in healthcare, such as telemedicine and electronic health records, older adults may need help accessing and using these services effectively. This can result in a lack of access to important healthcare services and an inability to manage their health effectively.
One social policy at the federal level that addresses the challenges related to the aging population is the Older Americans Act (OAA). The OAA is a federal law enacted in 1965 to support the health and well-being of older adults in the United States. The OAA funds various programs and services, including nutrition assistance, caregiver support, and community-based services. The state government shows some support to the elderly, though not significant, making them live the next fifty percent of their lives suffering. At the state and local levels, some policies and programs address the needs of older adults. For example, many states have implemented programs to support aging in place, such as home modification services and transportation assistance. Additionally, Abdi et al. (2019), many local communities have established senior centers and other resources to help older adults stay active and engaged in their communities. While these policies and programs are important, there is still much work to ensure that older adults can access the resources and support they need. There are also concerns about the funding and sustainability of entitlement programs like Social Security, which critically support millions of older adults.
At the state level, social policy refers to the laws, regulations, and programs that aim to promote social welfare and address poverty, inequality, and social exclusion issues. Each state has its unique social policy landscape, with policies reflecting its values, priorities, and resources. Aravacik (2018) states that they make a balance between labor and justice. Another critical area of state-level social policy is education. States are responsible for funding and administering their public education systems, which can vary widely regarding quality and resources. State policies can also address school funding, teacher salaries, and educational standards. State-level social policy can also focus on poverty reduction and economic development. States may implement programs to promote job creation, affordable housing, and workforce training. Some states have also implemented minimum wage increases or earned income tax credits to support low-income workers. Finally, state-level social policy can also address criminal justice reform, including sentencing guidelines, drug policies, and prison reform. Some states have implemented policies to reduce mass incarceration, such as drug treatment programs, alternative sentencing, and decriminalizing some drug offenses.
Another factor is empowering older adults to know and claim their rights are essential to their well-being. The government can adopt policies that promote education and awareness of the rights of older adults, including their rights to healthcare, financial assistance, and freedom from discrimination and abuse. This can be achieved through community education programs, the provision of accessible information, and the promotion of advocacy and support services. Financial support helps the elderly in the community to keep up with self-sustainability and productivity (Fadzil et al., 2021). Also, promoting the rights of older adults in care facilities is crucial to their well-being. The government can adopt policies ensuring that older adults are treated with dignity and respect in care facilities. This can include regular visits by independent inspectors, increasing staff-to-patient ratios, and increasing the availability of activities and programs that promote socialization and engagement. Finally, strengthening elder abuse prevention policies is another way to improve elders’ well-being. Elder abuse is a serious human rights issue that affects many older adults. To address this issue, policymakers can consider increasing funding for elder abuse prevention programs, improving training for healthcare and social service providers on recognizing and responding to elder abuse, and increasing penalties for those who commit elder abuse.
Social policies’ potential impact on older adults’ well-being is immense. Policies that address the challenges older adults face can positively impact their physical, mental, and social well-being. For instance, policies that promote access to healthcare services can improve the health outcomes of older adults by addressing age-related health conditions, preventing chronic diseases, and promoting healthy aging. These policies can reduce healthcare costs by preventing hospitalizations, readmissions, and long-term care admissions. Social policies that provide financial support to older adults, such as Social Security, can also significantly impact their well-being. Social Security provides a steady source of income to older adults, which can help them meet their basic needs, including housing, food, and healthcare. It can also help them maintain their independence and quality of life by providing resources to participate in their communities, such as transportation and social activities.
The most prevalent impacts on the well-being of elderly adults remain to be access to health care. Fulmer et al. (2021) claim that there is no adequate workforce in healthcare, which makes it a competition for medical attention and less concern on elderlies. Social policies designed to address the challenges faced by older adults can have a significant impact on their well-being. Policies that improve access to healthcare services, such as Medicare and Medicaid, can significantly impact the well-being of older adults. These policies can improve their quality of life by providing older adults with the medical care they need to manage chronic conditions and maintain their health. Nutrition assistance programs are another way to improve the well-being of older adults. Malnutrition is a common problem among older adults, and it can lead to various health issues. Programs such as the OAA’s Congregate and Home-Delivered Nutrition Services provide older adults access to healthy meals, which can help prevent malnutrition and other health issues.
While policies designed to support older adults can have significant benefits, there are also counterarguments to consider. One argument against policies that support older adults is the cost. Some argue that Medicare and Social Security policies are too expensive and place an undue burden on younger generations who are funding these programs through taxes. It is usually exempted from taxes but never taxed once acquired (Iparraguirre, 2020). The cost of these programs is a valid concern, but it is important to consider the long-term benefits of investing in older adults. Older adults who are healthy and engaged in their communities can contribute to society in a variety of ways, including through volunteer work, caregiving, and paid employment. They can also stimulate economic growth by continuing to work and spend money. Furthermore, policies supporting older adults can improve their health and well-being, reducing the burden on the healthcare system and ultimately saving money in the long run. In addition to healthcare and financial support, social policies that address social isolation and loneliness among older adults can also have a positive impact on their well-being. Programs that provide opportunities for social engagement, such as senior centers or volunteer programs, can help older adults maintain social connections and reduce the risk of depression and other mental health issues.
Another counterargument against policies that support older adults is that these policies create dependence and discourage self-sufficiency. Critics argue that older adults should be encouraged to be self-reliant rather than relying on government programs. While self-sufficiency is important, it is also important to recognize that older adults may face unique challenges that make self-sufficiency difficult, such as age-related health issues and a lack of social support. Policies that support older adults can help address these challenges and promote independence by providing access to healthcare, social services, and other resources that can help older adults maintain their autonomy. Moreover, policies that support older adults can also benefit younger generations by enabling them to balance their work and family responsibilities. For instance, policies that provide support for eldercare can reduce the burden on adult children and other family members who may have to provide care for their aging parents, allowing them to continue working and supporting their own families.
One recommendation for supporting the well-being of older adults from a human rights perspective includes increasing funding for Social Security and Medicare. According to, instead of using funds mostly on food and other requirements, they can be pooled and used to advance businesses and entrepreneurship. One of the major concerns of Social Security and Medicare is their long-term financial sustainability. To address this issue, policymakers can consider increasing funding for these programs by raising taxes, introducing new revenue sources, or reducing expenses in other areas. This will help ensure that older adults have access to these critical programs that support their health and economic well-being. Older adults rely on Social Security and Medicare to meet their basic needs, including healthcare, food, and housing. However, these programs are facing financial challenges that threaten their long-term sustainability. Increasing funding for Social Security and Medicare can help ensure that older adults continue to have access to these important programs.
Increasing access to affordable housing and healthcare is another important recommendation. Affordable housing is essential to healthy aging, but many older adults struggle to find affordable and accessible housing. To address this issue, policymakers can consider increasing funding for affordable housing programs specifically targeted to older adults, expanding eligibility criteria for affordable housing programs to include older adults, and incentivizing the construction of affordable and accessible housing for older adults. Fenelon & Mawhorter (2021) cite that affordable housing is not only the price but also low mortgages and property taxes. Access to affordable housing is critical for older adults to maintain their independence and dignity. However, the high cost of housing can be a barrier to accessing safe and secure housing. Increasing access to affordable housing can help promote the well-being of older adults and protect their human rights. Also, ensuring access to healthcare is a basic human right, and improving access to healthcare for older adults can help promote their well-being and protect their rights.
Finally, strengthening elder abuse prevention policies is another way to improve elders’ well-being. Elder abuse is a serious human rights issue that affects many older adults. To address this issue, policymakers can consider strengthening policies that prevent and respond to elder abuse. This can include increasing funding for elder abuse prevention programs, improving training for healthcare and social service providers on recognizing and responding to elder abuse, and increasing penalties for those who commit elder abuse. One policy change that can be made to prevent elder abuse is to increase funding for elder abuse prevention programs. These programs can help educate older adults about their rights and provide resources for those experiencing abuse. Additionally, they can provide training for healthcare and social service providers on how to recognize and respond to elder abuse, which can lead to earlier identification and intervention.
Empowering older people to know and claim their rights is crucial for ensuring they are not marginalized or excluded from society due to their age. This requires a multifaceted approach that includes education and awareness-raising campaigns, legal and policy advocacy, and the creation of supportive networks and communities. Education and awareness-raising campaigns can provide older adults with information about their rights, available resources, and services. It can also help them recognize the signs of elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. Moreover, education can equip older adults with the skills to assert their rights and hold accountable institutions and individuals that violate them. Legal and policy advocacy is another essential strategy to protect the rights of older people. This can involve promoting anti-discrimination laws, ensuring healthcare and social security access, and developing policies that prevent elder abuse and neglect. Finally, creating supportive networks and communities can foster a sense of belonging and reduce social isolation among older adults. This can lead to better mental and physical health outcomes and increase their capacity to advocate for their rights. Empowering older people to know and claim their rights is essential for promoting social justice and ensuring they can live with dignity and respect in their later years.
In summary, social policies designed to address social problems affecting older adults can have significant benefits but face counterarguments such as cost and dependence. From a human rights perspective, policies should focus on empowering older adults to know and claim their rights and increasing the ability and accountability of individuals and institutions responsible for respecting, protecting, and fulfilling rights. Policies such as Social Security and Medicare should be preserved and improved to ensure the well-being of older adults while also addressing issues such as ageism, elder abuse, and long-term care. To achieve this, policymakers should consider recommendations such as increasing funding for elder abuse prevention programs, expanding access to long-term care services, and ensuring that older adults have a voice in policymaking. Ultimately, by prioritizing the human rights of older adults, societies can create a more equitable and just future for all.
In conclusion, the Social Security system is a vital social policy that provides critical support to older adults. However, the system is facing long-term sustainability issues, and proposed changes could have significant impacts on the well-being of older adults. By analyzing the Social Security system from a human rights perspective, we have been able to evaluate proposed social policies, consider potential impacts on older adults, explore counterarguments, and make recommendations for policy changes. It is crucial that any changes to the Social Security system are made with the aim of empowering older adults to claim their rights and ensuring that institutions are accountable for fulfilling them. As the population of older adults continues to grow, it is essential that we prioritize the well-being and rights of this demographic to create a just and equitable society for all.
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