ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with what theory and ideology are and how they relate to social work practice and a review of key social work theories relevant to gerontological social work, including the strengths perspective, solution-focussed practice, client/person-centred practice, and structural social work. It explains clear the relationship between social work theories and aging theories and their connections to ideology and analyzes theories from an anti-oppression gerontology perspective. Underpinning the critical gerontology tradition is the recognition that old age is socially constructed and that structural inequalities differentially shape experiences of later life. The chapter illustrates the relevance and application of theories to practice and provides guidance on the use of theory in social work with older adults, their families, and communities. ‘Age’ in terms of both belonging to a particular generation and also ‘personal’ ageing, and ‘gender’ as a social construction over the life course, combining with personal aging in recent years.
