ABSTRACT
This paper discusses ways to work with older women in broad references to social work, with three objectives in mind. Firstly it is important to acknowledge that old age and being female present two structural disadvantages, and where these are combined social workers may need to rethink their response to older women, whether being cared for, living independently, or as a carer for another in old age. The second objective is to tap into the hidden world of old people, particularly that of old women, and release their creativity, for their own satisfaction, and to gain more insight into their experience. Thirdly it is hoped to suggest a variety of more creative paths for social workers and others to take in their interaction with older women. Latterly, literature and research into gerontological social work in this country has tended to be service oriented, tied into the functions of welfare agencies. New emphases in research from social gerontologists and feminists suggest that an interpretive and interactionist approach needs to be developed if we are to understand the ageing experience of older women.
