EMPOWERMENT IN SOCIAL-WORK-PRACTICE WITH OLDER WOMEN

Literature describing the interface of ageism and sexism on older wome n, the majority of the nation's elderly population, has resulted in th e knowledge that they are a population at risk. Empowerment is a socia l work process and intervention that has been recommended for work wit h oppressed populations and with women. An analysis of traditional, fe minist, and social work conceptualizations of empowerment, however, id entifies issues that are problematic for social workers. This article suggests reasons for broadening the definition and concept of empowerm ent to allow social welfare professionals to better speak to the multi ple needs of women in their later years.