Law and Ageing: Developing a Theoretical Framework for the Protection of Older Adults

Shazreen Nadia Zulkipli, Ramalinggam Rajamanickam, Muhamad Helmi Md Said

Abstract


The 21st century witness an unprecedented demographic revolution, with global population aging emerging as a defining trend. By 2050, the number of individuals aged 60 and above is expected to exceed 2 billion, surpassing the population of children under five. This shift not only affected high-income nations but also accelerated to the low- and middle-income countries which are unprepared to address the complex needs of aging. The barriers among older adults such as age-based discrimination, legal invisibility, inadequate protection, and exclusion from decision-making processes remained being a prominent challenge.Through the prism of vulnerability in social and legal contexts, this study critically analyses prevalent legal approaches to aging. Employing a qualitative socio-legal methodology, this article synthesizes insights from aging theories, proposed legal frameworks, and comparative policy analysis. The study critiques the limitations of traditional welfare and protectionist models that emphasize dependency, proposing instead a multidimensional legal framework centred on empowerment, dignity, and participatory citizenship and stress on the urgent need for legal reforms that move beyond paternalism. Transformation in legal paradigm that recognizes older adults as autonomous rights-holders to meet the evolving demands of global aging and to promote inclusive, equitable legal systems responsive particularly to older persons is pertinently highlighted.


Full Text:

PDF

References


Amenta, E. (2006). When movements matter: The Townsend Plan and the rise of social security. Princeton University Press.

Andersson, K., Hanberger, A., & Nygren, L. (2018). Governance, accountability, and organizational development: Eldercare unit managers’ and local politicians’ experiences of and responses to state supervision of Swedish eldercare. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 30(5), 419–439. https://doi.org/10.1080/08959420.2018.1444890

Atchley, R. C. (1989). Continuity theory of normal aging. The Gerontologist, 29(2), 183–190.

Bouvier, R. (2020). Relational vulnerability: Theory, law and the private family. In Relational vulnerability (pp. 1–30). Oxford University Press.

Braun, J. (2020). Legal interventions to protect vulnerable adults: Can relational autonomy provide a new way forward? Western Sydney University.

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/1714220/PEER_REVIEWED_BRAUN_Article.pdf

Butler, R. (1995). Feminist theory and aging: Why are gerontologists ignoring feminism? Journal of Aging Studies, 9(4), 293–306. https://medicine.jrank.org/pages/643/Feminist-Theory-Age-Aging-Social-Differences-Clinical.html

Campbell, J. C., & Ikegami, N. (2000). Long-term care insurance comes to Japan. Springer.

Cass, B. (2015). A relational perspective on autonomy for older adults residing in long-term care settings. Nursing Ethics, 22(3), 297–306. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5060573/

Chen, B. (2023). Elder financial abuse: Capacity, law, and economics. Cornell Law Review, 108(4), 987–1032. https://cornelllawreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Chen_Elder-Financial-Abuse.pdf

Clare, L. (2022). Dementia, autonomy, and supported healthcare decision-making. Journal of Medical Ethics, 48(2), 85–90. https://doi.org/10.1136/medethics-2020-106733

Cumming, E., & Henry, W. E. (1961). Growing old: The process of disengagement. Basic Books.

Dayton, A. K. (2008). A feminist approach to elder law. In A. K.

Dayton (Ed.), Feminist jurisprudence and elder policy (pp. 1–24). Springer.

Decalmer, P., & Glendenning, F. (1997). The mistreatment of elderly people. Sage.

Dodds, S. (2014). Vulnerability: New essays in ethics and feminist philosophy. Oxford University Press.

Doron, I. (1999). From lunacy to incapacity and beyond: Guardianship of the elderly and the Ontario experience in defining ‘legal incompetence’. Health Law in Canada, 19(4), 95–123.

Doron, I. (2002). Elder guardianship kaleidoscope: A comparative legal perspective. International Journal of Law, Policy and the Family, 16(3), 368–398.

Doron, I. (2003). A multi-dimensional model of elder law: An Israeli example. Ageing International, 28(3), 242–260. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=500522

Doron, I. (2003). Theories on law and aging: The jurisprudence of elder law. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 15(2–3), 19–34.

Doron, I. (2003a). Law and geriatrics: An Israeli perspective on future challenges. Medicine and Law, 22(2), 285–300.

Doron, I. (2003b). A multi-dimensional model of elder law: An Israeli example. Ageing International, 28(3), 242–259.

Doron, I. (2006). Elder law: Concepts, theories and perspectives. In I. Doron (Ed.), Theories on law and aging: The jurisprudence of elder law (pp. 19–34). Springer.

Doron, I. (2006). Elder law: Current issues and future frontiers. The Gerontologist, 46(1), 6–12. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/46.1.6

Doron, I. (2006). Elder law: The jurisprudence of aging. European Journal of Ageing, 3(2), 60–66.

Doron, I. (2007). Law and ageing in Israel: The development of a new field of law. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 19(2), 34–51. https://www.stetson.edu/law/agingjournal/media/document/article-2-journal-of-aging-vol-2.pdf

Doron, I. (2008). Law and older people—The rise and fall of Israel’s Senior Citizens’ Act. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 20(3), 353–375. https://doi.org/10.1080/08959420802050991

Doron, I. (2009). Theories on law and ageing: The jurisprudence of elder law. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-78954-3

Doron, I. (2015). Elder law: Current issues and future frontiers. European Journal of Ageing, 12(3), 231–238. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5546353/

Doron, I. (2017). Elder law: Current issues and future frontiers. The Gerontologist, 57(1), 6–12. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnw162

Doron, I. (2023). Age, ageing, and the philosophy of ‘elder law’: An interview with Israel (Issi) Doron. Jindal Global Law Review, 14(1), Article 3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9734984/

Doron, I., & Apter, I. (2010). International rights conventions and older persons. Israel Journal of Aging, 4(2), 15–29.

Doron, I., & Gal, I. (2006). The emergence of preventive elder law: An Israeli example. Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology, 21, 41–53.

Doron, I., Alon, S., & Offir, N. (2004). Time for policy: Legislative response to elder abuse and neglect in Israel. Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 16(4), 63–82.

Dworkin, R. (1978). Taking rights seriously. Harvard University Press.

Equal Retirement Age for Female-Worker and Male-Worker Act of 1987. (Malaysia).

Fineman, M. A. (2010). The vulnerable subject and the responsive state. Emory Law Journal, 60(2), 251–275.

Francis, J. (2013). Universal design: A step toward successful aging. Journal of Aging Research, 2013, Article ID 891860. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/891860

Frank, J. A. (1996). Preneed funeral plans: The case for uniformity. Elder Law Journal, 4(1), 2–54.

Fraser, N., & Gordon, L. (1997). A genealogy of 'dependency' – Tracing a keyword of the U.S. welfare state. In N. Fraser (Ed.), Justice interruptus – Critical reflections on the 'postsocialist' condition (pp. 121–150). Routledge.

Frolik, L. A. (1993). The developing field of elder law: A historical perspective. Elder Law Journal, 1(1), 1–23.

Frolik, L. A. (2002). Elder law in the United States: The intersection of law and aging. Carolina Academic Press.

Frolik, L. A., & Barnes, A. P. (2003). Elder law: Cases and materials. LexisNexis.

Gerald, L. B. (1993). Paid family caregiving: A review of progress and policies. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 5, 73–89.

Ghosh, H. (2009). Ageing and gender in India: Paradoxes of a feminist perspective. Asian Women, 25(1), 1–27. https://e-asianwomen.org/xml/00901/00901.pdf

Giertz, L. (2021). Ageing in place for persons with dementia: Autonomy, capability, and social care. In Symposia Proceedings. Lund University. https://case.lu.se/en/sites/case/

Glannon, W. (2020). Care ethics for supported decision-making: A narrative policy analysis. Health Care Analysis, 28(3), 248–263. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10728-019-00391-2

Gosseries, A. (2020). What makes age discrimination special? A philosophical inquiry. Theoretical Inquiries in Law, 21(1), 139–160. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2045381719000290

Government of India, Ministry of Law and Justice. (2007). Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. https://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/A2007-56.pdf

Grama, J. L. (1999). The 'new' newlyweds: Marriage among the elderly, suggestions to the elder law practitioner. Elder Law Journal, 7(2), 379–407.

Gross, S. J. (2020). Eldercaring coordination: A dispute resolution option for high conflict elder disputes in California. Southern California Interdisciplinary Law Journal, 29, 293–320.

Hague Conference on Private International Law. (2000). Convention on the International Protection of Adults.

https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/full-text/?cid=71

Hall, M. (2002). Private care agreements between older adults and friends or family members. CCELS.

Hammond, C. M. (1993). Reverse mortgages: A financial planning device for the elderly. Elder Law Journal, 1, 75.

Havighurst, R. J. (1961). Successful aging. The Gerontologist, 1(1), 8–13.

Hiebert, J. (1993). Rights and democracy: A Canadian perspective. Canadian Journal of Political Science, 26(2), 373–397.

Hoyer, W. J., & Roodin, P. A. (2003). Adult development and aging (5th ed.). McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

Jagger, A. (1983). Feminist theories: Liberal, Marxist, socialist, and radical feminism. In Feminist Philosophy Reader (pp. 45–67). https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/114625/1/MPRA_paper_114625.pdf

Kane, R. A., & Kane, R. L. (2005). Ageism in healthcare and long-term care. Generations, 29(3), 49–54.

Kaplan, D. (2009). Law and economics in the context of aging. In I. Doron & A. M. Soden (Eds.), Beyond elder law (pp. 87–102). Springer.

Kapp, M. B. (2009). Therapeutic jurisprudence and elder law. In I. Doron & A. M. Soden (Eds.), Beyond elder law (pp. 117–133). Springer.

Katie, M. (2023). Vulnerability, care ethics and the protection of socioeconomic rights via Article 3 ECHR. Human Rights Law Review, 23(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1093/hrlr/ngad028

King, M., Peckham, A., Marani, H., Roerig, M., Yung, S., McGrail, K., … Marchildon, G. (2023). Gaps in the system: Supporting people living with dementia. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 36(5), 963–983. https://doi.org/10.1080/08959420.2023.2226341

King, N. (2006). Ageism and feminism: From “et cetera” to center. NWSA Journal, 18(1), 13–30.

https://doi.org/10.1353/nwsa.2006.0003

Kohn, N. A. (2009). Outliving civil rights. Washington University Law Review, 86(5), 1053–1108.

Kohn, N. A. (2010a). Fostering elder rights movements. Temple Political & Civil Rights Law Review, 19(2), 321–348.

Kohn, N. A. (2010b). Elder rights and the legal response to financial exploitation: Is the law doing enough? Marquette Elder’s Advisor, 12(1), 1–38.

Kohn, N. A. (2012). Elder rights and abuse reporting statutes: The civil rights perspective. Marquette Elder’s Advisor, 13(1), 1–48.

Kramer, L. (2006). The people themselves: Popular constitutionalism and judicial review. Oxford University Press.

Lagarde, P. (2003). Distributed rights protection: The 2000 Hague Convention on the International Protection of Adults. Journal of Private International Law, 1(1), 135–149. https://doi.org/10.1080/1744104032000078101

Lazar, A. (2017). Feminist gerontology and CSCW. Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 1(CSCW), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1145/3134725

Lee, M. (2017). A study of universal design in everyday life of elderly adults. Applied Ergonomics, 58, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2016.05.007

Lewis, B., Purser, K., & Mackie, K. (2020). The human rights of older persons: A human rights-based approach to elder law. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-6735-3

Lurie, L. (2020). Should age discrimination be an integral part of employment discrimination law? Theoretical Inquiries in Law, 21(1), 103–138. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2045381719000289

Lurie, L. (2022). Collective bargaining agreements and protected groups in Israel. Industrial Law Journal. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1093/indlaw/dwaf012

Lyu, J. Y., Hu, B., Wittenberg, R., & King, D. (2023). The relationships between informal and formal social care for older people in England: A comparison before and after the Care Act 2014. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 36(4), 621–638. https://doi.org/10.1080/08959420.2023.2226308

Mackie, K. (2023). The human rights of older persons and person-centered care. The Gerontologist, 63(2), e1. https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/63/2/e1/6543210

Mattsson, T. (2021). Vulnerability, law, and dementia: An interdisciplinary discussion of legislation and practice. International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, 77, 101684. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijlp.2021.101684

Meenan, H. (2012). Human rights of older persons: International protection and national implementation. In I. Doron & A. M. Soden (Eds.), Beyond elder law (pp. 53–70). Springer.

Mégret, F. (2011). The human rights of older persons: A growing challenge. Human Rights Law Review, 11(1), 37–66.

Minkler, M. (1998). Disability theory and public policy: Implications for critical gerontology. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 10(4), 25–43. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1300/J031v10n04_03

Minow, M. (1987). Interpreting rights: An essay for Robert Cover. Yale Law Journal, 96(8), 1860–1915.

Moody, H. R. (1988). Aging: Concepts and controversies. Pine Forge Press.

Morgan, R. C. (2010). The future of elder law practice. William Mitchell Law Review, 37(1), 9–25.

Nelles, J., Tuckerman, L., Purna, N., Phillips, J., & Vorley, T. (2024). Policy responses to the healthy aging challenge: Confronting hybridity with social innovation. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 37(2), 273–288. https://doi.org/10.1080/08959420.2024.2384176

Ng, R., & Indran, N. (2023). Reframing aging: Foregrounding familial and occupational roles of older adults is linked to decreased ageism over two centuries. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 36(5), 749–766. https://doi.org/10.1080/08959420.2023.2238538

Nies, H. (2013). Making sense of differences – The mixed economy of funding and delivering long-term care. In K. Leichsenring, J. Billings, & H. Nies (Eds.), Long-term care in Europe: Improving policy and practice (pp. 45–65). Palgrave Macmillan.

Ontario Human Rights Commission. (2001). Time for action: Advancing human rights for older Ontarians. https://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/time-action-advancing-human-rights-older-ontarians

Ontario Human Rights Commission. (2005). Age discrimination and mandatory retirement: Background paper. https://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/age-discrimination-and-mandatory-retirement-background-paper

Organization of American States. (2015). Inter-American Convention on Protecting the Human Rights of Older Persons. https://www.oas.org/en/sla/dil/inter_american_treaties_A-70_human_rights_older_persons.asp

Palmore, E. B. (1999). Ageism: Negative and positive (2nd ed.). Springer.

Pearson, K. (2006). Filial support laws in the modern era. Elder Law Journal, 15, 1–20.

Pettersen, T. (2017). Beyond empathy: Vulnerability, relationality and dementia. Journal of Medical Ethics, 43(4), 234–238. https://doi.org/10.1136/medethics-2016-103757

Phillipson, C. (1998). Reconstructing old age: New agendas in social theory and practice. SAGE Publications.

Pratt, H. (1995). Gray agendas: Interest groups and public pensions in Canada, Britain, and the United States. University of Michigan Press.

Que, C., & Dai, H. (2024). Crowding in or out? National public pension, inter-generational contract, and family support to empty-nest older parents in rural China. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/08959420.2024.2349480

Reina, A. (2012). Critical feminist gerontology: In the back room of research. Journal of Aging Studies, 26(4), 406–414. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaging.2012.06.001

Schmidt, A. (2015). Theories on law and ageing. Law and Social Inquiry, 40(2), 345–377.

Schwartz, H. (2001). The struggle for constitutional justice in post-communist Europe. University of Chicago Press.

Shenker, P. (2019). Do trade unions promote age diversity and intergenerational solidarity in the workplace? A view from Canada and Israel. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3899007

Slobogin, C. (2018). Using therapeutic jurisprudence principles to enhance access to justice and the quality of justice in mental health courts. Behavioral Sciences & the Law, 36(2), 234–249. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0734016818762126

Somes, T. (2024). Identifying vulnerability: The argument for law reform for failed family accommodation arrangements [PDF]. Western Sydney University. https://westernsydney.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/1234567/Law_Reform_Failed_Family_Accommodation.pdf

Stier, H. (2022). Marital status and gender inequality in household income among older adults in Israel: Changes over time. Social Indicators Research, 159(2), 551–570.

Tompkins, J., Connors, H., & Robinson, D. (2024). Seize the data: An analysis of guardianship annual reports. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 37(3), 512–529. https://doi.org/10.1080/08959420.2024.2349494

United Kingdom Government. (2005). Mental Capacity Act 2005. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/9/contents

United Nations. (2006). Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities.html

Williams, C. C. (2009). Discrimination against the elderly in health care. Journal of Health Law and Policy, 2(1), 123–147.

Yan, Y. (2018). Beyond positivism: Unveiling feminist perspectives on law and aging. Australasian Legal Information Institute. https://austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/journals/ALR/2018/7.html


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


ISSN: 0126-5008

eISSN: 0126-8694