What is ?social integration of the elderly? in small-scale society?

It is argued that the social integration of the elderly is useful insofar as it clarify several antecedent considerations, and is discussed with reference to old age in one small-scale Melanesian society, Malo, Vanuatu.

Abstract

Social integration of the elderly is a key analytical concept in both Western social and cross-cultural gerontology. While generally understood to describe the fit between the elderly and society in industrial nations, this construct should have utility for Third World societies as well. I argue that the concept is useful insofar as we clarify several antecedent considerations. These are, specification of (1) the model of integration being used; (2) other social distinctions besides age which affect the elderly; (3) the analytical level used; (4) underlying values leading to or away from integration; and, (5) the referent moment of time for society. These notions are discussed with reference to old age in one small-scale Melanesian society, Malo, Vanuatu.