Paper long abstract:

One of the objectives of this research is to study the discourses around well-being and help for aging women with the goal of understanding the views of psychosocial services providers and studying the rhetoric behind protective paternalistic orientation of the psychosocial support services provided to elderly women currently. Previous studies in Kyrgyzstan have shown that elderly women demonstrate some internalized negative views on aging and elderly. The present study hypothesizes that these views can stem from ageism among care providers and the gap in understanding of well-being between care providers, relatives of elderly women who take care of them, and organizations which define the politics of elderly services in the country.

The present study explores whether the approach of social justice is utilized among any psychosocial care providers working with elderly in Kyrgyzstan. The approach of social justice in psychology is especially relevant to the advancement of diversity counseling and work with disadvantaged and underserved populations. This approach is currently underdeveloped in Kyrgyzstan, although multiple predispositions exist for its advancement. Mental health professionals in Kyrgyzstan have been discussing within the community the importance of advancement of social justice approach, including development of multicultural competence in psychologists at all levels. Thorough research and policy making work is needed to advance this initiative.