In the Care of the State and Family: Understanding Care of the Elderly through Macro and Micro Perspectives

This discussion paper examines the provision of care for older people by linking various care at macro (national) and micro (individual or family) levels. This paper argues that these different levels are not mutually exclusive. On the one hand, products of macro level national policies, regulations and programmes must be compatible with the needs of target groups. Therefore, policy makers in particular, need to be well informed of what is really happening in people's lives at the micro level. On the other hand, individuals should be more aware of and better informed about programmes, regulations and activities that are relevant and useful to their interests. This paper also highlights the important role civil society groups can play in bringing macro policies and programmes into the day-to-day lives of the target groups and in helping those people to voice their concerns and interests at high-level forums. http://www.unescap.org/publications/detail.asp?id=1373