Las personas mayores en el Estado de bienestar: las políticas sociales en Alemania y España. The elderly in Welfare State: social policies in Germany and Spain.

Abstract

This paper has been produced in the framework of a broader investigation of differences and similarities in terms of social participation by older adults in Germany and Spain. The article examines the situation of older adults within the context of the Welfare State and their coverage under social protection systems, comparing how the respective models of Welfare State address the emerging phenomena of demographic aging and poverty in old age in the context of global crisis. We use a qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews and discussion groups to examine the different discourses regarding the roles of social actors in systems for the protection of older adults. The most significant conclusions point to a convergence of the German and Spanish Welfare State systems. Majority opinion argues that civil society should play the leading role in sustaining the Welfare State, for which reason there is a need to develop strategies as part of social policy that will incentivise social commitment. The paper concludes by offering proposals aimed at fostering the participation and integration of older adults.