Abstract:

The share of elderly people in total population in post-industrial societies is relatively higher due to the improvements in health services and level of welfare. However, the notion of old age does not form an entire part of a life course; rather, it is divided into sub-periods where different demands and needs are the case. Both approaches of “third age” and “fourth age” are the results of this division. In this sense, while third age is described as an opportunity period thanks to the advantages it provides, fourth age is called a threat period owing to the problems and challenges it includes. Therefore, it is neither easy, nor possible to make a positive or negative inference covering the entire period of old age about the impacts of the notion of old age to the individual and social level of welfare. In a clearer sense, while third age is a sub-period of old age which has the potential of improving the level of welfare thanks to the opportunities of self-fulfilment and varying social interaction bonds, fourth age is the period that is perceived negatively by the individual and society and includes a high possibility of decline in the level of objective and subjective welfare. Therefore, the role of the state and social policy institutions at this point is to take the required measures to provide the fourth age group with decent, creative and self-sufficient lives as well as establishing the appropriate substructure. In the light of these explanations, the aim of this study is to highlight the importance of the fourth age, which is one of the hardest times to enjoy a decent life, as well as the responsibilities of the state in order to protect and improve the level of welfare during this period.