The Oxford dictionary describes interdependence as dependence on each other.

The later half of this statement, on each other, suggests an element of 'giving and taking'.

Today, the modern spirit of rugged individualism seems to leave little room for interdependence as each individual who has reached an age of accountability is expected to be responsible for him/herself.

In my experience as a social worker, I have met many older people who have maintained a fierce sense of independence throughout their adult lives.

Often, and rightly so, these individuals take great pride in the fact that they have taken care of themselves for many years with minimal external assistance. In fact, in these situations, dependence of any kind is often viewed as a sign of weakness and/or vulnerability.

Still, despite a seeming resistance toward dependence, the reality, particularly with regard to long-term care, is that dependence of some kind is an inevitable part of getting older.

Often, in the face of declining health and limited resources, frail older persons in particular must rely on the help of family, friends and, informal and formal supports in order to have their needs met.

In this light, with respect to the 'giving' side of interdependence, both informal and formal caregivers must recognise the importance of fostering a positive environment that allows for an easier transition into the dependent stage of older life.

For example, it must be understood that frail older people should never be treated as children. One way to combat this negative practice is to dispel the popular belief that role reversal can occur between parents and children.

One's parent can never be one's child. As one ages, one acquires a wealth of experience, accomplishments, failures and attributes known as personhood that characterises an adult's life.

Indeed, it is the accumulation of these individual qualities and experiences that distinguish adults from children.

As informal and formal care givers we must respect, honour and protect the personhood of older adults. As a society, we must remember that our role is not to parent our older citizens but rather to preserve their dignity and to secure their rights and privileges.

Similarly, with respect to the 'taking' side of interdependence, older persons, wherever possible, must recognise the important roles that friends, family, informal and formal supports can fulfil in order to promote a better quality of life for them.

At Age Concern we recognise the necessity of interdependence, partnerships and collaboration at all levels if we are to effectively address the increasing needs of Bermuda's older population.

With this in mind, one of our first operational initiatives as a new agency has been to create and maintain partnerships with community nursing and rest home operators.

Next month, in a similar initiative to promote partnerships, visits will also be made to all of the Island's seniors clubs as we recognise our dependence on seniors themselves to direct our agency efforts.

It is hoped, that as we develop further, Age Concern will continue to explore these type of partnership opportunities that work to enhance a positive spirit of interdependence between older persons, the people that serve them, and their communities.