Abstract
<jats:p>Human needs are one of the most important concepts on which social work is based. However, this concept is increasingly being questioned, as is the extent to which the needs of the elderly are specific. This paper begins by problematising human needs and then moves on to explore the conceptual foundations. The main part of the paper focuses on the concepts of human needs as presented by Marx, Marcuse and Fromm. This is followed by a presentation of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs from the perspective of (potential) dehumanisation in old age. The connection between social work and human needs is presented through Charlotte Toul’s concept. The paper also deals with the realization of the elderly’s needs within their families and in parts of the social welfare system where social work is practised. This is followed by the analysis of the failure to meet needs, learned helplessness, and consequent frustration among the elderly. The conclusion of this paper presents a chreilogical approach to the needs of the elderly in social work as an alternative to existing practices in our country.</jats:p>