Alan Walker
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- May 2015
- ISBN:
- 9781447314660
- eISBN:
- 9781447314691
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447314660.003.0008
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
This chapter examines the contribution of the multi-disciplinary NDA Programme and outlines the new policy approach that is required to accompany the new scientific one advanced in this volume. It ...
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This chapter examines the contribution of the multi-disciplinary NDA Programme and outlines the new policy approach that is required to accompany the new scientific one advanced in this volume. It contends that that activity, in a wide variety of forms, is a key to well-being in later life. In order to highlight the potential of active ageing as a policy paradigm, as well as the risks of misrepresentation it entails, it discusses three parallel developments associated with population ageing. After examining the origins of active ageing, the chapter concludes by arguing that a new, more comprehensive approach to it would promote both citizenship and social inclusion.Less
This chapter examines the contribution of the multi-disciplinary NDA Programme and outlines the new policy approach that is required to accompany the new scientific one advanced in this volume. It contends that that activity, in a wide variety of forms, is a key to well-being in later life. In order to highlight the potential of active ageing as a policy paradigm, as well as the risks of misrepresentation it entails, it discusses three parallel developments associated with population ageing. After examining the origins of active ageing, the chapter concludes by arguing that a new, more comprehensive approach to it would promote both citizenship and social inclusion.
Virpi Timonen
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- January 2017
- ISBN:
- 9781447330172
- eISBN:
- 9781447330219
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447330172.003.0003
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
Just as the successful ageing literature paints a picture of a successfully ageing individual and seeks to understand what constitutes such a person, active ageing language in the realm of policy ...
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Just as the successful ageing literature paints a picture of a successfully ageing individual and seeks to understand what constitutes such a person, active ageing language in the realm of policy construes the ‘model older citizen’ who behaves in ways that policy prescriptions want him or her to behave. There is a connection between scholarly conceptions of successful ageing and active ageing in the policy sphere because the requirements of active ageing rely upon assumptions and behaviours of successful ageing being widespread in the older population, and becoming more widespread over time. The disjuncture between successful ageing and active ageing arises from the fact that policy operates in the absence of any deeper understanding of health, social and economic outcome patterns in the population. Successful ageing is more widespread among some groups than others, first and foremost the higher socioeconomic status groups, who tend to have longer life expectancy, better health, better social connectivity and higher levels of volunteering. Yet the policy prescriptions for dealing with ‘the ageing challenge’ are issued in a blanket manner, concerning all older adults regardless of how long they can expect to live, or what their level of health, social and material capital is.Less
Just as the successful ageing literature paints a picture of a successfully ageing individual and seeks to understand what constitutes such a person, active ageing language in the realm of policy construes the ‘model older citizen’ who behaves in ways that policy prescriptions want him or her to behave. There is a connection between scholarly conceptions of successful ageing and active ageing in the policy sphere because the requirements of active ageing rely upon assumptions and behaviours of successful ageing being widespread in the older population, and becoming more widespread over time. The disjuncture between successful ageing and active ageing arises from the fact that policy operates in the absence of any deeper understanding of health, social and economic outcome patterns in the population. Successful ageing is more widespread among some groups than others, first and foremost the higher socioeconomic status groups, who tend to have longer life expectancy, better health, better social connectivity and higher levels of volunteering. Yet the policy prescriptions for dealing with ‘the ageing challenge’ are issued in a blanket manner, concerning all older adults regardless of how long they can expect to live, or what their level of health, social and material capital is.
Diana Kuh, Marcus Richards, Rachel Cooper, Rebecca Hardy, and Yoav Ben-Shlomo
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199656516
- eISBN:
- 9780191748042
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199656516.003.0001
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
Society views population ageing as a challenge at best, and as a social problem at worst, despite increased life expectancy being a notable human achievement. Population health trends show an ...
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Society views population ageing as a challenge at best, and as a social problem at worst, despite increased life expectancy being a notable human achievement. Population health trends show an inconsistent picture with wide variation between and within countries; thus research evidence that clarifies the state of knowledge and guides interventions to improve healthy ageing is of growing importance. This chapter reviews how healthy ageing is conceptualized, defined, and measured, making the case for a focus on optimizing physical and cognitive capability and wellbeing at the individual level, and the functioning of body systems, organs, and cells. It argues that social and biological factors across life affect the chance of healthy ageing, presenting an integrated life course model of ageing that highlights the importance of physiological compensation and social and behavioural adaptation. Being able to detect early markers of change offers opportunities for timely interventions to optimize function and wellbeing.Less
Society views population ageing as a challenge at best, and as a social problem at worst, despite increased life expectancy being a notable human achievement. Population health trends show an inconsistent picture with wide variation between and within countries; thus research evidence that clarifies the state of knowledge and guides interventions to improve healthy ageing is of growing importance. This chapter reviews how healthy ageing is conceptualized, defined, and measured, making the case for a focus on optimizing physical and cognitive capability and wellbeing at the individual level, and the functioning of body systems, organs, and cells. It argues that social and biological factors across life affect the chance of healthy ageing, presenting an integrated life course model of ageing that highlights the importance of physiological compensation and social and behavioural adaptation. Being able to detect early markers of change offers opportunities for timely interventions to optimize function and wellbeing.
Virpi Timonen
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- January 2017
- ISBN:
- 9781447330172
- eISBN:
- 9781447330219
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447330172.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
This book argues that concepts such as successful, active, positive, healthy and productive ageing - ubiquitous terms in research, marketing and policymaking concerned with older adults – are ...
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This book argues that concepts such as successful, active, positive, healthy and productive ageing - ubiquitous terms in research, marketing and policymaking concerned with older adults – are paradigms that reflect and exacerbate inequalities in older populations. The book presents a new theory to make sense of the popularity of this family of successful and active ageing concepts. Readers are invited to view them through the prism of model ageing – a new social theory that throws light on the causes and consequences of attempts to model ageing as a phenomenon and stage of the life course that is in need of direction, reshaping and control. The term model ageing encapsulates systems of ideation pertaining to the question of ‘how to age in contemporary Western society’: these systems amount to a distinctive and coherent social construction of what it is to live like a model older person in 21st-century welfare states. Model ageing comprises policy ideals, commercial depictions and academic conceptualisations of what model old adults are or ought to be like. The theory of model ageing offers an explanatory account of the origins, mechanics and consequences of this ubiquitous activity of modelling ageing. This is an interpretive theory that seeks to make sense of how later life is socially constructed and moulded in contemporary aged societies.Less
This book argues that concepts such as successful, active, positive, healthy and productive ageing - ubiquitous terms in research, marketing and policymaking concerned with older adults – are paradigms that reflect and exacerbate inequalities in older populations. The book presents a new theory to make sense of the popularity of this family of successful and active ageing concepts. Readers are invited to view them through the prism of model ageing – a new social theory that throws light on the causes and consequences of attempts to model ageing as a phenomenon and stage of the life course that is in need of direction, reshaping and control. The term model ageing encapsulates systems of ideation pertaining to the question of ‘how to age in contemporary Western society’: these systems amount to a distinctive and coherent social construction of what it is to live like a model older person in 21st-century welfare states. Model ageing comprises policy ideals, commercial depictions and academic conceptualisations of what model old adults are or ought to be like. The theory of model ageing offers an explanatory account of the origins, mechanics and consequences of this ubiquitous activity of modelling ageing. This is an interpretive theory that seeks to make sense of how later life is socially constructed and moulded in contemporary aged societies.
Anne Liveng
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9781447316510
- eISBN:
- 9781447316534
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447316510.003.0010
- Subject:
- Social Work, Health and Mental Health
Transformations take place in Danish elder care due to neo-liberal modernization processes which imply a conception of human beings as rational and autonomous while simultaneously increasing the ...
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Transformations take place in Danish elder care due to neo-liberal modernization processes which imply a conception of human beings as rational and autonomous while simultaneously increasing the level of governance and control. Inspired by trends in gerontology, these transformations form a radical change in the understanding of the relation between those in need of support and professionals. The critical questions rise where this leaves older people in need of care, the care workers, and the idea of a welfare state responsible for those who cannot care for themselves. This chapter explores these questions drawing on care ethics and theory of recognition. It presents the new discourse of active ageing and illustrates, through analysis of empirical data from activity centers, how the transformations pose challenges to care workers and are reflected as different logics that collide when they talk about older people and in the daily interactions.Less
Transformations take place in Danish elder care due to neo-liberal modernization processes which imply a conception of human beings as rational and autonomous while simultaneously increasing the level of governance and control. Inspired by trends in gerontology, these transformations form a radical change in the understanding of the relation between those in need of support and professionals. The critical questions rise where this leaves older people in need of care, the care workers, and the idea of a welfare state responsible for those who cannot care for themselves. This chapter explores these questions drawing on care ethics and theory of recognition. It presents the new discourse of active ageing and illustrates, through analysis of empirical data from activity centers, how the transformations pose challenges to care workers and are reflected as different logics that collide when they talk about older people and in the daily interactions.
Lorna Warren and Amanda Clarke
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847422927
- eISBN:
- 9781447304173
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847422927.003.0014
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
This chapter argues that older people experience active ageing in a diversity of ways, both shared and unique, which are not necessarily captured in existing research, showing how active ageing is ...
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This chapter argues that older people experience active ageing in a diversity of ways, both shared and unique, which are not necessarily captured in existing research, showing how active ageing is important to looking ahead beyond retirement, as well as being understood in terms of people's pasts. As illustrated by the various activities they took part in, participants in the study did all they could to enjoy their lives, despite physical and financial problems. The chapter explores the fit between discourses of active ageing in policy and older people's views of possibilities for being and acting. Two strong themes emerged from the interviews: ‘freedom’ and ‘helping others’. Active ageing, as it is thought about by the interviewees, actually depends on a perceived sense of freedom that older people may subsequently choose to use in helping others.Less
This chapter argues that older people experience active ageing in a diversity of ways, both shared and unique, which are not necessarily captured in existing research, showing how active ageing is important to looking ahead beyond retirement, as well as being understood in terms of people's pasts. As illustrated by the various activities they took part in, participants in the study did all they could to enjoy their lives, despite physical and financial problems. The chapter explores the fit between discourses of active ageing in policy and older people's views of possibilities for being and acting. Two strong themes emerged from the interviews: ‘freedom’ and ‘helping others’. Active ageing, as it is thought about by the interviewees, actually depends on a perceived sense of freedom that older people may subsequently choose to use in helping others.
Áine Ní Léime and Sheelah Connolly
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- September 2015
- ISBN:
- 9781447316237
- eISBN:
- 9781447316244
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447316237.003.0004
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
Active ageing is recommended by international policy bodies including the World Health Organisation as a means to tackle the challenges of demographic ageing. This chapter considers active ageing in ...
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Active ageing is recommended by international policy bodies including the World Health Organisation as a means to tackle the challenges of demographic ageing. This chapter considers active ageing in Ireland in a time of austerity, specifically assessing older people’s involvement in social participation, creative activities and volunteering in Ireland. It investigates the motivations for, potential benefits from and barriers to participation in such activities. It discusses how certain groups, (including the oldest old, those with mobility issues and men) may be under-represented in terms of participation. The chapter draws on three mixed methods empirical studies to illuminate the findings. The chapter concludes that while social benefits and an enhanced quality of life are associated with such engagement, governments need to ensure that such programmes are adequately resourced so that all groups of older people may participate and that older people are not overburdened providing services that ought to be provided by the state.Less
Active ageing is recommended by international policy bodies including the World Health Organisation as a means to tackle the challenges of demographic ageing. This chapter considers active ageing in Ireland in a time of austerity, specifically assessing older people’s involvement in social participation, creative activities and volunteering in Ireland. It investigates the motivations for, potential benefits from and barriers to participation in such activities. It discusses how certain groups, (including the oldest old, those with mobility issues and men) may be under-represented in terms of participation. The chapter draws on three mixed methods empirical studies to illuminate the findings. The chapter concludes that while social benefits and an enhanced quality of life are associated with such engagement, governments need to ensure that such programmes are adequately resourced so that all groups of older people may participate and that older people are not overburdened providing services that ought to be provided by the state.
Liz Lloyd
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9781861349194
- eISBN:
- 9781447307600
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781861349194.003.0005
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
In this chapter the idea of primary prevention is explored in relation to policies and practices on healthy ageing. It examines in greater detail the potential of salutogenic perspectives on health ...
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In this chapter the idea of primary prevention is explored in relation to policies and practices on healthy ageing. It examines in greater detail the potential of salutogenic perspectives on health as a way of overcoming negative perceptions of ageing. The frameworks of public health and health promotion are examined. It is argued that a focus on multi-sectoral upstream actions to promote health have largely been replaced by a focus on individual behavioural factors and personal responsibility for health, with particular implications for health in later life. Policies on active ageing are also analysed for their implicit moral message and questions are raised about the global reach of such policies, which have been developed in the context of high-income societies. The idea of salutogenic environments is explored with reference to care and the promotion of older people's health.Less
In this chapter the idea of primary prevention is explored in relation to policies and practices on healthy ageing. It examines in greater detail the potential of salutogenic perspectives on health as a way of overcoming negative perceptions of ageing. The frameworks of public health and health promotion are examined. It is argued that a focus on multi-sectoral upstream actions to promote health have largely been replaced by a focus on individual behavioural factors and personal responsibility for health, with particular implications for health in later life. Policies on active ageing are also analysed for their implicit moral message and questions are raised about the global reach of such policies, which have been developed in the context of high-income societies. The idea of salutogenic environments is explored with reference to care and the promotion of older people's health.
Martin Hyde and Paul Higgs
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- January 2017
- ISBN:
- 9781447322276
- eISBN:
- 9781447322283
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447322276.003.0007
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
This chapter critically maps the global landscapes of the politics of ageing and later life. This is important because any understanding of the relationship between globalization and ageing needs ...
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This chapter critically maps the global landscapes of the politics of ageing and later life. This is important because any understanding of the relationship between globalization and ageing needs also to address the political dimensions that are specific to each polity. Three key emerging epistemic communities around ageing and later life are identified in this chapter. These are 1) the anti-ageing enterprise, 2) the new pension orthodoxy and 3) the active ageing epistemic community. Their existence once again questions the dominance of methodological nationalism in the formulation of both the policies and the cultures of old age. They also challenge the too simplistic notion that globalization is an unstoppable juggernaut with its own deterministic logic. Instead, the chapter reveals that no one spatial logic is dominant, but that in order to be successful these communities must align groups across a wide range of spatialities.Less
This chapter critically maps the global landscapes of the politics of ageing and later life. This is important because any understanding of the relationship between globalization and ageing needs also to address the political dimensions that are specific to each polity. Three key emerging epistemic communities around ageing and later life are identified in this chapter. These are 1) the anti-ageing enterprise, 2) the new pension orthodoxy and 3) the active ageing epistemic community. Their existence once again questions the dominance of methodological nationalism in the formulation of both the policies and the cultures of old age. They also challenge the too simplistic notion that globalization is an unstoppable juggernaut with its own deterministic logic. Instead, the chapter reveals that no one spatial logic is dominant, but that in order to be successful these communities must align groups across a wide range of spatialities.
Andrea Principi, Per H. Jensen, and Giovanni Lamura (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9781447307204
- eISBN:
- 9781447303145
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447307204.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
‘Active ageing’ has become a key phrase in discourses about challenges and remedies for demographic ageing and the enrolment of older adults into voluntary work is an important dimension of it. The ...
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‘Active ageing’ has become a key phrase in discourses about challenges and remedies for demographic ageing and the enrolment of older adults into voluntary work is an important dimension of it. The pattern and factors conditioning volunteering among older people has so far been an under-researched topic in Europe and this is the first book to study volunteering among older people comparatively and comprehensively. In this topical book older people's volunteering is studied comparatively in eight European countries representing different kinds of welfare regimes, at the structural, macro, meso and micro levels. Overall it highlights how different interactions between the levels facilitate or hinder older people's inclusion in voluntary work and makes policy suggestions for an integrated strategy. This book provides important new insights for academics and students interested in ageing societies, active ageing and voluntary work. It will also be of great value for policy makers and practitioner in third sector, older volunteers and voluntary organisations.Less
‘Active ageing’ has become a key phrase in discourses about challenges and remedies for demographic ageing and the enrolment of older adults into voluntary work is an important dimension of it. The pattern and factors conditioning volunteering among older people has so far been an under-researched topic in Europe and this is the first book to study volunteering among older people comparatively and comprehensively. In this topical book older people's volunteering is studied comparatively in eight European countries representing different kinds of welfare regimes, at the structural, macro, meso and micro levels. Overall it highlights how different interactions between the levels facilitate or hinder older people's inclusion in voluntary work and makes policy suggestions for an integrated strategy. This book provides important new insights for academics and students interested in ageing societies, active ageing and voluntary work. It will also be of great value for policy makers and practitioner in third sector, older volunteers and voluntary organisations.
Per H. Jensen and Andrea Principi
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9781447307204
- eISBN:
- 9781447303145
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447307204.003.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
The introductory chapter describes how ideas about active ageing are interlinked with the efforts to promote and sustain volunteering by older people, and the authors present the overall analytical ...
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The introductory chapter describes how ideas about active ageing are interlinked with the efforts to promote and sustain volunteering by older people, and the authors present the overall analytical framework for the whole book. It is argued that voluntary work by seniors is conditioned by factors at the micro, meso, macro and structural levels of society. Central concepts are defined (e.g. what is voluntary work?), and major research questions and the methodology of the book are accounted for.Less
The introductory chapter describes how ideas about active ageing are interlinked with the efforts to promote and sustain volunteering by older people, and the authors present the overall analytical framework for the whole book. It is argued that voluntary work by seniors is conditioned by factors at the micro, meso, macro and structural levels of society. Central concepts are defined (e.g. what is voluntary work?), and major research questions and the methodology of the book are accounted for.
Jane McCann and Tracey Williamson
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781447314721
- eISBN:
- 9781447314745
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447314721.003.0010
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
This chapter discusses the collaborative research project ‘Design for Ageing that brought together stakeholders from academia and industry, to engage with active ageing participants in the co-design ...
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This chapter discusses the collaborative research project ‘Design for Ageing that brought together stakeholders from academia and industry, to engage with active ageing participants in the co-design of smart functional clothing, with wearable electronics. The prime objective was to develop a functional clothing ‘layering system’ for participation in walking comprising; close-fitting body layer garments, with vital signs and activity monitoring, moisture management base layer styles, mid layer insulating garments, with warming devices, and outer layer protection, providing multi-modal user interfaces to facilitate outdoor healthy exercise, social engagement and enhanced well-being. Co-design methodology, new to clothing design, was adopted to help to explain complex terminologies and practices between both academic and industry stakeholders, including technologists in electronics, clothing/textiles, and gerontology. This collaborative research has contributed to training a new breed of cross-disciplinary academic researchers, in tried and tested co-design process with industry practitioners and end-users.Less
This chapter discusses the collaborative research project ‘Design for Ageing that brought together stakeholders from academia and industry, to engage with active ageing participants in the co-design of smart functional clothing, with wearable electronics. The prime objective was to develop a functional clothing ‘layering system’ for participation in walking comprising; close-fitting body layer garments, with vital signs and activity monitoring, moisture management base layer styles, mid layer insulating garments, with warming devices, and outer layer protection, providing multi-modal user interfaces to facilitate outdoor healthy exercise, social engagement and enhanced well-being. Co-design methodology, new to clothing design, was adopted to help to explain complex terminologies and practices between both academic and industry stakeholders, including technologists in electronics, clothing/textiles, and gerontology. This collaborative research has contributed to training a new breed of cross-disciplinary academic researchers, in tried and tested co-design process with industry practitioners and end-users.
Annamaria Simonazzi and Fiorenza Deriu
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- May 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781447301066
- eISBN:
- 9781447311393
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447301066.003.0005
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
Population ageing is both a challenge and an opportunity. A challenge to the various welfare regimes, an opportunity to move towards a more comprehensive, sustainable and integrated life-course ...
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Population ageing is both a challenge and an opportunity. A challenge to the various welfare regimes, an opportunity to move towards a more comprehensive, sustainable and integrated life-course approach to active ageing. Moving from the premise that a high employment rate is the only way to secure long-term sustainability for any welfare system, this chapter focuses on the policy reforms that have been devised and implemented, at both the national and the local level, to increase the employment rate of elderly people, highlighting the possible trade-offs. While attention is paid to the institutional and economic realities of the Southern European countries, the final section will consider the extent to which the results and recommendations drawn from the analysis of the ageing question in the countries of the Northern Rim can provide a guide to policy for the other Mediterranean countries.Less
Population ageing is both a challenge and an opportunity. A challenge to the various welfare regimes, an opportunity to move towards a more comprehensive, sustainable and integrated life-course approach to active ageing. Moving from the premise that a high employment rate is the only way to secure long-term sustainability for any welfare system, this chapter focuses on the policy reforms that have been devised and implemented, at both the national and the local level, to increase the employment rate of elderly people, highlighting the possible trade-offs. While attention is paid to the institutional and economic realities of the Southern European countries, the final section will consider the extent to which the results and recommendations drawn from the analysis of the ageing question in the countries of the Northern Rim can provide a guide to policy for the other Mediterranean countries.
Kathrin Komp and Patrik Marier
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- September 2015
- ISBN:
- 9781447310716
- eISBN:
- 9781447310730
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447310716.003.0013
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
Due to population ageing, old age policies have gained increasing attention over the last few decades. For example, many countries reformed their pension systems and their long-term care regulations ...
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Due to population ageing, old age policies have gained increasing attention over the last few decades. For example, many countries reformed their pension systems and their long-term care regulations to counter the increasing number of frail older people. However, researchers underline that policies dealing with population ageing cannot focus on older people alone. Instead, they need to account for life-course effects and, therefore, tackle the situation of individuals of all ages. This chapter discusses how policy-makers can utilize life-course effects in old age policies. It explains the potential and the pitfalls of such a step, using Canada as an example. Canada is trying to prepare for population ageing through e.g. by promoting ‘Active Ageing’ and ‘Age-Friendly Communities’, which this chapter describes.Less
Due to population ageing, old age policies have gained increasing attention over the last few decades. For example, many countries reformed their pension systems and their long-term care regulations to counter the increasing number of frail older people. However, researchers underline that policies dealing with population ageing cannot focus on older people alone. Instead, they need to account for life-course effects and, therefore, tackle the situation of individuals of all ages. This chapter discusses how policy-makers can utilize life-course effects in old age policies. It explains the potential and the pitfalls of such a step, using Canada as an example. Canada is trying to prepare for population ageing through e.g. by promoting ‘Active Ageing’ and ‘Age-Friendly Communities’, which this chapter describes.
Samuèle Rémillard-Boilard
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781447331315
- eISBN:
- 9781447331339
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447331315.003.0002
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
Chapter 2 provides an overview of the contributing factors which have led to the development of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC). It focuses on the influence of the World Health ...
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Chapter 2 provides an overview of the contributing factors which have led to the development of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC). It focuses on the influence of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) AFCC model, and explores a number of issues associated with the implementation of age-friendly policies and initiatives. The chapter further locates discussions about AFCC in the context of theoretical debates within environmental gerontology, emphasising the importance of such perspectives and related disciplines in advancing knowledge about ‘what works’ in respect of age-friendly interventions.Less
Chapter 2 provides an overview of the contributing factors which have led to the development of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC). It focuses on the influence of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) AFCC model, and explores a number of issues associated with the implementation of age-friendly policies and initiatives. The chapter further locates discussions about AFCC in the context of theoretical debates within environmental gerontology, emphasising the importance of such perspectives and related disciplines in advancing knowledge about ‘what works’ in respect of age-friendly interventions.
Tony Maltby
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847428080
- eISBN:
- 9781447305637
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847428080.003.0010
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility
Recently, the UK government began placing an emphasis upon how good health and work interact. This is being led by the Health, Work and Well-Being Unit, which has adopted a single-minded and ...
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Recently, the UK government began placing an emphasis upon how good health and work interact. This is being led by the Health, Work and Well-Being Unit, which has adopted a single-minded and non-integrated approach based upon health-centred solutions. This chapter presents and discusses a broad, holistic approach, implemented first in Finland from the 1980s, for the management and improvement of the quality of work and individual working lives. It offers a critical appraisal of the approach and its applicability to the UK polity within an active ageing paradigm.Less
Recently, the UK government began placing an emphasis upon how good health and work interact. This is being led by the Health, Work and Well-Being Unit, which has adopted a single-minded and non-integrated approach based upon health-centred solutions. This chapter presents and discusses a broad, holistic approach, implemented first in Finland from the 1980s, for the management and improvement of the quality of work and individual working lives. It offers a critical appraisal of the approach and its applicability to the UK polity within an active ageing paradigm.
Sara Arber, Susan Venn, and Ingrid Eyers
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- January 2019
- ISBN:
- 9781447314783
- eISBN:
- 9781447314806
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447314783.003.0002
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
This chapter discusses how the sleep of older people is linked to issues of autonomy and active ageing. For older people living in the community, this chapter demonstrates how the strategic use of ...
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This chapter discusses how the sleep of older people is linked to issues of autonomy and active ageing. For older people living in the community, this chapter demonstrates how the strategic use of napping is related to the goal of active ageing, discusses the reluctance of older people to take prescribed sleeping medication, and examines how care-giving can adversely affect the sleep of older people. For older people living in care homes, care home routines, staffing levels at night and night-time monitoring by staff can compromise the sleep of care home residents, which has implications for their daytime functioning. This chapter argues that poor sleep is often ignored by both the medical profession and by the general public, yet is fundamental in terms of optimising health and well-being in later life, and enabling older people to achieve independent and active lives.Less
This chapter discusses how the sleep of older people is linked to issues of autonomy and active ageing. For older people living in the community, this chapter demonstrates how the strategic use of napping is related to the goal of active ageing, discusses the reluctance of older people to take prescribed sleeping medication, and examines how care-giving can adversely affect the sleep of older people. For older people living in care homes, care home routines, staffing levels at night and night-time monitoring by staff can compromise the sleep of care home residents, which has implications for their daytime functioning. This chapter argues that poor sleep is often ignored by both the medical profession and by the general public, yet is fundamental in terms of optimising health and well-being in later life, and enabling older people to achieve independent and active lives.
Joseph Troisi
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- May 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781447301066
- eISBN:
- 9781447311393
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447301066.003.0013
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
In the past, the Maltese government, was more preoccupied with meeting the ‘humanitarian’ issues of the process of active ageing, directing their programmes towards ‘protecting’ the older persons. ...
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In the past, the Maltese government, was more preoccupied with meeting the ‘humanitarian’ issues of the process of active ageing, directing their programmes towards ‘protecting’ the older persons. Hardly any emphasis was put on development aspect how to ‘socialise’ the growing population of older persons. Such a strategy resulted in emarginating the older persons from society. The need was felt to break the policy of segregation of older persons and replacing it with a strategy of to participate in society to the greatest extent possible. Guided by the awareness that the family environment is the one best suited to the life style of older persons, the Maltese government has given rise to various policies and programmes to supplement family support to the growing elderly population so as to enable the older persons to remain within their family environment for as long as possible. This paper analyses the effects and implications of the radical change in the Maltese government’s policy from the Institutionalisation to Community Care.Less
In the past, the Maltese government, was more preoccupied with meeting the ‘humanitarian’ issues of the process of active ageing, directing their programmes towards ‘protecting’ the older persons. Hardly any emphasis was put on development aspect how to ‘socialise’ the growing population of older persons. Such a strategy resulted in emarginating the older persons from society. The need was felt to break the policy of segregation of older persons and replacing it with a strategy of to participate in society to the greatest extent possible. Guided by the awareness that the family environment is the one best suited to the life style of older persons, the Maltese government has given rise to various policies and programmes to supplement family support to the growing elderly population so as to enable the older persons to remain within their family environment for as long as possible. This paper analyses the effects and implications of the radical change in the Maltese government’s policy from the Institutionalisation to Community Care.
Hans-Joachim von Kondratowitz
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847422927
- eISBN:
- 9781447304173
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847422927.003.0007
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
There are different ways of regarding the phenomenon of ageing and people should be conscious of them. This chapter identifies the process of an increasing generalisation of normative standards for ...
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There are different ways of regarding the phenomenon of ageing and people should be conscious of them. This chapter identifies the process of an increasing generalisation of normative standards for old age by, at the same time, pointing to the coexistence of habits, values, attitudes, and arguments that had their origin in pre-modern times but are now given a new societal frame. Since the main emphasis will relate to adult and older life stages, it is essential to complement this study by a thorough analysis of the other phases of life and their dynamics. Today, the emergence of new normative frameworks such as ‘successful ageing’ and an increasing weight of ‘active ageing’ brings new questions to be set in comparison to long-term changes discussed in this chapter.Less
There are different ways of regarding the phenomenon of ageing and people should be conscious of them. This chapter identifies the process of an increasing generalisation of normative standards for old age by, at the same time, pointing to the coexistence of habits, values, attitudes, and arguments that had their origin in pre-modern times but are now given a new societal frame. Since the main emphasis will relate to adult and older life stages, it is essential to complement this study by a thorough analysis of the other phases of life and their dynamics. Today, the emergence of new normative frameworks such as ‘successful ageing’ and an increasing weight of ‘active ageing’ brings new questions to be set in comparison to long-term changes discussed in this chapter.
Marielle Poussou-Plesse, Elena Mascova, and Mélissa Petit
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- January 2015
- ISBN:
- 9781447307204
- eISBN:
- 9781447303145
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447307204.003.0007
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
This chapter examines the volunteering of older people in France in a context of an evolving welfare state and non profit sector. It explains why public policies aiming at promoting the active ageing ...
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This chapter examines the volunteering of older people in France in a context of an evolving welfare state and non profit sector. It explains why public policies aiming at promoting the active ageing have not led more baby-boomers to become involved in volunteer work. Poor public recognition of social utility of senior volunteering and its possible causes are discussed in this chapter in a historical perspective linking employment and retirement policies developments. It concludes by pointing out alternative ways to address the gap between public policies focusing on a productive utility of volunteering, organisational challenges that non profits are facing, and the real nature of volunteers' commitment to non-profits.Less
This chapter examines the volunteering of older people in France in a context of an evolving welfare state and non profit sector. It explains why public policies aiming at promoting the active ageing have not led more baby-boomers to become involved in volunteer work. Poor public recognition of social utility of senior volunteering and its possible causes are discussed in this chapter in a historical perspective linking employment and retirement policies developments. It concludes by pointing out alternative ways to address the gap between public policies focusing on a productive utility of volunteering, organisational challenges that non profits are facing, and the real nature of volunteers' commitment to non-profits.
