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Copyright of Lifelong Learning / Celoživotní Vzdělávání is the property of Institute of Lifelong Learning and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Disengagement from outdoor recreation may diminish the positive benefits on health and well-being in old age. The purpose of this study is to present a contextual, theoretical, and empirical rationale for an intervention, aiming to promote continued engagement in outdoor recreation for older adults in a Swedish context.Methods: The paper includes a contextualization of outdoor recreation in Sweden, a presentation of evidence on health benefits related to engagement in outdoor recreation, together with theoretical frameworks that may guide future intervention designs. To add empirical knowledge, a mixed methods approach was applied, including an empirical data collection based on a quantitative survey (n = 266) and individual semi-structured interviews with older adults (n = 12). Survey data were presented with descriptive statistics. Associations between disengagement from previously performed activities and age and gender was analyzed with Chi2 tests. Transcripts and handwritten notes from the interviews were analyzed qualitatively to identify key themes, as well as patterns and disparities among respondents.Results: Outdoor recreation was rated as important/very important by 90% of respondents of the survey. The interviews highlighted that engagement in outdoor recreation aided respondents to keep fit but had also relevance in terms of identity, experiences, and daily routines. Outdoor recreation close to the place of residence was most common and walking was the most frequently reported activity. While 80% considered their health to be good/very good, disability and long-term diseases were common and during the previous year, more than half of all respondents had disengaged from activities previously performed. Reasons for disengagement were mainly related to health decline or that activities were too demanding but also due to social loss. The interviews indicated that continued engagement was important but challenging, and that disengagement could be considered as a loss or accepted due to changing circumstances.Conclusions: In the design of an intervention aiming to promote engagement in outdoor recreation for older adults, the following features are proposed to be considered: person-centeredness, promoting functioning, addressing self-ageism, providing environmental support, promoting subjective mobility needs and adaptation to find new ways to engage in outdoor recreation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key issue in policy debates on active ageing is how to increase older people's participation in both paid and unpaid work. This combined goal raises the question of whether the different activities compete for seniors' time and energy or whether it is possible to achieve both, since such activities may instead complement one another. To address this issue, we examine associations between paid work, informal help provision and formal volunteering among 62- to 75-year-olds by using longitudinal data from the Norwegian Life Course, Ageing and Generation Study (2007, 2017). Our analyses show that both work exit and part-time work are associated with a higher probability of doing unpaid work in senior years compared with full-time work. However, previous engagement in unpaid activities matters considerably, regardless of paid work status. Individuals involved in informal help or formal voluntary work in 2007 were far more likely to do unpaid work 10 years later than those who were not involved. Since seniors who are already engaged in unpaid activities before leaving the labour market are likely to continue to provide informal help and volunteer, we argue that initiatives to stimulate combinations of paid and unpaid work in late careers may be advantageous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Trakya University, Economics & Administrative Sciences Faculty E-Journal / Trakya Üniversitesi İktisadi ve İdari Bilimler Fakültesi E-dergi is the property of T.C. Trakya Universitesi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Background Despite the promising evidence of health-promoting and preventive interventions for maintaining health among older people, not all interventions can be implemented due to limited resources. Due to the variation of content in the interventions and the breadth of outcomes used to evaluate effects in such interventions, comparisons are difficult and the choice of which interventions to implement is challenging. Therefore, more information, beyond effects, is needed to guide decision-makers. The aim of this review was to investigate, to what degree factors important for decision-making have been reported in the existing health-promoting and preventive interventions literature for community-dwelling older people in the Nordic countries. Methods This review was guided by the PRISMA-ScR checklist (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews), the methodological steps for scoping reviews described in the Arksey and O′Malley’s framework, and the Medical Research Council’s (MRC) guidance on complex interventions. Eligible studies for inclusion were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) concerning health promotion or primary prevention for community-dwelling older people implemented in the Nordic countries. Additionally, all included RCTs were searched for related papers that were reporting on additional factors. Eligible studies were searched in seven databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Academic Search Elite, PsycINFO, SocINDEX, and SPORTDiscus. Results Eighty-two studies met the inclusion criteria (twenty-seven unique studies and fifty-five related studies). Twelve studies focused on fall prevention, eleven had a health-promoting approach, and four studies focused on preventing disability. All interventions, besides one, reported positive effects on at least one health outcome. Three studies reported data on cost-effectiveness, three on experiences of participants and two conducted feasibility studies. Only one intervention, reported information on all seven factors. Conclusions All identified studies on health-promoting and preventive interventions for older people evaluated in the Nordic countries report positive effects although the magnitude of effects and number of follow-ups differed substantially. Overall, there was a general lack of studies on feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and experiences of participants, thus, limiting the basis for decision making. Considering all reported factors, promising candidates to be recommended for implementation in a Nordic municipality context are ‘Senior meetings’, ‘preventive home visits’ and ‘exercise interventions’ on its own or combined with other components.

Background: Service centres for older persons were set up in South Africa to implement programmes relating to the six determinants of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) active ageing framework. The framework highlights the value of being physically active to prevent functional decline. Objective: Our aim was to explore the characteristics of these centres and their members in the Eastern Cape province. Method: An exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional design was utilised to explore the characteristics of 25 centres and the profiles of their managers and 275 members of these centres. Results: The managers had no formal training. Health and social care system requirements were important in the province, but access to healthcare services was minimal, and managers were concerned about the physical environment. Over 50% of the centres provided meals (72%), social support services (60%), dance and aerobics (56%), blood glucose testing (52%) and guardianship for members without families (52%). The members reported multiple morbidities, including hypertension (59%), diabetes (16%) and arthritis (10.5%). Few members used tobacco (n = 20) and alcohol (n = 27), but most (n = 213) were afraid of falling although they went about their daily activities with minimal difficulties. Members were satisfied with their lives (n = 231). Conclusion: The centres provided platforms to enable the fulfilment of some of the goals of the WHO’s active-ageing framework, but a comprehensive exploration of the centres and the members is needed. Clinical implications: Physiotherapy, as part of interdisciplinary intervention, will promote the physical health of the members of the centres.

The world’s population is rapidly ageing, which places a heavy burden on traditional healthcare systems with increased economic and social costs. Technology can assist in the implementation of strategies that enable active and independent ageing by promoting and motivating health-related behaviours, monitoring, and collecting data on daily life for assessment and for aiding in independent living. ICT (Information and Communication Technology) tools can help prevent cognitive and physical decline and social isolation, and enable elderly people to live independently. In this paper, we introduced a comprehensive tool for guiding seniors along the designed urban health paths employing urban architecture as an impulse to perform physical and cognitive exercises. The behaviour of seniors is monitored during their activities using wearable sensors and mobile application. We distinguished three types of data recipients (seniors, path/exercise designers, and the public), for whom we proposed methods of analysing the obtained data and examples of their use. In this work, a wide range of diverse information was examined from which short- and long-term patterns can be drawn. We have also shown that by fusing sensory data and data from mobile applications, we can give context to sensory data, thanks to which we can formulate more insightful assessments of seniors’ behaviour.

Abstract Background Due to the progressive aging of the population, programs to promote active aging have been recommended. However, older adults have difficulty accessing them. Interventions administered through online video games may increase their accessibility, and complementing these with a smartphone app will likely increase adherence and allow for ongoing professional monitoring. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral intervention for active aging administered through an online interactive multimedia video game that includes a smartphone app companion. The secondary objectives are to analyze the moderators and mediators of the change in the outcome variables and to evaluate the adherence to the intervention. Methods/design A randomized controlled clinical trial will be conducted. Adults 45 years and older will be randomly assigned to a cognitive-behavioral intervention administered through an online multimedia video game that includes a smartphone app companion or to a control group that will receive online information on active aging (274 participants per group). The intervention will be administered in eight weekly 45-min modules. An investigator-blinded evaluation will be conducted using online self-administered tests at baseline, post-intervention, and 6- and 12-month follow-ups. The primary outcome will be mental health status as evaluated using the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) at post-intervention. Secondary outcomes will be emotional well-being, depressive symptoms, reinforcement, negative thoughts, self-reported memory, cognitive task performance, sleep hygiene behaviors, physical activity, eating habits, body mass index, social support, dropout, treatment adherence, and satisfaction with the intervention. Discussion If the results are favorable, this study would involve the development of the first evidence-based active aging promotion intervention based on a video game that includes a smartphone app companion, providing evidence on its efficacy, accessibility, and clinical utility. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03643237. Registered 27 August 2018.

Background: Fostering social participation for active and healthy ageing among older adults is an urgent issue in a changing society that requires new approaches from occupational therapists as well as from society at large., Aim: To explore possibilities to foster social participation for older adults in society from the perspective of stakeholders., Material and Methods: A qualitative design was applied. 18 key informants, engaged in supporting older adults in their organisational roles as either professionals or volunteers, participated in five different focus groups discussions., Results: The results involved two overarching themes that reflects different perspectives on key informants' possibilities to foster social participation for older adults. The first theme describes how they direct their attention towards their roles within the organisations to foster social participation in their own context. The second theme describes the broader societal perspectives that they address to establish a common ground for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among different stakeholders., Conclusions: The findings emphasise how addressing common challenges and developing collaboration are essential to foster older adults' social participation. It is therefore necessary to involve policy-makers and decision-makers. Occupational therapists and researchers should consider the value of occupational justice to drive collective and social approaches.

Social participation amongst older adults is considered generally beneficial and is supported by active ageing policies in Europe. However, efforts to increase the quality of life and enhance the ageing experience may have the unintended consequence of increasing later life inequalities. This study uses six waves from SHARE to illustrate how social participation develops over time and how it is structured by education, financial situation and health status in the context of five European welfare regimes. The level of participation slightly increases over time for the population 55+, whilst the inequalities in access to these activities and their outcomes remain stable. Therefore, support of these activities does not strengthen or reduce inequalities amongst older adults – it may rather legitimise the inequalities in its emphasis on individual responsibilities. These findings suggest that the active ageing approach needs to become more context-sensitive or replaced by other social policy approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally people are living longer and many older people have the inclination and opportunity to participate in informal and formal activities that are engaging, exciting, entertaining and fun: 'particip-action'. Music-making in various manifestations promotes empowering and participatory engagement opportunities for seniors. Some may use such activity to improve the quality of life of people in increasingly large circles around them, thereby extending empowerment to previously disadvantaged groups in society and making more productive use of their new-found leisure. This research concerns artistic senior citizenship, a newly coined term describing a focused extension of the well-known, more general, artistic citizenship. Its manifestation and applicability in the context of (semi-)retirees' activities, particularly musical activities, is explored and the conceptual framework provided for investigations of defined groups of seniors. It may also serve as an introductory guideline for those seeking to involve the seniors cadre in civic support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older adults are the most sedentary age group, with sedentary behaviour having negative health-related consequences. There is currently limited understanding of how older adults view sedentary behaviour. This study investigated older adults' understanding of the concept of sedentary behaviour. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 community-dwelling older adults in urban North-West England, selected to be diverse in socio-economic background and activity levels. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted. Participants often construed sedentary behaviour as synonymous with a lack of physical activity, and many perceived reducing sedentary behaviour and increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity to be the same thing. Participants perceived the term 'sedentary' to have negative connotations and were often judgemental of people who engaged in high levels of sedentary behaviour. Most participants considered reducing sedentary behaviour to be of value, though more active individuals were unconvinced that reducing sedentary behaviour has value beyond the benefits of being physically active. Interventions may wish to provide education to address the misconception that increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is necessary in order to reduce sedentary behaviour. Educating older adults on the independent health consequences of sedentary behaviour may also prove beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Definition: Age-friendly built environments have been promoted by the World Health Organisation (WHO, Geneva, Switzerland) under the Global Age-friendly Cities (AFC) movement in which three domains are related to the built environment. These are: housing, transportation, outdoor spaces and public buildings. The aim is to foster active ageing by optimising opportunities for older adults to maximise their independent living ability and participate in their communities to enhance their quality of life and wellbeing. An age-friendly built environment is inclusive, accessible, respects individual needs and addresses the wide range of capacities across the course of life. Agefriendly housing promotes ageing in familiar surroundings and maintains social connections at the neighbourhood and community levels. Both age-friendly housing and buildings provide barrier-free provisions to minimise the needs for subsequent adaptations. Age-friendly public and outdoor spaces encourage older adults to spend time outside and engage with others against isolation and loneliness. Age-friendly public transport enables older adults to get around and enhances their mobility. For achieving an age-friendly living environment, a holistic approach is required to enable independent living, inclusion and active participation of older adults in society. The eight domains of the AFC movement are not mutually exclusive but overlap and support with one another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the complex relationships between immigration, volunteering, and life-long learning among older adults. It investigated adult teaching and learning and active ageing from the perspective of immigrant volunteer instructors of English as additional language. Using a grounded theory method (GTM), comprising a combination of narrative and participatory approaches, we investigated the context, motivation, experiences, and effects of two Chinese immigrant volunteers teaching English in Chinese communities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Canada. We aimed to understand the complex mechanisms and implications of adult teaching and learning as part of active ageing. Findings demonstrated that the policy model of active ageing as defined by the World Health Organization was reflected in lay views and actions. Immigrant volunteers participated in active ageing by teaching English. They also promoted active ageing among their learners. The volunteers' bottom-up approach, with its innovative self-designed curriculum and learner-centred pedagogy, seemed to meet the practical needs of their learners, while promoting their active ageing in key areas of health, security, integration, and participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The higher performance level of master athletes compared to non-athletes is often associated with better health throughout life. However, even the physical performance of master athletes declines with age, and this decline accelerates from about the age of 70 years onwards. A progressive loss of muscle mass, declines in force- and power-generating capacity, decreased flexibility, and the concomitant decline in specific tension characterize the muscular changes underlying performance declines. In the cardiovascular system, declines in stroke volume and cardiac output, and cardiac and vascular stiffness contribute to decreasing performance. Recent studies have shown that long-term endurance exercise in master athletes does not only have positive effects, but is associated with an increased incidence of atrial fibrillation, atherosclerotic plaques, and aortic dilation, and even more so in men than in women. Recently, larger longitudinal datasets were analysed and showed that the age-related decline in performance was similar in longitudinal and cross-sectional data. In conclusion, regular physical activity enhances the exercise capacity, and hence quality of life in old age, but it is not without risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of E-balonmano.com: Journal of Sports Science / Revista de Ciencias del Deporte is the property of Federacion Extremena de Balonmano and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper discusses the potential that coping with ageing experiences in later life might have for dealing with the current Covid-19-pandemic. The paper is based on the results of a qualitative study on subjective ageing experiences and the respective coping strategies of older people. The study is based on subject-obnderlying social structures. (e.g. BMBF, 2010). A qualitative research design was developed using the method of group discussions. The data gathered in these discussions were evaluated based on the approach of grounded theory. The results of this study are discussed regarding the ways in which the coping strategies of the participants revealed the specific abilities of older people to manage crisis experiences. The findings offer new perspectives on improving current images of ageing.

Introduction: Men had a higher life expectancy than women until 2000 in Bangladesh. After 2000, statistics showed that women had a higher life expectancy than men. We aimed to address whether higher life expectancy is a gain or burden (Failures of Success) for older women. Methods: We utilised data from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey-2011, Health and Morbidity Status Survey-2014, Population and Housing Census-2011, Household Income and Expenditure Survey-2010, and primary data. We calculated and estimated gender-specific different aspects of quality of life. Findings: Findings showed that the mean age at marriage was 5.8 years lower for women, while life expectancy was three years higher than men; thus, women were expected to live for 8.8 years alone. Both disabilities and morbidities were higher among women than men; hence they had lower healthy life expectancy. About 53% of women could work daily activities while 8% higher for men. Only 2.4% of women earned while almost 58% for men. Depression and loneliness were also higher among women than men. The value of the active ageing index and quality of life were also lower for women than men. Conclusion: This study overall found that there were the Failures of Success especially for older women in Bangladesh, as increasing life expectancies led them to extra years of chronic illness, economic insolvency, more anxiety and depression, and increasing misery. Therefore, sex and gender and their inherent differences should inform decision making to promote gender equity in health. The government and policymakers may intervene for quality of life, especially for women, through reducing gender stereotypes and increasing community engagement. Without considering the quality of life, healthy ageing cannot be ensured.

BACKGROUND: Recent research deals with the effects of employment/self-employment of elderly on mental and physical health. However, the rising group of "old-old", aged 75 and above, is almost missing in this research. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze psychological well-being, cognitive abilities and physical health of employed/self-employed and retired Europeans aged 75 and above ("old-old"). METHODS: We used data recently collected by Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Our final sample consisted of N = 9,884, 57.69%were female. Employed or self-employed (vs. retired) rate was 30.20%for male and 28.88%for female. Mean age of the sample was 81.07 (SD = 4.90). RESULTS: Employed/self-employed "old-old" showed significant better psychological well-being, cognitive abilities and physical health than their retired counterparts. Age of the groups did not differ. Further analysis indicated the close connection between physical health (i.e. chronic diseases, negative self-perceived health, physical inactivity and ADL number of limitations) and employment/self-employment status. CONCLUSIONS: Against the background of continuity theory of ageing future research has to focus on the growing group of "old-old" still working. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Europe, life expectancy and the number of healthy life years increase, while a population decline is expected in the long run; in 2070, the European population will account for under 4% of the world's population. The von der Leyen Commission has included the demographic change, which has linked to the idea of democratic change, among the policy priorities for the institutional cycle 2019-2024. The Green Paper on Ageing «Fostering solidarity and responsibility between generations» was published on the 27th January 2021; it launches a 12-week public consultation on the policy responses to this public problem, which was comprehensively defined. The ageing policy of the EU will be also under discussion at the upcoming Conference on the future of Europe, among other arenas. This piece examines some aspects of the ageing of the population that are currently object of public debate in the EU, largely due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active aging is a comprehensive and subjective concept that depends on an individuals' personal experiences. The theory of gerotranscendence focuses on seniors and the aging process. This process would be of great value in dealing with the challenges that come in that period of life. The authors conducted this study to explore the lived experience of gerotranscendence and active aging among seniors. Following a directed content analysis procedure, we conduct semi-structured individual interviews with 39 community-dwelling seniors from the age of 60 including both genders living in Isfahan selected by purposeful sampling. Data collection and analysis were concurrent. The reliability of data was fulfilled by following Lincoln and Guba criteria. We stopped data collection when no new concept was added and data saturation was achieved. Based on the experience of elders, we identified three categories: 1) Self-transcendence, 2) Social transcendence, and 3) Cosmic level. These portrayed gerotranscendence as a continuous process confronting age-related change. The finding suggests that gerotranscendence was introduced as a dynamic process that occurred simultaneously with active aging accompanying the journey of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Esely: Journal of Social Policy is the property of Hilscher Rezso Alapitvany and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper reworks the notion of active ageing through analysis of a case which reverses the retirement-migration nexus – people in the post-socialist realm who approach retirement age and then migrate to begin a new working life. They are thereby introducing a new and complex arrangement to the general concept of 'international retirement migration'. In the post-socialist world, new retirement migration frontiers emerge in the context of a severe weakening of welfare systems. I illustrate this case with data from long-term research with ageing Latvian migrant women to the United Kingdom and the Nordic countries. Even those whose old-age pensions are more or less adequate nevertheless seek temporary employment and new cultural experiences abroad. However, the dominant trend has been towards the pauperisation of older parents and those approaching retirement age due to the significant decline in state welfare. This case of many older-age Latvians who de facto cannot retire due to low disposable income reveals 'reverse frontiers of retirement': working as long as they can, pushing their personal geographical frontiers outward by emigrating for work and making national frontiers more porous through transnational practices. Conceptually and geographically, the research holds relevance for a wider discussion of trends and contextual factors in other post-Soviet and post-socialist countries with increasing diversities among retirees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the general framework of 'lifestyle migration', the paper explores three materialities associated with the arrival and settlement of British, German and Dutch later-life migrants in the Italian region of Marche, a relatively new 'frontier' region for international retirement migration. The first is about the aesthetics of landscape and the scenic and emotional qualities of the physical and social environment. The second concerns 'home', where we examine house types, property location and home-making practices in terms of 'authenticity', material objects and the cultivation of land for productive purposes. The paper's third thematic focus is on consumption patterns. Most of the 69 participants interviewed for this study hanker after what they perceive as a simpler, more genuine way of life, in tune with the surrounding mixed-farming agricultural environment and distinct from other regions where tourism has taken hold. Many grow their own produce, including some who have small vineyards and olive groves. They enjoy shopping in local markets, eating out in inexpensive local hostelries, visiting museums and cultural festivals, and exploring the many pretty villages and historic towns of the region. The participants embody later-life migration as 'active ageing', but those who are older and/or frailer must consider, often reluctantly, the reality of a less-active and more isolated life in the Italian countryside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article extends notions of 'active' and 'successful' ageing by exploring the narratives of ageing in the retirement migration of Canadian and American older adults in Cuenca, Ecuador. The article is based on 83 semi-structured qualitative interviews (11 of which are follow-up interviews), most conducted in the first half of the 2010s. I explore how notions of finite time and imaginaries of a fourth age of decline and death inform the migration decisions and imaginaries of Canadian and American retirement migrants. I argue that their desire to seek self-expansive, new experiences through migration and contact with cultural difference dialogues with an increasingly competitive neoliberal culture of ageing, that emphasises success through activity, youthfulness and consumption. While there are certainly other ideals that help inform North American migration to Ecuador, I argue that these particular ideals illustrate how discourses of 'active ageing' have been taken up 'from below', by ageing North American adults, many of whom identify with the aspirations of policy and corporate discourses of activity and success, but who find themselves ageing into material conditions that preclude them. Migration to a lower-cost country, like Ecuador, helps them to experience these aspirations more positively, but may have uneven effects on lower-income workers and their ability to remain in place in the communities marketed for this type of migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the potential that coping with ageing experiences in later life might have for dealing with the current Covid-19-pandemic. The paper is based on the results of a qualitative study on subjective ageing experiences and the respective coping strategies of older people. The study is based on subject-obnderlying social structures. (e.g. BMBF, 2010). A qualitative research design was developed using the method of group discussions. The data gathered in these discussions were evaluated based on the approach of grounded theory. The results of this study are discussed regarding the ways in which the coping strategies of the participants revealed the specific abilities of older people to manage crisis experiences. The findings offer new perspectives on improving current images of ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The UK population is predicted to grow from 65 m in 2015 to 71 m in 2030 and 75 m in 2040, with the number aged 65-plus rising to 18 m. Successive governments have been reluctant to increase taxes but this looks increasingly unsustainable, if the increasing demand for health and social care is to be met. Increasing state pension age is the customary response for keeping pension contributions and benefits in balance in Pay As You Go (PAYG systems). However, this policy raises concerns about the capability of people to work to ever higher pension ages. Using newly available labour market data on health and disability, the paper finds limits to how far pension age can be increased without necessary health improvements. If improvements were forthcoming, planned pension age rises could be postponed. However, inequalities in healthy life expectancy across the UK are a major barrier to its achievement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contesting previous deficit-oriented models of ageing by focusing on the resources and potential of older people, concepts of ‘successful’, ‘productive’, and ‘active ageing’ permeate social policy discourses and agendas in ageing societies. They not only represent descriptive categories capturing the changing realities of later phases of life, but also involve positive visions and prescriptive claims regarding old age. However, the evaluative and normative content of these visions and claims is hardly ever explicitly acknowledged, let alone theoretically discussed and justified. Therefore, such conceptions of ‘ageing well’ have been criticised for promoting biased policies that privilege or simply impose particular practices and lifestyles. This appears problematic as it can obstruct or even effectively foreclose equal chances of leading a good life at old age. Against this backdrop, our contribution aims to discuss current conceptions of active ageing from an ethical point of view. Starting from an analysis of policy discourses and their critique, we first examine the moral implications of prominent conceptions of active ageing, focusing on evaluative and normative premises. By employing philosophical approaches, we analyse these premises in light of a eudemonistic ethics of good life at old age and detect fixations, shortcomings, and blind spots. Finally, we discuss consequences for ethically informed active ageing research and policies, highlighting the interrelations between one-sided ideals of ageing well and social discrimination and exclusion.

In its promotion of “active ageing” through Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC) and the Global Network on AgeFriendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC), the World Health Organization has developed a vision of ageing that links socio-spatial environments to personal lifestyles and community support. Approaching age-friendly environments from a “doing” perspective shifts our focus from such ideals to social practices, materialisations, and representations produced. Regularly referred to in AFCC discourse, public benches offer a great illustration for such materialisations. This article asks: what do benches tell us about the way ageing is framed and shaped in the AFCC discourse? How do benches themselves exhibit agency in it? Theoretically based on Lefebvrian social theory and critical gerontology, our reflexive article explores promotional/policy documents supporting AFCC worldwide, “good practices” shared by GNAFCC, and a series of European field observations around AFCC and benches and, finally, personal observations of ageing in public space around benches. Drawing on the Lefebvrian differentiation between representational benches, representations of benches, and social practices of benches, we show how benches can be considered as a socio-technical “assemblage” able to: 1) forge ambivalent representations and solutions for “active ageing” in public space, 2) illustrate, beyond the symbolic of space, the symbolic difficulties of “real” participative and multi-stakeholders governance promoted through “age-friendliness”, and 3) explore everyday life practices of “spatial expulsion” of “ageing in public space” for older adults. In conclusion, we suggest a major shift for the AFCC program by finding inspiration in African practices of “ageing in public space”.

Societies in Europe and around the world are facing an unprecedented ageing of the population. This situation raises policy questions regarding how to ensure the inclusion of older adults so that they can enjoy full human rights in all domains of life. Ageism compromises human flourishing and represents a social justice issue. A solution is connecting the need for lifelong learning with intergenerational programs (IGPs), which promote inclusion, active citizenship and personal development. This concept is only partially understood, both at the policy and practice levels. To address this issue, an Italy – United States collaboration was formed to test an empowerment-based model, called “Building a Community Legacy Together” (BCLT), that creates environments for co-learning between older people and youth. Through this case study we argue that to support projects of living for older adults, it is necessary to rethink the current policy framework, offering opportunities for personal and social growth.

Abstract Background Although research clearly shows that physical activity has significant health benefits and contributes to the prevention of chronic disease onset, the vast majority of the world’s population is insufficiently physically active, and the prevalence of insufficient physical activity is greatest in the population of older adults. The social environment may play an important role in shaping health behaviors, we however, lack knowledge regarding the exact influence of the social environment on older persons’ physical activity levels. This research therefore aims to identify the relationships of physical activity to enabling and disabling behaviors in the social environment among older people in the Netherlands. Methods Participants were randomly sampled from the Rotterdam municipality register and stratified by age group (70–74, 75–79, 80–84, and ≥ 85 years) and neighborhood (district). Of 2798 respondents, 1280 (46%) returned filled-in questionnaires. The Perceived Social Influence on Health Behavior (PSI-HB) instrument was used to assess the degree to which individuals’ health behavior is influenced by those around them. Respondents were additionally asked about enabling and disabling behaviors in their social environments and how many days per week they were physically active. Physical activity scores ranged from 0 (not being physically active for 30 min a day at all during the week) to 7 (being physically active every day of the week). Respondents with a score of ≥5 were considered to be physically active and those with a score of

Abstract Background Recently, several initiatives have focused on how to create true person-centred health services. This calls for a new understanding of health-related empowerment in relation to people living with one or more chronic conditions. We report on a Delphi investigation among participants in the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing that has led to a new understanding of health-related empowerment. Methods The Delphi process was conducted in three sequential rounds. In the first round, we presented a suggested first version for a definition of “health-related empowerment” divided into nine statements. One hundred and twenty-two experts were then asked if they agreed or not with each individual statement, and in the case they disagreed, to state the reasons for their disagreement. After revisions, the experts who had replied to the first version were asked again, if they agreed or not with each individual statement of the second version and to elaborate on disagreements. Finally, in the third round the experts were asked to provide comments to the final proposed definition in general and not by each statement. Results A total of 33 experts responded to the first version. The following revision included a merging of two statements, and the addition of health literacy as part of the understanding. The second version was sent out to the 33 experts and a total of 19 experts commented with moderate consensus. Changes included removal of “self-esteem” and change of “self-confidence” to confidence. Third version was sent out to all 122 experts with 16 respondents. Strong consensus was obtained for this third version, and is with one minor change presented as the final version. Conclusion We propose a new understanding of the concept health-related empowerment, by focusing on the individual as a co-manager with freedom to choose and focus on their own well-being.

Population ageing in Serbia has pervading effect on many societal spheres. Paradigm of active ageing highlights the importance for older to lead healthy and productive life. The aim of this paper is to explore active ageing practices of institutionalised older citizens considering their sociodemographic characteristics and migration background. Semi-structured interview, as a qualitative research method was used to grasp perceptions and experiences of 27 older residents in nursing homes regarding adjustment in later life and daily activities. Additional valuable insight on topic was gained from institutional social workers. According to the results, the routine of daily living of the elders varies depending on individual abilities, preferences, health, marital status and migration history. The findings suggest that institutional setting does not have to represent barrier to active ageing, with implications for further research and practice.

This case study reveals that age-related areas are the least desirable professional future options for many university students in social work degree programmes. One of the possible causes is the negative social labelling of older age, especially pronounced in respect of older women. Additionally, there is a poor and limited educational approach towards later life and growing older inside and outside the educational settings. This article focuses on the social construction of older age from gender and double theoretical perspectives. In particular, it centers on the pillars of education and profiguration. For educational and analytical purposes, these aspects are approached in the classroom setting from a critical perspective by using the in-depth reading of a book that is set in the local context, in particular, the city of Lleida (Spain). It presents the results of the content analysis and reflections written by 170 first-year university students taking a degree course in social work, and the outcomes of the subsequent classroom discussions with the author of the book. The study results show that better knowledge about the complexities of ageing and later life can lead to the reconstruction of the students’ viewpoints about older age, help foster critical thinking, and defy age-related stereotypes, beliefs, and prejudices.

Evaluation of the project implementation within the framework of cooperation between the State Higher Vocational School in Tarnów and external entities. Material and methods. The results of questionnaires addressed to representatives of five universities of the third age participating in the project (N = 100) were analysed. The material collected concerned the evaluation of the implementation of, and participation in, the events being the components of the project. In the research, an original trademark evaluation questionnaire was used. Results. The survey participants assessed the project's implementation at a very high level. The highest scores were given to lectures on history, as well as IT and painting workshops. The results were dominated by very good and excellent grades. The evaluation of the Oxford Debate was slightly weaker, in this case there were discrepancies in the evaluation of participation in this form of education by representatives of various universities. The results of the research allowed for determination of the level of impact of the project implementation on the development of intergenerational solidarity. This impact was rated the highest by students of the Mościce University of the Third Age (UTW Mościce) (75%) and those of the Dąbrowa Tarnowska UTA (65%), both of whom gave very good marks. Very good, and even excellent grades prevailed in the assessment of the teaching conditions – the UTA in Brzesko (100%), the UTA in the Kromka Chleba Foundation (80%).

Abstract Background Alongside physiological cognitive ageing, nowadays there is an alarming increase in the incidence of dementia that requires communities to invest in its prevention. The engagement in cognitively stimulating activities and strong social networks has been identified among those protective factors promoting successful cognitive ageing. One aspect regarding cognitive stimulation concerns the relevance of the frequency of an external intervention. For this reason, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a 3-month cognitive training program, once per week, in a group of healthy elderly aged over 60 years old. Their results were compared with those of a passive control group. Methods The training consisted of a weekly session of multi-domain and ecological cognitive exercises performed in small homogenous (i.e. same cognitive level) groups. The scores obtained in a neuropsychological assessment by the experimental and control groups were compared at pre- and post-training. In addition, by means of a questionnaire, we also evaluated the indirect effect of the program on participants’ mood, socialization and perceived impact on everyday activities. Results Overall, the experimental group showed a general improvement in cognitive functioning following the training program, even with the frequency of once per week. Greater improvements were observed mainly on executive functions and short-term memory, but general cognitive functioning and non-verbal reasoning also showed a tendency to an improvement. It is noteworthy that a majority of the participants reported to have subjectively experienced an improvement in their everyday life and a positive influence on both mood and socialization. Conclusions These results show that even a low-intensity training program is able to promote some of the protective factors that support successful cognitive ageing. Moreover, this multi-domain approach proved to be an excellent training method to transfer gains not only to other cognitive domains, but also to everyday living. Trial registration NCT03771131; the study was retrospectively registered on December 7th 2018.

Autobiographical memory specificity has been associated with cognitive function, depression, and independence in older adults. This longitudinal study of 162 older adults moving to active supported living environments tracks changes in the role of the ability to recall specific autobiographical memory as a mediator between underlying cognitive function, or depression, and outcome perceived health or independence (e.g., Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, IADLs), across 18 months, as compared with controls not moving home. Clear improvements across time in autobiographical specificity were seen for residents but not controls, supporting the role of a socially active environment, and confirmed by correlation with number of activities reported in diaries, although the impact of diary activities on the effect of time on autobiographical specificity was not found. The role of autobiographical specificity in mediating general cognition and outcome functional limitations was clear for social limitations at 12 and 18 months, but its role in mediating effects of executive function and perceived health persisted throughout. The role of specificity in mediating between depression and perceived health, IADLs, and Functional Limitations persisted throughout. Analysis examining autobiographical specificity and depression as joint mediators between cognition and independence showed a forward effect such that higher specificity scores reduced the negative mediation effect of depression on independence. Finally, data showed the reduction of many of these mediations over time, supporting the role of autobiographical memory in times of change in a person's social situation. Data support potential autobiographical memory intervention development.