scholarly journals New Bikes for the Old

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 39-56
Author(s):  
Aske Juul Lassen ◽  
Tiago Moreira
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older People ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Active Ageing ◽  
Sustainable Living ◽  
Key Technology ◽  
Ethnographic Data

In the last 15 years, STS has established a research programme focused on the sociotechnical reconfiguration of later life, particularly as new political programmes aim to deploy ‘active ageing’ in contemporary societies. In Denmark, the bicycle is a key technology in this aim, because of how it articulates sustainable living, health and social participation. Thus, two new ‘inclusive cycling’ initiatives for older people have been developed. Drawing on ethnographic data, we explore the ways the bikes differ, and how they explicitly mobilise active ageing as a form of ‘good old age’ in different ways. We argue that whereas ‘Cycling without Age’ rickshaws attempt to assemble social participation for older people, ‘Duo-Bikes’ aim to enable capacities through physical activity in later life. We further explore what happens when these two schemes meet, and suggest how searching for a compromise will be necessary to enhance opportunities to cycle in later life.  

scholarly journals How Does Neighborhood Engagement Affect the Association of Living Alone with Mental Disorder Risks in Older People?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Razak M Gyasi ◽  
Kabila Abass ◽  
Samuel Adu-Gyamfi
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older People ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Psychological Disorders ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Neighborhood Characteristics ◽  
Distress Scale

Abstract Background: Social isolation has been increasingly recognized as a strong risk factor for health-related outcomes, yet, there is limited knowledge about the pathways linking living alone to later life psychological disorders. This study examines the influence of living alone on older people’s psychological disorders and explores the protective role of neighborhood engagement such as social participation and physical activity. Methods: We used cross-sectional data from a 2016/2017 Aging, Health, Psychological Wellbeing and Health-seeking Behavior Survey involving nationally representative sample of 1200 adults aged 50+ years in Ghana. The study focused on a latent measure of Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and on the General Practice Physical Activity Scale. Ordinary Least Squares models assessed the effect of living alone interactively with neighborhood characteristics on the indicator of mental disorder. Results: The results showed that living alone was independent predictor of poor mental disorder in the overall sample, among females, urban dwellers and all age groups. However, physical activity and social participation significantly buffered against these associations. In the stratified analysis, physical activity moderated the association for males, rural-dwellers and those 65+ years whilst social participation modified the association for females, urban-dwellers and those 50-64 years. Conclusions: Neighborhood characteristics strongly attenuate the positive association of living alone with mental disorders. These findings may inform intervention initiatives targeted at improving mental health of older people living alone.

scholarly journals How does neighborhood psychosocial interventions affect the link between living alone and psychological disorders in later life?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Razak M Gyasi ◽  
Kabila Abass ◽  
Samuel Adu-Gyamfi
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Psychological Disorder ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Psychological State ◽  
Distress Scale

Abstract Background: Social isolation is widespread and strongly associated with deleterious health-related outcomes across the life course in low- and middle-income settings. Despite this broad base of knowledge, there is little reported research on the pathways linking living alone to later life psychological state. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the influence of living alone on psychological disorder in middle- aged and older people and to explore the protective role of potential psychosocial strategies such as social participation and physical activity. Methods: We used cross-sectional data from a 2016/2017 Aging, Health, Psychological Wellbeing and Health-seeking Behavior Survey involving nationally representative sample of 1200 adults aged 50+ years in Ghana. The study focused on a latent measure of Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and on the General Practice Physical Activity Scale (GPPAS). Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression models evaluated the effect of living alone interactively with neighborhood engagement measures on the indicator of mental disorder. Results: The results showed that living alone was independent predictor of psychological distress in the overall sample, among females, urban dwellers and all age groups. However, physical activity and social participation significantly buffered against these associations. In the stratified analysis, physical activity moderated the association for males, rural-dwellers and those 65+ years whilst social participation modified the association for females, urban-dwellers and those 50-64 years. Conclusions: Psychosocial mechanisms strongly attenuate the positive association of living alone with the risk of psychological distress in older age. These findings may inform intervention initiatives targeted at improving mental health of chronically detached and isolated older people.

scholarly journals The Active Aging Agenda, Old Folk Devils and a New Moral Panic

2011 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 209-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth C.J. Pike
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older People ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Conclusive Evidence ◽  
Social Benefits ◽  
Active Aging ◽  
Moral Panics ◽  
International Policy ◽  
Policy Agendas

The proposal that older people should engage in “active aging” has come to dominate local, national, and international policy agendas. This encompasses a variety of ways that older persons might maintain active citizenship, but invariably promotes physical activity and exercise as having health and social benefits, despite a lack of conclusive evidence to support such claims. In this paper, I further examine the meaning of these claims through an analysis of policy documents, reports, and media articles which promote the perceived benefits of physical activity in later life. I revisit Cohen’s (2002) concepts of folk devils and moral panics to understand how these messages simultaneously problematize older people while creating a market for emergent moral entrepreneurs who claim to have the solution to the problem they have in part created. I conclude with recommendations for improved understanding of the benefits and appropriate provision for active aging.

The ESRC Growing Older research programme, 1999–2004

2004 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 657-674 ◽  
Author(s):  
ALAN WALKER
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Research ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Active Ageing ◽  
New Knowledge ◽  
Full Capacity ◽  
The Uk

This article introduces the seven specially commissioned papers in this special issue of Ageing & Society from the projects funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council's Growing Older Programme. The ESRC Programme has been the largest single investment in social sciences research on ageing in the United Kingdom. It comprised 24 projects and, when operating at full capacity, 96 researchers. The article details the background to the Programme, its commissioning process, its eventual structure and how it operated. Then a selection is made of some of the ways in which the Programme has contributed new knowledge to social gerontology. No attempt is made to achieve comprehensive coverage of the Programme's topics but rather a selection is presented of the new insights generated under its six themes: defining and measuring quality of life, inequalities in quality of life, technology and the built environment, healthy and active ageing, family and support networks, and participation and activities in later life. The projects were spread unevenly across these themes but important new knowledge has been produced under each theme. The conclusion emphasises the scientific contribution of the Programme and especially the extent to which older people's own attitudes, aspirations and preferences have been at the forefront, but it questions whether or not policy makers and practitioners will use this major evidence base.

scholarly journals Towards co-designing active ageing strategies: A qualitative study to develop a meaningful physical activity typology for later life

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 919-926 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cornelia Guell ◽  
Jenna Panter ◽  
Simon Griffin ◽  
David Ogilvie
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Active Ageing

scholarly journals Association between physical activity levels in mid-life with physical activity in old age: a 20-year tracking study in a prospective cohort

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. e017378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Aggio ◽  
Olia Papacosta ◽  
Lucy Lennon ◽  
Peter Whincup ◽  
Goya Wannamethee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Sports Participation ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Kappa Statistics ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Recreational Activity

ObjectivesThis study aims to examine the tracking and predictability of physical activity in old age from overall physical activity and participation in sport, recreational activity and walking in mid-life.DesignProspective population-based cohort study.SettingBritish Regional Heart Study participants recruited from primary care centres in the UK in 1978–1980.Participants and outcome measuresMen (n=3413) self-reported their physical activity at baseline, 12, 16 and 20-year follow-ups and were categorised as inactive or active and having high or low participation in sport, walking and recreational activities. Tracking was assessed using kappa statistics and random effects models. Logistic regression estimated the odds of being active at 20-year follow-up according to physical activity participation in mid-life.ResultsAmong 3413 men (mean age at baseline 48.6±5.4 years) with complete data, tracking of overall physical activity was moderate (kappa: 0.23–0.26). Tracking was higher for sports participation (kappa: 0.35–0.38) compared with recreational activity (kappa: 0.16–0.24) and walking (kappa: 0.11–0.15). Intraclass correlation coefficients demonstrated similar levels of stability and only marginally weakened after controlling for covariates. Compared with inactive men, being active at baseline was associated with greater odds of being active at 20-year follow-up (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.4 to 3.2) after adjusting for sociodemographic, health and lifestyle variables. Playing sport in mid-life was more strongly associated with being active at 20-year follow-up than other domains, particularly when sport participation began earlier in life.ConclusionBeing physically active in mid-life increases the odds of being active in old age. Promoting physical activity in later life might be best achieved by promoting sport participation earlier in the life course.

Hopes, fears and expectations about the future: what do older people's stories tell us about active ageing?

2007 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 465-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
AMANDA CLARKE ◽  
LORNA WARREN
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Residential Care ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Living Wills ◽  
Limited Resources ◽  
Active Ageing ◽  
Paid Work ◽  
Current Policy ◽  
Everyday Activities ◽  
Economic Framework

ABSTRACT‘Active ageing’ is a key concept in current policy and research on ageing and yet is under-analysed or interpreted largely within an economic framework. This paper explores active ageing in the broader context of older people's lives. Drawing on a series of biographical interviews with 23 people aged 60–96 years, the discussion focuses on the theme of future hopes and concerns. Exhortations for ‘active ageing’ may be challenged by a lifelong unwillingness to look forward or plan ahead. Nevertheless, the findings show that fears for a future of limited resources, decline and dependency can exist alongside not only the desire to live longer but also the positive anticipation of forthcoming events and strong inter-generational relations. ‘Living for now’ and ‘taking a day at a time’ – and by extension the accomplishment of everyday activities rather than the activity-driven goals of earlier years – are common strategies for dealing with the unpredictability of later life. In this respect, even stopping paid work and entering residential care may be actively chosen and empowering even though they are steps towards disengagement and dependency. Similarly, planning for death, such as writing (living) wills and making funeral arrangements, may be positive and proactive responses to beliefs and concerns about dying. ‘Active ageing’ therefore needs to offer choices for life to be lived at all stages whilst recognising that much of the focus for older people is on ordinary needs, deeds and relationships.

The Elders: A New Generation

1986 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 313-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sidney Jones
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Personal Experience ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Voluntary Activity ◽  
Scientific Images ◽  
Life Education ◽  
New Generation

ABSTRACTDrawing upon evidence from Britain, this paper advances the proposition that new generations of older people are experiencing a healthier, materially better off and more satisfying old age. It is argued that both popular and scientific images of later life are out-dated and unduly negative. In advancing this analysis, attention is given to key areas of personal experience and social life: education, leisure and holidays, retirement, voluntary activity, spirituality, economic status, health and political involvement. A re-construction of the societal position of older people is indicated.

scholarly journals EDUCATOR COMPETENCIES OF PRE-SENIOR PREPARATION

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-54
Author(s):  
Michal Koricina
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Adult Educators ◽  
Active Ageing ◽  
Adult Educator ◽  
Relational Competence ◽  
The Future ◽  
Paper Author

Pre-Senior Education will be one of the main pillars of active ageing policy in the future. Requirements on adult educators, lecturers, trainers of older people, grow. In the paper author presents theoretical starting points of competencies of educator of pre-senior preparation, deals with general competencies defined in Slovak national documents and indicates specific requirements on older adult educator. He also talk about aspects as relational competence and charizma of lecturer which are important elements of quality of educational event. The article is the output of author within the project VEGA no.1/0001/18 called Preparation for ageing and old age – possibilities of andragogical intervention.

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