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Theoretical Challenges and Social Inequalities in Active Ageing

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  • Per H. Jensen

    (Department of Politics and Society, CARMA, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark)

  • Jakob Skjøtt-Larsen

    (Department of Sociology and Social Work, CASTOR, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark)

Abstract

Active ageing has been discussed in international political organisations and among researchers as a major means for combatting the challenges of demographic ageing. This study aims to make a critical-theoretical and empirical assessment of the active ageing concept, challenging the active ageing discourse from two different angles. First, an assessment of the theoretical framework of active ageing shows that the conceptual framework is undertheorised, lacks conceptual and analytical clarity, and fails to propose clear contributing factors and barriers. The second part presents an empirical analysis of the concept of active ageing guided by the following research question: is active ageing realistic—and for whom? Using Danish data subjected to multiple correspondence analysis, it is found that active ageing at the individual level is preconditioned by health, education, having good finances, etc. Furthermore, a Matthew effect of accumulated advantage is found; that is, older adults who are blessed in one sphere of life are also blessed in others, and such inequalities in old age are the outcomes of social life biographies (i.e., cumulative advantages/disadvantages over the life course). Thus, empirical findings indicate that active ageing may be an elusive goal for a large segment of older adults.

Suggested Citation

  • Per H. Jensen & Jakob Skjøtt-Larsen, 2021. "Theoretical Challenges and Social Inequalities in Active Ageing," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-16, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:17:p:9156-:d:625733
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dale Dannefer, 2003. "Cumulative Advantage/Disadvantage and the Life Course: Cross-Fertilizing Age and Social Science Theory," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 58(6), pages 327-337.
    2. Asghar Zaidi, 2015. "Creating and using the evidence base: the case of the Active Ageing Index," Contemporary Social Science, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 10(2), pages 148-159, June.
    3. Amado, Carla A.F. & São José, José M.S. & Santos, Sérgio P., 2016. "Measuring active ageing: A Data Envelopment Analysis approach," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 255(1), pages 207-223.
    4. Sara Marsillas & Liesbeth Donder & Tinie Kardol & Sofie Regenmortel & Sarah Dury & Dorien Brosens & An-Sofie Smetcoren & Teresa Braña & Jesús Varela, 2017. "Does active ageing contribute to life satisfaction for older people? Testing a new model of active ageing," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 14(3), pages 295-310, September.
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