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Mature and Older Adults’ Perception of Active Ageing and the Need for Supporting Services: Insights from a Qualitative Study

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  • Valentina Barbaccia

    (Department of Economics, Society, Politics, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via Saffi 42, 61029 Urbino, Italy)

  • Laura Bravi

    (Department of Economics, Society, Politics, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via Saffi 42, 61029 Urbino, Italy)

  • Federica Murmura

    (Department of Economics, Society, Politics, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via Saffi 42, 61029 Urbino, Italy)

  • Elisabetta Savelli

    (Department of Economics, Society, Politics, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via Saffi 42, 61029 Urbino, Italy)

  • Elena Viganò

    (Department of Economics, Society, Politics, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via Saffi 42, 61029 Urbino, Italy)

Abstract

The improvement in life expectancy, economic conditions, and technological and medical progress have radically changed the demographic structure of many societies. Since many countries now have an ageing population, by adopting a life-course study perspective, this paper aims to explore the needs of older adults (over 60), and the currently adult population which will become older in the coming decades (50–60 years). In detail, the study investigates the lifestyles of the target populations by focusing on two main areas concerning health (healthy diet; attitudes towards physical activity) and socio-relational-housing and living conditions (social housing, senior co-housing in rural environments, etc.). A qualitative study was carried out based on 16 in-depth interviews developed over one month (February 2022). The conduct of the interviews was supported by the Italian Center for Sensory Analysis (CIAS). Emerging from the results, the concept of active ageing is perceived by mature and older adults in a positive and optimistic way. The sample considered want to re-engage in life, continuing to be active, useful, and maintaining their self-esteem, social life and independence. However, despite older people’s major concerns being preserve their physical abilities and social integration, this target group adopts behaviours focused more on current well-being rather than worrying too much about how this well-being will change as they age.

Suggested Citation

  • Valentina Barbaccia & Laura Bravi & Federica Murmura & Elisabetta Savelli & Elena Viganò, 2022. "Mature and Older Adults’ Perception of Active Ageing and the Need for Supporting Services: Insights from a Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-20, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:13:p:7660-:d:845605
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Katja Rusinovic & Marianne van Bochove & Jolien van de Sande, 2019. "Senior Co-Housing in the Netherlands: Benefits and Drawbacks for Its Residents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-12, October.
    3. Cristina Bosch-Farré & Maria Carmen Malagón-Aguilera & David Ballester-Ferrando & Carme Bertran-Noguer & Anna Bonmatí-Tomàs & Sandra Gelabert-Vilella & Dolors Juvinyà-Canal, 2020. "Healthy Ageing in Place: Enablers and Barriers from the Perspective of the Elderly. A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-23, September.
    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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    Cited by:

    1. Klaudia Przybysz & Agnieszka Stanimir, 2023. "How Active Are European Seniors—Their Personal Ways to Active Ageing? Is Seniors’ Activity in Line with the Expectations of the Active Ageing Strategy?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-22, July.

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