Experiences of social participation and place among older adults living in urban neighbourhoods in the UK and Brazil

R Woolrych, J Fisher, R Lawthom, J Sixsmith, M Makita, A Portella, G Pereira, M Murray

    Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstract

    Abstract

    Urban environments present opportunities and barriers in respect of social in/exclusion in old age. In response, policies and practices that support active ageing are increasingly being sought, central to which are the provision of opportunities for social participation. This paper presents qualitative data (including 180 face-to-face interviews, 120 walking interviews and 60 photo diaries), to examine experiences of social participation and place amongst older adults living across 6 cities and 18 neighbourhoods in the UK and Brazil. Thematic analysis identified key themes in relation to the urban environment and social participation: negotiating the built environment; place familiarity and control; place ownership and access; and security and safety. The findings support the integral role that urban environments play in shaping experiences of social participation in old age, identifying similarities and differences across case study areas. The paper offers suggestions for integrating social participation and place within age-friendly city frameworks.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages242
    Number of pages1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2018
    EventGSA 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting: The Purposes of Longer Lives - Boston, United States
    Duration: 14 Nov 201818 Nov 2018
    https://www.geron.org/meetings-events/gsa-2018-annual-scientific-meeting

    Conference

    ConferenceGSA 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CityBoston
    Period14/11/1818/11/18
    Internet address

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