Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Ageing in Place in the United Kingdom

Sixsmith, A. and Sixsmith, J. (2008) Ageing in Place in the United Kingdom. Ageing International. 32(3), pp. 219-235. 0163-5158.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: Ageing in Place is a key component of UK policy on older people and housing. Helping older people to ‘age in place’ at home is seen to benefit the quality of life and also provide a cost-effective solution to the problems of an expanding population of very old people. However, the reality is not straightforward and in this paper, some results of qualitative research are presented to illustrate the benefits, problems and challenges that exist in relation to Ageing in Place in the United Kingdom. The research is based on qualitative data collected from 40 people age 80–89 in the north-west of England as part of the ENABLE-AGE Project 2002 to 2004. The research suggests that while Ageing in Place may bring social and psychological benefits, there can also be a significant downside on an everyday level. Home in old age can be a place of negative experiences, such as isolation and loneliness and there are often significant weaknesses in terms of informal support, physical environment of the home and neighbourhood and social network, which undermine the person’s ability to live independently. The paper reviews recent UK initiatives to use “telecare” to address some of these issues.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Ageing in place, UK, community, Telecare
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology > HV1450 Aged
H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD7287.9 Housing for the elderly
H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Women > HQ1060 Aged. Gerontology (Social aspects). Retirement
Creators: Sixsmith, Andrew and Sixsmith, Judith
Publisher: Springer
Northamptonshire and East Midlands: Health
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Health & Society
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Institute of Health and Wellbeing > Ageing Research Centre
Research Centres > Centre for Health Sciences and Services
Research Centres > Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences
Date: 3 September 2008
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 219-235
Journal or Publication Title: Ageing International
Volume: 32
Number: 3
Language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12126-008-9019-y
ISSN: 0163-5158
Status: Published / Disseminated
Related URLs:
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/6258

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