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Article

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

Department of Economics, Society, Politics, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via Saffi 42, 61029 Urbino, Italy
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Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7660; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137660
Submission received: 11 April 2022 / Revised: 15 June 2022 / Accepted: 21 June 2022 / Published: 23 June 2022
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Life and Health of the Elderly)

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.
Keywords: active ageing; life-course perspective; older adults’ lifestyle; adult population; healthy behavior; socio-relational behavior active ageing; life-course perspective; older adults’ lifestyle; adult population; healthy behavior; socio-relational behavior

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MDPI and ACS Style

Barbaccia, V.; Bravi, L.; Murmura, F.; Savelli, E.; Viganò, E. Mature and Older Adults’ Perception of Active Ageing and the Need for Supporting Services: Insights from a Qualitative Study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 7660. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137660

AMA Style

Barbaccia V, Bravi L, Murmura F, Savelli E, Viganò E. Mature and Older Adults’ Perception of Active Ageing and the Need for Supporting Services: Insights from a Qualitative Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022; 19(13):7660. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137660

Chicago/Turabian Style

Barbaccia, Valentina, Laura Bravi, Federica Murmura, Elisabetta Savelli, and Elena Viganò. 2022. "Mature and Older Adults’ Perception of Active Ageing and the Need for Supporting Services: Insights from a Qualitative Study" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 13: 7660. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137660

APA Style

Barbaccia, V., Bravi, L., Murmura, F., Savelli, E., & Viganò, E. (2022). Mature and Older Adults’ Perception of Active Ageing and the Need for Supporting Services: Insights from a Qualitative Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(13), 7660. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137660

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