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Aging in Place: Supporting Older People's Well-Being and Independence
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Aging in Place: Supporting Older People's Well-Being and Independence

A special issue of Journal of Ageing and Longevity (ISSN 2673-9259).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2025) | Viewed by 8088

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Gordana Dermody

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Nursing Midwifery and Paramedicine, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Dr, Sippy Downs, QLD 4556, Australia
Interests: gerontology; smart homes

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are delighted to invite you to contribute to our Special Issue entitled "Aging in Place: Supporting Older People's Well-being and Independence".

Aging in place is an increasingly important aspect of gerontology and public health. As the prevalence of older adults choosing to age in place continues to grow, so does the need for research that addresses the multifaceted aspects of this phenomenon. This Special Issue aims to bring together a diverse range of perspectives and insights into the challenges, opportunities, and strategies associated with supporting older people's well-being and independence in their chosen living spaces.

We welcome submissions of original research articles, reviews, case studies, and perspectives for the following topics:

  • Innovations in home-based healthcare and assistive technologies
  • Community-based programs and initiatives that promote social engagement and inclusion, addressing social isolation and loneliness among older adults
  • Assessing the impact of housing design and modifications on older adults' quality of life and independence
  • Interventions/approaches to promote holistic health among older adults living at home
  • Policy and healthcare system considerations for supporting aging in place

Our goal is to compile a comprehensive collection of articles that will inform researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders dedicated to improving the lives of older adults.

Dr. Gordana Dermody
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Ageing and Longevity is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • aging in place
  • older adults
  • well-being
  • independence
  • home-based healthcare
  • assistive technologies
  • social engagement
  • housing design
  • quality of life
  • healthcare policy

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

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  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

16 pages, 324 KB  
Article
Participation in Healthy Ageing Centres in Bosnia and Herzegovina Is Associated with Increased Physical Activity, Social Interactions, and Life Satisfaction Among Older People: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Daniela Pamias-Lopez and Tara Keck
J. Ageing Longev. 2025, 5(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal5010005 - 7 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1589
Abstract
Background: The global population is experiencing a demographic shift towards older ages, which has the potential to increase the prevalence of ageing-related diseases and associated healthcare costs. Promoting healthy ageing behaviours, such as physical and social activity, has been shown to reduce disability [...] Read more.
Background: The global population is experiencing a demographic shift towards older ages, which has the potential to increase the prevalence of ageing-related diseases and associated healthcare costs. Promoting healthy ageing behaviours, such as physical and social activity, has been shown to reduce disability and frailty among older people and improve their life satisfaction. To this aim, several Healthy Ageing Centres have been established across nine municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to support healthy ageing behaviours in older populations. This cross-sectional study hypothesises that participation in these centres will be associated with an increase in healthy behaviours. Methods: This exploratory study compares the behaviours of Healthy Ageing Centre members (n = 399) and non-members (n = 55) to assess if participation in Healthy Ageing Centres is associated with healthy ageing behaviours such as physical activity, social interactions, and life satisfaction. Results: Members at Healthy Ageing Centres had a higher life satisfaction, exercised for significantly longer, and engaged in social activities more frequently than non-members. No differences were found in diet, alcohol consumption or loneliness levels. Conclusions: The present study highlights the positive behaviours associated with attending Healthy Ageing Centres, suggesting that their establishment in ageing populations could be beneficial for supporting healthy ageing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging in Place: Supporting Older People's Well-Being and Independence)
9 pages, 478 KB  
Article
Navigating Economic Inequities: Neighborhood Relative Income and Depressive Symptoms in Later Life
by Seungjong Cho
J. Ageing Longev. 2024, 4(4), 442-450; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal4040032 - 11 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1026
Abstract
Depressive symptoms are influenced not only by absolute income but also by relative income, particularly among older adults. The present article, guided by relative deprivation theory and the relative position hypothesis, examines the relationship between neighborhood relative income and depressive symptoms in older [...] Read more.
Depressive symptoms are influenced not only by absolute income but also by relative income, particularly among older adults. The present article, guided by relative deprivation theory and the relative position hypothesis, examines the relationship between neighborhood relative income and depressive symptoms in older adults. This study utilized a merged dataset from the American Community Survey data and the RAND Health and Retirement Study data (N = 3071; age 65+). Neighborhood relative income was measured by calculating the difference between the natural logarithm of an individual’s household income and the natural logarithm of the median household income in their Census tract and then dividing this difference by the natural logarithm of the median household income in the same tract. Negative binomial regression revealed a significant link between lower relative economic positions and more counts of depressive symptoms, even after controlling for individual and neighborhood covariates. These findings underscore the urgent need for social work interventions and policies that address the mental health impacts of economic inequities in older populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging in Place: Supporting Older People's Well-Being and Independence)
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16 pages, 876 KB  
Article
Feasibility and Usability of an Occupation-Based Immersive Virtual Reality Protocol for Older Adults
by Sara Benham, Alexis Cruz, Ashley Oliva, Franz Osol, Elizabeth Strona, Stephanie Kolakowsky-Hayner and Ann Marie Potter
J. Ageing Longev. 2024, 4(3), 274-289; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal4030020 - 2 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1695
Abstract
The growing population of aging adults, coupled with the widespread adoption of technology, including within virtual environments, prompts the need to understand technology engagement preferences among older adults. This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of older adults engaging with a [...] Read more.
The growing population of aging adults, coupled with the widespread adoption of technology, including within virtual environments, prompts the need to understand technology engagement preferences among older adults. This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of older adults engaging with a client-centered immersive virtual reality (IVR) protocol tailored to their specific occupational interests. Employing a mixed methods approach, the research combined the quantitative System Usability Scale (SUS) assessment with qualitative interviews to examine the feasibility, usability, and learning experiences of community-dwelling older adults. Fifteen (n = 15) older adult participants trialed an IVR session tailored to match their chosen occupations of importance. Findings revealed that the usability of IVR varied significantly among participants, with an average SUS score of 55, indicating a need for further investigation into usability issues. Qualitative analysis identified three themes: IVR is usable when it is intuitive and with training, balance the apps for success, and overall lasting impressions were related to the perceived implementation for the participant. The incorporation of meaningful occupations in IVR programming is feasible and can be integrated into healthy aging-in-place programming; however, expanding available leisure-based apps and increasing the learning time before engagement should be considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging in Place: Supporting Older People's Well-Being and Independence)
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Review

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22 pages, 868 KB  
Review
Independent Living for Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment: A Narrative Review of Stakeholder Perceptions and Experiences with Assistive and Socially Assistive Robots
by Delaram Sirizi, Morteza Sabet, Katelyn Hummel, Juanita-Dawne R. Bacsu, Ava Longo and Zahra Rahemi
J. Ageing Longev. 2025, 5(3), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal5030034 - 15 Sep 2025
Abstract
(1) Background: Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) are a major cause of mortality among older adults globally. The cognitive decline associated with ADRD often reduces individuals’ ability to live independently over time, increasing reliance on caregivers. Assistive and socially assistive robots offer [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) are a major cause of mortality among older adults globally. The cognitive decline associated with ADRD often reduces individuals’ ability to live independently over time, increasing reliance on caregivers. Assistive and socially assistive robots offer a promising means of supporting independent living. This narrative review examined how older adults with ADRD, their caregivers, and healthcare providers perceive and experience interactions with robots. (2) Methods: Guided by the Population, Phenomenon of Interest, and Context (PICo) framework, five databases were searched. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Extracted data were summarized, and a convergent synthesis integrated qualitative and quantitative findings. (3) Results: Drawing on content analysis, the qualitative findings were organized into three domains: user perceptions and experiences, barriers to adoption, and suggestions for improvement. Quantitative results emphasized usability, usefulness, acceptance, satisfaction, feature preferences, and barriers. While most stakeholders viewed robots as beneficial, acceptance was shaped by factors such as design features, timing of introduction, familiarity with technology, and perceived need. (4) Conclusions: This review highlights priorities for future research and development, including personalization, ethical safeguards, and caregiver integration, to improve the acceptance and effectiveness of robot-assisted support for individuals with cognitive impairment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging in Place: Supporting Older People's Well-Being and Independence)
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16 pages, 3215 KB  
Review
The Scientific Landscape of the Aging-in-Place Literature: A Bibliometric Analysis
by Saman Jamshidi and Seyedehnastaran Hashemi
J. Ageing Longev. 2024, 4(4), 417-432; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal4040030 - 10 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2106
Abstract
The world’s population is aging and, as populations age, they exhibit an increased prevalence of chronic diseases, which can reduce the independence of elderly individuals. The set of initiatives known as aging in place, a common policy response to the aging population, is [...] Read more.
The world’s population is aging and, as populations age, they exhibit an increased prevalence of chronic diseases, which can reduce the independence of elderly individuals. The set of initiatives known as aging in place, a common policy response to the aging population, is preferred by both the elderly population and policymakers. Aging in place is a broad and multifaceted topic that involves multiple stakeholders and academic disciplines. A science map of the literature on aging in place can help researchers pinpoint their efforts and help policymakers make informed decisions. Thus, this study maps the scientific landscape of the aging-in-place literature. This review used bibliometric analysis to examine 3240 publications on aging in place indexed in the Web of Science. Using VOSviewer 1.6.20, it conducted various analyses, including a citation analysis and an analysis of the co-occurrence of author-provided keywords. The study identified key research areas, leading countries, institutions, and journals, central publications, and the temporal evolution of themes in the literature. Based on its keyword co-occurrence analysis, the study identified five major research-area clusters: (1) aging-in-place facilitators, (2) age-friendly communities, (3) housing, (4) assistive technologies, and (5) mental health. This study improves the understanding of the various interdisciplinary factors that have influenced the research on aging in place. By making this research more accessible, the study can help researchers and policymakers navigate the extensive information on aging in place and complex relationships more effectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging in Place: Supporting Older People's Well-Being and Independence)
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