Challenges for Social Inclusion of Older Adults in Liquid Modernity

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Societies examines the barriers and opportunities that older adults face in achieving social inclusion within the framework of "liquid modernity". Coined by Zygmunt Bauman, this concept describes a society marked by fluidity, instability, and the weakening of traditional structures that once supported social cohesion. In this constantly changing era, traditional support networks that contributed to the social inclusion of older adults—such as family, community, and public institutions—have shifted or weakened, creating a landscape in which older people are at an increased risk of exclusion and marginalization. This Issue focuses on understanding and proposing solutions to counter these challenges, highlighting how social participation can act as a crucial driver for the meaningful inclusion of older adults in a society increasingly characterized by individualization and digitalization.

This Special Issue invites multidisciplinary contributions to explore social inclusion from perspectives such as social work, sociology, gerontology, psychology, public policy, and health sciences. Key thematic areas include:

• Active citizenship of older people:
  • Civic engagement and generativity of the older people;
  • Community participation of older people;
  • Environmental activism in the elderly;
• Social structures and opportunities for participation of the elderly in the era of liquid modernity:
  • Labor market, retirement, and economic participation;
  • Intergenerational relationships;
  • Loneliness and social isolation;
  • Social representations of aging;
  • Genre and older women;
• Public policy and social services for sustainable aging:
  • Urbanism/ruralism and age-friendly cities;
  • Health, well-being, and active aging;
  • Technology and aging.

The primary purpose of this Issue is to provide an in-depth analysis of social participation as a pillar of inclusion for older adults, creating a foundation for developing public policies and social strategies that promote effective and dignified inclusion. By offering a platform to examine both exclusion factors and integration opportunities, this Special Issue aims to create a society where older adults are not only present but also active and valued. Through these papers, the Issue seeks to promote a paradigm shift toward “active citizenship” for older adults, recognizing and appreciating their role in decision-making, intergenerational dialogue, and community life. This shift is essential in liquid modernity, where isolation and loneliness are increasing risks for this population.

This Special Issue brings a unique and necessary perspective to the literature on aging and society by addressing social inclusion within the framework of liquid modernity—a context that adds complexity and urgency to traditional challenges. While a significant portion of the literature on aging focuses on individual well-being, physical health, and quality of life, this Issue emphasizes the importance of social participation in fostering cohesion and a sense of belonging amid constant change. It also broadens existing research by underscoring the need to create new participation platforms that cater to older adults' interests, abilities, and needs, particularly in digital and urban environments. Including topics such as accessibility in city design, assistive technology, and the social representation of aging expands the scope of current research on active aging and citizenship for older adults. Furthermore, it will provide a renewed perspective on fostering intergenerational solidarity and strengthening community bonds, contributing to a more inclusive and resilient society.

We request that, prior to submitting a manuscript, interested authors initially submit a proposed title and an abstract of 400–600 words summarizing their intended contribution. Please send it to the guest editors (mamezcua@ujaen.es; armartin@ujaen.es; cortes@ujaen.es) or to the Societies editorial office (societies@mdpi.com). Abstracts will be reviewed by the guest editor for the purposes of ensuring proper fit within the scope of the Special Issue. Contributions have to follow one of the three categories of papers (article, conceptual paper or review) of the journal and address the topic of the Special Issue. Full manuscripts will undergo double-blind peer review.

Tentative Completion Schedule:

• Abstract submission deadline: 7 February 2025
• Notification of abstract acceptance: 1 April 2025
• Full manuscript deadline: 1 July 2025

Dr. Teresa Amezcua-Aguilar
Dr. Antonia Rodríguez Martínez
Dr. Javier Cortés Moreno
Guest Editors

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 conceptual papers are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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 double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Societies is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 1600 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.