Active Ageing and Age-Friendly Communities: Constructing an Image of Old Age and Ageing

Abstract

This chapter analyses self-image among older adults, taking into account their different residential settings (family dwelling, cohousing, nursing homes), the relationship with pillars and determinants of active ageing, and the implications for the development of more inclusive settings for older adults. There is a qualitative analysis of discourses obtained during in-depth interviews and discussion groups held in 2017 with the older adult population in Spain. The findings showed that older adults construct different images of themselves according to their living environment, their social participation, and the availability of inclusive spaces. As a result, a public policy that is based on promoting age-friendly cities and communities (AFCCs), particularly seeking to reinforce the areas of social participation, respect and social inclusion and civic engagement and employment, could help to improve self-image among older people and facilitate their social and community inclusion.