ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Given Australia's population ageing and predicted impacts related to health, productivity, equity and enhancing quality of life outcomes for senior Australians, lifelong learning has been identified as a pathway for addressing the risks associated with an ageing population. To date Australian governments have paid little attention to addressing these needs and thus, there is an urgent need for policy development for lifelong learning as a national priority. The purpose of this article is to explore the current lifelong learning context in Australia and to propose a set of factors that are most likely to impact learning in later years. CONCLUSION: Evidence based policy that understands and incorporates learning opportunities for all citizens is required to meet emerging global challenges. Providing appropriate learning opportunities to seniors is one clear pathway for achieving diverse health, social and economic outcomes.
Subject(s)
Aging/psychology , Learning , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Australia , Evidence-Based Practice , Female , Humans , Male , Personal Satisfaction , Public Policy , Socioeconomic Factors , Volunteers/psychologyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To better understand how to plan for an ageing demographic that resides in ever-changing community typologies. DESIGN: Semi-structured in-depth interviews. SETTING: Community settings in rural and regional towns in Queensland. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two people aged over 65 years living in regional and rural Australia. INTERVENTIONS: Qualitative study of social connectedness. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Thematic qualitative analysis. RESULTS: Formal and informal social contact, through family, friends and social groups, was found to be important to the everyday lives of the participants. CONCLUSIONS: Social connections for older adults are important in maintaining independence and community engagement.
Subject(s)
Family Relations/psychology , Interpersonal Relations , Rural Population , Social Participation/psychology , Social Support , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Health Services Accessibility , Humans , Life Style , Male , Qualitative Research , Queensland , Rural Health Services , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
This qualitative study of local perceptions of policy goals and action in relation to aging reports 31 stakeholder interviews within 2 Australian communities exploring (a) the meaning of aging well; and (b) preferred policy actions to achieve positive aging outcomes. Findings suggest that community perceptions of aging well are broadly consistent with the goals of national and international policy frameworks in focusing on 3 dimensions--health, social engagement, and security. Further, participants believe that achievement of positive aging outcomes requires a mix of self-help, community action, and government intervention--particularly government support and encouragement for aging well initiatives.
Subject(s)
Aging , Independent Living , Perception , Social Work/organization & administration , Aged , Female , Government Programs/organization & administration , Health Status , Humans , Interpersonal Relations , Male , Middle Aged , Policy , Qualitative ResearchABSTRACT
This paper undertakes a comprehensive review of the growing international literature on age-friendly communities. It examines a range of approaches and identifies the key attributes associated with creating a sustainable environment for seniors. The authors critically evaluate emerging policy trends and models and suggest directions for future research attention. The discussion provides important information and insights for the development of ageing policy and planning in Australia.