Communities of place and communities of interest? An exploration of their changing role in later life

Authors:
MEANS Robin, EVANS Simon
Journal article citation:
Ageing and Society, 32(8), November 2012, pp.1300-1318.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press

In this theoretical paper the authors discuss the concept and definition of community, and in particular the meaning of community to older people. The paper examines past emphasis on the importance of communities of place for older people and emerging evidence for the growing engagement of older people in communities of interest linked to friendships, enthusiasms and their increasing spending power. It considers the importance of social interaction in the lives of many older people and government policy promoting social participation, civic engagement and active ageing. It also looks at the influence of the internet and the development of virtual communities of interest among older people. The paper argues for a reconceptualisation of community and a more sophisticated view of place and interest which acknowledges the impact of social, economic and cultural change on the lives of older people.

Subject terms:
internet, older people, neighbourhoods, social networks, social policy, ageing, communities;
Location(s):
United Kingdom
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1469-1779
ISSN print:
0144-686X

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