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Being well enough in old age
- Authors:
- BARNES Marian, TAYLOR David, WARD Lizzie
- Journal article citation:
- Critical Social Policy, 33(3), 2013, pp.473-493.
- Publisher:
- Sage
This article offers a critique of the dominant ways in which well-being has been conceptualized and researched within social policy, focusing in particular on the significance of this for policy relating to older people. It conceptualizes well-being as relational and generative rather than an individual outcome. Normative notions of independence, autonomy and consumerism at the heart of policy on well-being and ageing are critically explored and it is suggested that indexes of older people’s happiness conceal more than they reveal. This theoretical approach is illustrated with empirical material from a participatory study in which older people were co-producers of knowledge about what well-being means and how it can be produced. Working with older people as co-researchers it was found that keeping well in old age involves demanding emotional and organizational labour both for older people and for family and friends. The need for ethical and relational sensibilities at the heart of policy on well-being and ageing is suggested. (Edited publisher abstract)
Well-being in old age: findings from participatory research
- Authors:
- WARD Lizzie, BARNES Marian, GAHAGAN Beatrice
- Publisher:
- University of Brighton; Age Concern Brighton, Hove and Portslade
- Publication year:
- 2012
- Pagination:
- 88p.
- Place of publication:
- Brighton
This project was designed to develop understanding of what well-being means to older people, and of how it is produced. A major aim of the project was to make a contribution to thinking about policy and practice and how this might enhance or detract from the way people experience well-being in old age. Eleven co-researchers, aged between 60 and 87, were recruited between 2008 and 2011. The co-researchers carried out one to one interviews with 30 older people and seven focus groups in which another 59 older people took part. Findings revealed that relationships were significant. Families could be a source of support and security, but for some can also involve difficult and painful relationships, distance and estrangement. Good relationships with adult children can contribute to well-being and maintaining satisfactory relationships was recognised as important. Health also featured as an important factor in well-being; chronic ill health had not only physical effects, but also emotional and psychological impacts. However, Being able to draw on experiences gained over a lifetime, learning from past mistakes, or reflecting on the benefit of hindsight, informed present attitudes and was a personal resource for some.
Older people, well-being and participation
- Authors:
- BARNES Marian, WARD Lizzie, GAHAGAN Beatrice
- Journal article citation:
- Generations Review, 22(2), April 2012, Online only
- Publisher:
- British Society of Gerontology
The University of Brighton and Age Concern, Brighton, Hove and Portslade have been working on participatory research with older people since 2007. Their latest project investigates the experiences of older people in relation to well-being. They have also received ESRC Follow on Funding to apply learning from this project, and from their experiences of working with older people as co-researchers, to develop learning resources for older people's involvement. This article briefly describes what the researchers have learnt from their research into well-being and how the findings will be applied.