Abstract
Since the mid-20th century, there has been rapid growth in the number and proportion of older people in the world population. According to the United Nations’ report World Population Aging 2015, one in eight people globally was aged 60 years or over in 2015, and older persons are projected to account for one in six people worldwide by 2030. Furthermore, it is estimated that one in every five people will be aged 60 years or over by 2050. Along with the phenomenon of population ageing, there is a changing view of ageing. Ageing is seen in a more positive way; for example, through promoting successful ageing by policy initiatives and service provisions in many countries. The concept of successful ageing places emphasis on independence, respect, freedom of choice, quality of life and wellbeing. Ageing is thus not only a physical process, but also a social process embedded in the community and cultural setting. The notion of ageing in place encourages older people to age in their community rather than to enter any form of supported or residential aged care setting. Ageing and community is therefore a critical topic for applied social psychology, particularly when considering the policy milieu across the world and within the context of globalisation and human movement across borders. Building upon a critical review of the biological and cognitive concepts of successful ageing, this chapter will provide an overview of ageing from a social psychology perspective, and will define the concept of successful ageing. From a community standpoint, successful ageing employs such concepts as empowerment, freedom of choice and consultation to discuss the diversity and complexity of ageing in the community. Based on the discussion, applications of successful ageing in the community are provided by taking Chinese communities in Western countries and in Hong Kong as examples.
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The SAGE Handbook of Applied Social Psychology
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978-1-4739-6926-1
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Pages Count
13
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Sage Publications
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Publisher Location
London, UK
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