<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Aim: This article reports upon a research study whose aim was to evaluate the running of an active ageing programme for older persons residing in a care home for older persons in Malta.Method: The research study opted for a multi-method research design. The first phase consisted of carrying out observation of the active ageing programme over a two-month period. The second phase was conducting semi-structured interviews with participants and facilitators.Results: First, that for active ageing programme in care homes to be successful the activities must be meaningful to residents. Second, that active ageing programme in care homes has the potential to improve the levels of social and emotional wellbeing, whilst also having benefits for facilitators. Finally, that active ageing programmes include a number of challenges - namely, further training for all staff in gerontological and geragogical principles, overlooking family relatives, and enabling even frail residents to join in the activities.Conclusion. Active ageing policies should go beyond a ‘third age’ lens in their endeavour to improve the quality of life of incoming and current older persons and focus more assiduously on frail and vulnerable elders. The key factor in organising active ageing programmes in a care home that are successful in enabling good quality interaction is the ability of planners to have insight on the subjective world of residents so that they gain the sensitivity and skills to coordinate activities that are meaningful to residents.</abstract>

Aim: This article reports upon a research study whose aim was to evaluate the running of an active ageing programme for older persons residing in a care home for older persons in Malta.Method: The research study opted for a multi-method research design. The first phase consisted of carrying out observation of the active ageing programme over a two-month period. The second phase was conducting semi-structured interviews with participants and facilitators.Results: First, that for active ageing programme in care homes to be successful the activities must be meaningful to residents. Second, that active ageing programme in care homes has the potential to improve the levels of social and emotional wellbeing, whilst also having benefits for facilitators. Finally, that active ageing programmes include a number of challenges - namely, further training for all staff in gerontological and geragogical principles, overlooking family relatives, and enabling even frail residents to join in the activities.Conclusion. Active ageing policies should go beyond a ‘third age’ lens in their endeavour to improve the quality of life of incoming and current older persons and focus more assiduously on frail and vulnerable elders. The key factor in organising active ageing programmes in a care home that are successful in enabling good quality interaction is the ability of planners to have insight on the subjective world of residents so that they gain the sensitivity and skills to coordinate activities that are meaningful to residents.

Active ageing in the fourth age: The experiences and perspectives of older persons in long-term care

Department of Gerontology and Dementia Studies

Geopolitical, Social Security and Freedom Journal

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Aim: This article reports upon a research study whose aim was to evaluate the running of an active ageing programme for older persons residing in a care home...

Active ageing in the fourth age: The experiences and perspectives of older persons in long-term care

Published Online: Dec 11, 2019

Page range: 78 - 92

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/gssfj-2019-0008

Keywords
active ageing, care homes, fourth age, older people

© 2019 Marvin Formosa, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Active ageing in the fourth age: The experiences and perspectives of older persons in long-term care

Published Online: Dec 11, 2019

Page range: 78 - 92

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/gssfj-2019-0008

Keywordsactive ageing, care homes, fourth age, older people

© 2019 Marvin Formosa, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Keywords
active ageing, care homes, fourth age, older people