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Ageing Int (2008) 32:219235
DOI 10.1007/s12126-008-9019-y
Andrew Sixsmith & Judith Sixsmith
Published online: 23 September 2008# Springer Science + Business Media, LLC 2008
Abstract Ageing in Place is a key component of UK policy on older people and housing. Helping older people to age in place at home is seen to benefit the quality of life and also provide a cost-effective solution to the problems of an expanding population of very old people. However, the reality is not straightforward and in this paper, some results of qualitative research are presented to illustrate the benefits, problems and challenges that exist in relation to Ageing in Place in the United Kingdom. The research is based on qualitative data collected from 40 people age 8089 in the north-west of England as part of the ENABLE-AGE Project 2002 to 2004. The research suggests that while Ageing in Place may bring social and psychological benefits, there can also be a significant downside on an everyday level. Home in old age can be a place of negative experiences, such as isolation and loneliness and there are often significant weaknesses in terms of informal support, physical environment of the home and neighbourhood and social network, which undermine the persons ability to live independently. The paper reviews recent UK initiatives to use telecare to address some of these issues.
Keywords Ageing in place . UK . Community. Telecare
Introduction
The notion of Ageing in Place has become an important issue in redefining health and social care policy for older people in recent years. The basic premise of Ageing in Place is that helping older people to remain living at home fundamentally and
A. Sixsmith (*)
Gerontology Research Centre, Simon Fraser University at Harbour Centre, 2800-515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6B 5K3 e-mail: [email protected]
J. Sixsmith
Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
Ageing in Place in the United Kingdom
220 Ageing Int (2008) 32:219235
positively contributes to an increase in well-being, independence, social participation and healthy ageing. Furthermore, care at home is often seen as a less expensive option than moving frail older people to supportive environments, such as nursing homes. However, there is little research or evidence that explores and evaluates both the positive and potential negative impacts of ageing in...