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Foster, L. and Walker, A. (2014) Active and Successful Aging: A European Policy Perspective. Gerontologist. Published online 20 May 2014.
Abstract
Over the past two decades, "active aging" has emerged in Europe as the foremost policy response to the challenges of population aging. This article examines the concept of active aging and how it differs from that of "successful aging." In particular, it shows how active aging presents a more holistic, life course-oriented approach than successful aging. We provide a critical perspective on active aging too by, first, tracing its emergence in Europe and then showing how, in practice, it has been dominated by a narrow economic or productivist perspective that prioritizes the extension of working life. It has also been gender blind. Nonetheless, it is argued that an active aging approach has the potential to enable countries to respond successfully to the challenges of population aging because of its comprehensive focus and emphasis on societal as well as individual responsibility. Finally, we set out the basic principles that need to be followed if the full potential of active aging is to be achieved.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. This is an author produced version of a paper subsequently published in The Gerontologist. Uploaded in accordance with the publishers self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | European Commission; Health; Labor market; Life course; Retirement |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Social Sciences (Sheffield) > Department of Sociological Studies (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 26 Jan 2015 15:59 |
Last Modified: | 20 May 2015 20:03 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnu028 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Oxford University Press |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1093/geront/gnu028 |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:82829 |
Available Versions of this Item
- Active and Successful Aging: A European Policy Perspective. (deposited 26 Jan 2015 15:59) [Currently Displayed]