Explaining the continuum of social participation among older adults in Singapore: from 'closed doors' to active ageing in multi-ethnic community settings: from 'closed doors' to active ageing in multi-ethnic community settings

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Bibliographische Detailangaben
Titel: Explaining the continuum of social participation among older adults in Singapore: from 'closed doors' to active ageing in multi-ethnic community settings: from 'closed doors' to active ageing in multi-ethnic community settings
Autoren: Mary Ann B. Geronimo, Mee Lian Wong, Zoe Hildon, Hubertus J. M. Vrijhoef, Cecilia Yoon Fong Lai, Yeon Ju Oh, Susana Concordo Harding, Su Aw, Gerald Choon-Huat Koh
Weitere Verfasser: Family Medicine and Chronic Care
Quelle: Journal of Aging Studies. 42:46-55
Verlagsinformationen: Elsevier BV, 2017.
Publikationsjahr: 2017
Schlagwörter: Male, Aging, Singapore/epidemiology, DISENGAGEMENT, Culture, Ethnic Groups, Adaptation, Psychological/physiology, Social Participation/psychology, 03 medical and health sciences, 0302 clinical medicine, Residence Characteristics, Adaptation, Psychological, 11. Sustainability, Ethnicity, Humans, Focus Groups/methods, Interpersonal Relations, Retirement/psychology, 10. No inequality, Life Style, interpersonal relations, Aged, Retirement context, Retirement, Singapore, 4. Education, Residence Characteristics/statistics & numerical data, ENGAGEMENT, life style, Social participation, Focus Groups, Middle Aged, Social Participation, 16. Peace & justice, WELL, Aging/physiology, LIFE, Adaptive capability, PATTERNS, Female, HEALTH
Beschreibung: This study aims to identify and explain the continuum in which older people in Singapore participate in community and social life, highlighting the influence of culture and policy context on social participation.Using an ethnographic approach in a neighbourhood (n=109), we conducted focus groups with older adults of different ethnicities, exploring experiences of social participation. Next, participants took 50 photographs relating to 'lives of elders', showcasing the socio-ecological context that influenced social participation. Lastly, go-along interviews were conducted in various precincts with community leaders.A continuum of social participation emerged among older adults, ranging from (1) marginalization and exclusion, to (2) 'comfort-zoning' alone (3) seeking consistent social interactions, (4) expansion of social network, and (5) giving back to society. Seeking consistent social interactions was shaped by a preference for cultural grouping and ethnic values, but also a desire for emotional safety. Attitudes about expanding one's social network depended on the psychosocial adjustment of the older person to the prospect of gossip and 'trouble' of managing social relations. Despite the societal desirability of an active ageing lifestyle, cultural scripts emphasizing family meant older adults organized participation in social and community life, around family responsibilities. Institutionalizing family reliance in Singapore's welfare approach penalized lower-income older adults with little family support from accessing subsidies, and left some living on the margins.To promote inclusiveness, ageing programs should address preferences for social participation, overcoming barriers at the individual, ethnic culture and policy level.
Publikationsart: Article
Dateibeschreibung: application/pdf
Sprache: English
ISSN: 0890-4065
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2017.07.002
Zugangs-URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28918821
https://cris.maastrichtuniversity.nl/en/publications/ebd7096b-8a57-4e9b-bc78-18640f2de443
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaging.2017.07.002
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28918821/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890406517301883
https://core.ac.uk/display/96628322
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0890406517301883
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28918821
https://researchonline.lshtm.ac.uk/id/eprint/4398628
https://biblio.vub.ac.be/vubir/(498ce5cf-4a03-4734-a04d-b738e3594c4d).html
Rights: CC BY NC ND
Dokumentencode: edsair.doi.dedup.....401152e6fb7f2c4c23eeb11d81859b0a
Datenbank: OpenAIRE
Beschreibung
Abstract:This study aims to identify and explain the continuum in which older people in Singapore participate in community and social life, highlighting the influence of culture and policy context on social participation.Using an ethnographic approach in a neighbourhood (n=109), we conducted focus groups with older adults of different ethnicities, exploring experiences of social participation. Next, participants took 50 photographs relating to 'lives of elders', showcasing the socio-ecological context that influenced social participation. Lastly, go-along interviews were conducted in various precincts with community leaders.A continuum of social participation emerged among older adults, ranging from (1) marginalization and exclusion, to (2) 'comfort-zoning' alone (3) seeking consistent social interactions, (4) expansion of social network, and (5) giving back to society. Seeking consistent social interactions was shaped by a preference for cultural grouping and ethnic values, but also a desire for emotional safety. Attitudes about expanding one's social network depended on the psychosocial adjustment of the older person to the prospect of gossip and 'trouble' of managing social relations. Despite the societal desirability of an active ageing lifestyle, cultural scripts emphasizing family meant older adults organized participation in social and community life, around family responsibilities. Institutionalizing family reliance in Singapore's welfare approach penalized lower-income older adults with little family support from accessing subsidies, and left some living on the margins.To promote inclusiveness, ageing programs should address preferences for social participation, overcoming barriers at the individual, ethnic culture and policy level.
ISSN:08904065
DOI:10.1016/j.jaging.2017.07.002