Active and Healthy Ageing: Blended Models and Common Challenges in Supporting Age-Friendly Cities and Communities

Abstract

The authors in this chapter, discuss the links between active and healthy aging behind age-friendly cities and communities (AFCC). After presenting some general trends and definitions within the fields of active and healthy aging and building on some overall limitations, the authors (re)introduce empowerment as a key element of active and healthy aging. By focusing on two central elements of empowerment—i.e., a multilevel perspective and an insider’s view—a life course perspective on active and healthy aging is proposed in which the merits of both notions are integrated. In doing so, the frequent criticism of active and healthy aging discourses being so centered on individual responsibilities can be overcome. In conclusion, potentials of this perspective are presented for AFCC. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)