Supporting Diverse Needs
Gender Equality in the EU on Health and Life Expectancy: How Can Member States be Segmented?
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Teodora Rajković, Milica Maričić, Marina Ignjatović
The Gender Equality Index is a composite index published by the European Institute of Gender Equality in 2013. The aim of this study is to focus on the index domain related to health, ageing and healthy life years through the lens of gender equality and segment EU member states. The quantitative part encompassed the application of the k-medoids clustering algorithm on the six health domain indicators. Two clusters have been retained, sizes 11 and 16. The first cluster encompasses countries such as Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Finland, and Sweden. The second cluster encapsulates countries such as Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus and Slovakia. The countries in the first cluster are characterised by higher gender equality regarding health. The indicator for which the highest difference is exhibited is Population doing physical activities and/or consuming fruits and vegetables (%, aged 16+). This result indicates that in the second cluster countries, there is a discrepancy in the way males and females behave in relation to physical activities and/or nutrition, where males are doing more physical activities and/or having better nutrition. The results of the study could indicate nuanced differences in health-related gender equality and signal which aspects could be targeted to eliminate gender inequality and provide better conditions for healthy ageing for both genders in the EU. Acknowledgement: This research was supported by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, Grant no. 7358, Population dynamics under environmental challenges in Serbia – POPENVIROS.
Sexuality and Ageing in Rural and Coastal Environments: SAGE: Life History Perspectives of Sexual Health, Wellbeing and Ageing-in-Place
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Helene Jones
The purpose of this study is to explore the nature of sexuality and ageing in a rural, economically deprived community on the east coast of England, through an examination of behaviours and conditions determining health outcomes and quality of life in older adults. Advancing age increases the likelihood of experiencing sexual difficulty, and research indicates that older adults face barriers in seeking and receiving help. Additionally, there is limited research on the lived experiences of older residents in rural and coastal areas, and the nature of sexuality, sexual health and wellbeing and ageing-in-place. Qualitative life history interviews were conducted with 19 coastal residents aged 65+. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling and collaborative engagement methods via community events and organisations. Interviews were coded thematically informed by a bio-psycho-social framework. Sexuality and ageing are subjective experiences which are conceptually linked to place and are relationally dynamic and intersectional phenomena. Older adults have complex needs relating to psychological and physical health, sexuality and relationship status, requiring collaborative responses between communities, government and health and social care sectors. Retirement and later life migration to coastal towns can leave older adults vulnerable and isolated from social networks and supportive services. In ageing communities the likelihood of the incidence of late life relationship loss and increasing multimorbidities has implications for individuals and society, requiring responsive support mechanisms and networks. Further evidence-based sexual health and gerontological research and education is needed to develop sustainable, responsive, equitable solutions supporting our ageing society.
Diversity and Successful Ageing: Exploring the Role of Relationality in Supporting Wellbeing in Older People from Five Minority Ethnicities in the UK
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Susan Pickard
Concurring with the critiques of ‘successful ageing’ for focusing on values and abilities more attainable by white middle-class older people, this paper explores alternative discourses according to which older people from minoritized groups consider themselves to be ageing well including in the context of frailty. The paper draws on original empirical material derived from a research project funded by the UKRI and focused on five minority ethnic groups living in a city (and surrounding areas) of the UK known for its diverse population. It draws on both longitudinal interview and photovoice methods conducted with the participants and identifies several themes that give a sense of subjective health and wellbeing to older minoritized people. Of these the themes of belonging, connection with other generations and generativity, and feeling heard by others are key. These themes stress the importance of relationships, relationality and a societal emphasis not on age wars but on intergenerational solidarity. In so doing, they offer another way of viewing good care in deep old age beyond the increasing emphasis on technology. Further, the images and narratives presented here challenge the normative depictions of a good or successful old age constructed from the perspective of white and middle-class older adults. These diverse range of alternative depictions of ageing well will be helpful for all those concerned to support older people to flourish in conditions of health as well as frailty.
