14 How can remote rural island place influence the ageing of mid-life women?

Abstract

Abstract Background This contribution to social gerontology and nissology addresses a knowledge gap in contemporary gendered ageing within remote, rural island place. Reflecting participant narrative, this study explores personal and place identity, place attachment, and perspectives on gendered island ageing at mid-life and in older age. Methods: Drwing on empirical data gathered through in-depth interviews with 12 mid-life (48–69 years old) women living in remote islands of Scotland, the relationship between ageing and remote rural island living is examined. This qualitative work adopts a life-course framework in order to acknowledge lived experience and cultural context from childhood to adulthood. Data were analysed and informed by constructivist grounded theory, a methodology well placed for exploratory research about which little is known. Results Data found no island mono-culturalism. Remote rural island ageing appears distinct from mainland rural ageing. Findings indicate diverse relationships between ageing and place among mid-life women living in the islands of this study. The connection between ageing and island place is influenced by a range of socio-economic factors, the primary one of which is the natural environment. Other influencing factors include social relationships, employment, health, and demographic status. Perspectives on ageing vary between those native and non-native to the islands; those who live with partners or alone; those who have children and those child-free; and between those who enjoy socio-economic stability and those who do not. Conclusion Despite remote location, and limitations of employment, education, health and transport, participant data reveals an overall positive relationship between remote rural island living and ageing among this study’s indigenous and in-migrant women. The physical, mental and spiritual benefits derived from the natural landscape of island home place proved primarily to be the greatest positive influence reported towards perceived better ageing.