Active Ageing and Quality of Life: A Systematized Literature Review

Abstract

Background. The concept of active ageing has been used in recent decades as a line of research in population studies and as a public policy instrument, especially since its adoption by the World Health Organization to reinforce health, participation, security and lifelong learning as pillars of quality of life (WHO, Active ageing: A policy framework. World Health Organization, 2002; ILC-BR, Active ageing: A policy framework in response to the longevity revolution. International Longevity Centre Brazil, 2015). Defining active ageing is a complex task as it is related to various theories, constructed from multiple contents and their interactions, linked to other conceptual frameworks of ageing (healthy, productive, successful and positive ageing) and implemented following scientific strategies and public policy design. Researchers have used these concepts according to their study goals and their own disciplinary rules, often depending on the availability of databases. We assume that little research has been conducted to understand the relationship between active ageing and quality of life. Consequently, this paper aims to review the existing scientific literature on active ageing and quality of life. Methods. A systematic search of references published between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2015 and a non-systematic search to update the references to 2016 and 2017 were conducted across several high-quality bibliographic databases. The systematic search strategy and selection criteria yielded 16 articles. A systematized literature review was applied to analyse concepts, methods, instruments and findings. Findings. The constructs of active ageing and quality of life are rarely studied together. There are no single and commonly accepted definitions and little elaboration in this respect. Most of the studies are quantitative, and to a lesser extent qualitative or mixed. Community dwelling studies predominate in line with the common form of residence. A large variety of measurement indicators were used, based on the aims of the specific discipline and sometimes on design or on availability of secondary sources. Final remarks. AA and QoL are concepts of great interest for developed societies and increasingly so in other, less developed, countries and environments. Social and political demands for scientific knowledge indicate the importance of this type of study, which is examined in this chapter through a systematized review of international scientific literature.