Abstract
In ageing societies, active ageing (AA) has been recognized as a useful conceptual tool due to its holistic approach to social issues and recognised benefits from it at multiple levels (micro, meso and macro) for addressing demographic challenges. However, one of the main problems identified in relation to AA, is to turn into practice, at the policy making level, the many positive aspects that it promises at the conceptual level, as is demonstrated by the available evidence based on experiences carried out in some European countries. As an advancement in this field, through an original research experience carried out in Italy between 2019 and 2021, this study for the first time provides a model for producing recommendations for policy making and policy implementation in the field of AA, by managing the main problematic aspects related to the operationalization, at the policy making level, of the AA concept, with the potential for replication in other countries. The main challenges were identified, as well as the way to deal with them through a model, for a proper operationalization of the AA concept, based, among other aspects, on a solid international framework concerning this matter, on a mainstreaming ageing approach (at the public policy level) and on a wide stakeholder participation through co-decisional tools. A multi-level (national-regional-local) perspective was adopted to consider cultural and geographical diversity, among other challenges.
Highlights
At the beginning of 2019, as the first initiative undertaken in Italy at the national policy level for addressing the ageing challenge and the potential of active ageing (AA), a 3-year Plan of Action (PoA) project was designed in compliance with the model of policy cycle [75] as pilot experience in view of a possible launch of a national AA strategy
In this article we provide and apply a new model for producing recommendations for policy making and policy implementation in the field of AA
The main challenges to be considered for a proper operationalization of the AA concept are identified
Summary
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. The increase in longevity is a positive achievement of our times, with several implications (e.g., labour market, social cohesion, health, welfare systems and public spending) resulting in the emergence of new social and policy needs This should be addressed through an urgent and adequate commitment at the policy, socio-economic, health and research level, in order to maintain and increase the sustainability of the ageing process [2]. Through the AA paradigm, older people are considered as resources for the community and the social system as a whole [8], by empowering them to engage in activities coherent with their motivations and aspirations, with the aim to overcome the unfruitful perspective and approach of considering older people as just care receivers or passive citizens [9] In this perspective the AA model has been built by the World Health Organization (WHO). Partnership for Active and Healthy Ageing (EIPAHA) and the Green Paper on Ageing [14]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
