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

Abstract

This chapter considers the importance of identifying the origins of active and healthy ageing behind Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC). After discussing some general trends and definitions within the fields of active and healthy ageing and building on some overall limitations, this chapter (re)introduces empowerment as a key element of active and healthy ageing. By focusing on two central elements of a theoretically grounded yet practically oriented vision of empowerment—i.e. a multilevel perspective and an insider’s view—a life course perspective on active and healthy ageing is proposed in which the merits of both notions are integrated. By placing a well-considered vision on empowerment at the centre of the argument, the frequent criticism on active and healthy-ageing discourses being too centred on individual responsibilities can be overcome. Potentials of this perspective for AFCC are discussed.