Abstract
AbstractThis article contributes to ongoing discussions about frailty and vulnerability in critical gerontology by asserting that possibilities to engage and enact influence in everyday life situations is a crucial dimension of democracy in later life. We discuss how democracy in this sense can be threatened for older persons for whom health and social care services are needed, following from the labelling practices of frailty and the non-recognition of the social processes that set capabilities in motion. We utilise three examples grounded in research with older persons in their home environment in a Swedish context. The examples show how older people use creative, emotional, practical and social resources to integrate activities in a manner that address their needs and capabilities, and influence the situations in direction towards how and when to be engaged in everyday activities. Based on a discussion of the examples, we argue that health and social care services that provide and build social infrastructures need to recognise the potential concurrency of interdependency, vulnerability and agency within older persons’ local everyday practices. This to address capabilities and enable concrete expression of democracy in everyday situations. Overall, we suggest that conceptual and methodological shifts in research, as well as policy and practice, are needed to bring democratic processes forward through the relational and situated aspects of resources, agency and influence.
Highlights
In this article, the authors aim to contribute to conceptual development as well as propose practice shifts needed to enhance influence and democracy for older people who face multiple challenges in everyday life
We propose that having possibilities to engage and enact influence in everyday life situations is a crucial dimension of democracy
We further discuss how democracy in this sense can be threatened for older persons for whom health and social care services are an integral part of everyday life, following from the labelling practices of frailty and the non-recognition of the social processes that set capabilities in motion
Summary
The authors aim to contribute to conceptual development as well as propose practice shifts needed to enhance influence and democracy for older people who face multiple challenges in everyday life. We further discuss how democracy in this sense can be threatened for older persons for whom health and social care services are an integral part of everyday life, following from the labelling practices of frailty and the non-recognition of the social processes that set capabilities in motion
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
