Abstract
Residential care centres for elders (RCCEs) in Romania have rapidly developed over the last two decades. In the absence of coherent policies regarding elderly people, RCCEs are mainly the result of businesses arising from an acceleration of the ageing process in Romania. This study uses a multidimensional approach to investigate issues related to the sustainability of ageing in RCCEs in Romania. Specifically, it aims to analyse whether the grouping of RCCEs is following the distribution of elderly Romanian population likely to require such amenities, and whether the characteristics and services of these facilities were appropriate for their users in line with World Health Organization’s Agenda of Ageing. The research relies on a combination of quantitative methods by Geographical Information System (GIS) spatial analysis, and qualitative methods by interviews. The results show that remote rural areas have clusters with high shares of aged population, while the distribution of the RCCEs prevails in large cities, being partly adapted to socio-spatial requirements, and the general trends of the demographic ageing process. These findings are in contrast with the dominant perception of RCCE beneficiaries, who want to be closer to their domiciles, as they are more oriented towards family values, emotionally affected by separation from their relatives, consider themselves socially and spatially segregated groups in care centres, although aware of the need for long-term institutional care. The study reveals the necessity for optimising health policies for elders, by improving the socio-spatial management of such services and building age-friendly environments in long-term care in consent with WHO calls.
Highlights
Demographic ageing is a complex process, with multiple economic, social, and societal effects, and a major concern for researchers and international organizations in the field [1]
In 2016, the rural–urban distribution of the residential care centres for elders (RCCEs) relative to the population reveals an Sausptapinaarbeilnitty d20i1s8p,r1o0,p3o3r3t6ion: 23% of the units operate in the rural environment, while 77% are found in the urban settlements [55]
In 2016, the rural–urban distribution of the RCCEs relative to the population reveals an apparent disproportion: 23% of the units operate in the rural environment, while 77% are found in the urban settlements [55]
Summary
Demographic ageing is a complex process, with multiple economic, social, and societal effects, and a major concern for researchers and international organizations in the field [1]. Demographic ageing, first reported at the beginning of the 20th century by Alfred Sauvy (1928), became more visible between 1960 and 1970 This process is prevalent in many countries of the world, as demographic projections show that the share of elderly population aged ≥65 years continue to increase, tripling by 2050 (22% of the world population). The total population is expected to increase by only one-third, while child population less than five years old are projected to decrease slightly (5%) [2] Such an instance would globally trigger, on the one hand, an increase in pathological conditions, the incidence of diseases related to ageing or a high risk for developing other chronic diseases and, on the other hand, a considerable pressure on specialised social and healthcare services in residential care centres for elders (RCCEs). Since 1990, in response to global trends in ageing, The World Health Organization (WHO) called for a paradigm shift towards a positive concept of ageing, defining healthy and active ageing as a process that “allows people to realize their potential for physical, social, and mental well-being throughout the life-course” [4]
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
