Neighborhood Influence: A Qualitative Study in Cáceres, an Aspiring Age-Friendly City

Lidia Domínguez-Párraga

doi:10.3390/socsci8060195

Abstract

The aim of this study is to understand the perspective of elderly residents on their neighborhood and how the composition of the neighborhood influences their daily life. The study took place in the city of Cáceres (Spain) that aspires to become an age-friendly city. This study focused on the intangible elements of the neighborhood related to feelings of safety, well-being, loneliness, belonging to the community and development of trusting relationships. The research was based on the sociology of aging, specifically referencing the theory of the activity of aging, and also urban sociology, which assumes the environment as a conditioning agent of daily life. Using a qualitative approach, 32 in-depth interviews were conducted with individuals over 65. The interviews were analyzed according to grounded theory. The results show how social aspects are key factors for the elderly in their perception of the neighborhood. Therefore, psychological, social and emotional dimensions of the neighborhood influence elderly residents and could have a positive or negative effect on successful aging. These findings also suggest that a crucial aspect of the positive perceptions of the environment lies in the quality of social interactions that take place inside the neighborhood.

Highlights

Modern societies are worried about their aging populations, since it is an unprecedented situation that derives from cultural and social changes (Chao 2005; Cordero del Castillo 2007)
The specific objectives were: (1) observe how and in what way the composition of the neighborhood effects the daily life of elderly residents, according to their perception; and (2) find out what characteristics and components of the neighborhoods are related to the activity of the elderly and, more explicitly, how they correspond to the desire to pursue active aging
The results obtained are grouped below into three blocks related to the feelings of loneliness or well-being perceived in the neighborhood, the influence that the neighborhood has on activities and routines, and the neighborhoods influence on social relationships, which contribute, or detract from, a sense of safety and belonging in the community

Summary

Introduction

Modern societies are worried about their aging populations, since it is an unprecedented situation that derives from cultural and social changes (Chao 2005; Cordero del Castillo 2007). A new profile of elderly people has arisen characterized by: economic stability, higher educational levels, use of new technologies and the rise in awareness regarding both physical and mental care (Bazo and García Sanz 2014; Requena 2006) In keeping with these developments, the third age is related to activity, leisure and social participation (Sancho Prieto et al 2015), while the fourth age represents the last stage of life, associated with diseases, dependence and, death (Chao 2005; Cordero del Castillo 2007; Requena 2006). For this reason, starting in the 1990s, organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) have been placing special emphasis on active aging and aging in place (Phillipson 2011) Despite their age, older people continue to participate in society after retirement, and value the independence of continuing to live in their homes (Wiles et al 2012)

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Conclusion