The Participation of Senior Citizens in Policy-Making: Patterning Initiatives in Europe.

Roberto Falanga,Andrea Principi,Marco Socci,Andreas Cebulla

doi:10.3390/ijerph18010034

Abstract

Worldwide, active aging policy calls for greater participation of senior citizens in the social, economic, and political realms. Despite emerging evidence of initiatives engaging senior citizens in social activities, little is known about the use of participatory approaches in the design and/or implementation of policies that matter to older citizens. This article identifies initiatives facilitating the civic participation of older people in policy-making in European Union member and associate states, drawing on a review of the literature, consultation of national policy experts, and exemplary case studies. Four main patterns of senior civic participation are identified: adopting consultative or co-decisional participatory approaches in policy design or policy implementation. The four are represented to varying degrees at different geographical levels (national, regional, local), with different actor configurations (appointed, elected/nominated, corporate representation), and with varying degree of institutionalization (temporary/permanent). Case studies illustrate approaches taken to enhance the quality and effectiveness of public services for senior citizens. Future research should strengthen this line of enquiry to cast further light on conditions facilitating the civic participation of senior citizens.

Highlights

Perceptions of political and economic elites appropriating democratically elected governments are leading to growing citizen mistrust toward democratic institutions and representatives [1,2]
Almost 30 years after the European Union (EU) Maastricht agreement, which sought to reduce territorial inequalities through solidarity and strategic policymaking, challenges for more active citizenship remain at the center of the European political debate
Fewer participatory initiatives sought to provide senior citizens with opportunities to have a say in the implementation of policies and the delivery of public services [69], as most sought to facilitate involvement in policy design [75]

Summary

Introduction

Perceptions of political and economic elites appropriating democratically elected governments are leading to growing citizen mistrust toward democratic institutions and representatives [1,2]. Participation in elections has declined worldwide, and in large parts of Europe [3], local, regional, and national governments have been urged to find new means for halting and reversing political disenchantment [4]. Almost 30 years after the European Union (EU) Maastricht agreement, which sought to reduce territorial inequalities through solidarity and strategic policymaking, challenges for more active citizenship remain at the center of the European political debate. As Arnstein [9] put it, citizen participation should help progress toward real power of decision through the redistribution of information and resources, and the possibility effectively to influence policy-making

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Conclusion