The WHO Concept of Active Aging from the Local Perspective: A Qualitative Survey in the District of Constance

Abstract

The WHO strategy for active aging comprises maintenance of health, participation in social life as well as integration and social security for the aged. As a political framework for action, the strategy supports the future aging policy of municipalities. This survey examines how local actors assess the WHO strategy of active aging. The study consists of 5 guided interviews of experts from the rural district of Constance. The interview was based on a previously coordinated list of indicators that summarize 102 recommendations for action. The awareness of the WHO strategy as well as a brief introduction to the 3 main areas provided the start of the interviews, followed by the comparison of municipal activities with the list of indicators, the identification of the need for action and of previous unrecognized aspects. In the sense of a data triangulation, we conducted a quantitative survey in further districts. The data of the interviews were analyzed by using the method of Gläser and Laudel, referred to as qualitative content analysis. None of the interviewed experts knew the WHO strategy of active aging. However, after a short explanation of the WHO strategy and indicator list, they classified the strategy as practicable. All of them rated the recommendations for action from the sub-areas of participation in society (e.g. creation of advisory councils for seniors) and security in public space and transport (e.g. protection measures for older pedestrians) as feasible. In some areas, such as medical care and formal care, they missed indicators. Hence, we recommend adding new recommendations for action. The awareness of local authorities regarding the WHO strategy of active aging should be improved. Taking into account the specified further development needs, active aging is a viable orientation aid and offers several opportunities for aging policy for municipalities.