Engagement In Later Life Research Articles

Does social capital enhance political participation in older adults? Multi-level evidence from the European Quality of Life Survey

This study explored the role of social capital for non-institutionalised and institutionalised political participation among older adults compared to younger age groups using European Quality of Life Survey data (EQLS) from 2016 and 33 countries (n = 36,908). Multilevel logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the association between individual- and country-level social capital and political participation. Findings revealed that, at the individual level, active associational engagement was positively related to both forms of political participation, while social trust and political trust were linked only to non-institutionalised participation—higher social trust and lower political trust were associated with a greater likelihood of participation. Country-level associational engagement was related to non-institutionalised political participation and country-level political trust with institutionalised participation. For older adults, active associational engagement had stronger individual and contextual effects on non-institutionalised political participation. These results enrich our understanding of political engagement in later life and highlight the unexplored potential for civic involvement among older adults.

Old but not out: Practical and theoretical implications for a caring and compassionate neighbourhood through civic engagement in later life

Background: The importance of civic engagement for caring and compassionate neighbourhoods is often overlooked in public and academic debate. Especially, civic engagement in later life in neighbourhoods is understudied. Research on this topic can shed light on the various obstacles and enablers that can stimulate or hinder civic engagement in later life at the local level. 
 Aim: This workshop gives insight into the processes of in- or exclusion of civic engagement in later life at a neighbourhood level. Additionally, the goal is to stimulate reflection among participants about civic engagement in relation to caring neighbourhoods and compassionate communities and to jointly advance the state of knowledge. 
 Participants: This session is relevant for people who civically engage in their respective neighbourhoods, as well as for practitioners, civil servants, politicians, researchers, and others who are interested in stimulating and understanding civic engagement in later life at the neighbourhood level. Those who have no experience with the subject are also welcome.
 Methods: The session starts with presentations of both researchers and a representative of a sociocultural organisation, to ensure both theoretical and practical coverage of the topic. Equipped with the background from the presentations, this workshop will continue by making personas to understand how a neighbourhood can create facilitators and barriers to civic engagement.
 1.Introduction (10 min): The session starts with an introduction by prof. Dr. Sarah Dury about the meaning of compassionate and caring communities and how civic engagement activities like informal help and volunteering can play a role in it. 
 2.Three presentations (30 min): 
 1) The relationship of civic engagement in later life and the neighbourhood level (Toon Vercauteren, VUB): A presentation on how the neighbourhood interacts with civic engagement in later life with a focus on volunteering and informal helping behaviours.
 2) Civic engagement in later life in a socially disadvantaged neighbourhood (Bas Dikmans, VUB): This presentation will focus on how the socially disadvantaged neighbourhood can pose obstacles to but also foster civic engagement in later life. 
 
 3) Practical examples of civic engagement in a socially disadvantaged neighbourhood in Schaerbeek (Ingrid Pecquet, Eva Bxl): Practical examples of civic engagement activities in later life that contribute to caring and compassionate communities will be presented. 
 3.Creating personas in groups (35 min): Together with the participants, we will construct personas, which are imaginary persons with characteristics and experiences of a particular group. In this workshop, we will focus on neighbourhood characteristics to understand how a neighbourhood can shape civic engagement in later life.
 4.Plenary and closing session (15 min): The personas of each group will be briefly presented in the closing feedback round. The ideas generated during the session will be collected on a writing board that can be shared with the audience afterwards.
 End goal: This workshop will inform participants about what civic engagement in later life can look like in a neighbourhood. It will discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise in its practical application linked to caring neighbourhoods and compassionate communities.

Person-centred integrated care? Looking beyond contemporary needs, wishes and goals. A workshop on the importance of working from a life course perspective in caring neighbourhoods.

Background: The importance of a life course perspective is often not taken into account when detecting the needs, wishes and goals of older adults. Research and practice to date has tended to focus on the 'now'. However, adapting a life-course perspective in person-centred care and caring neighbourhoods could enrich and deepen our understanding of current needs, wishes and goals.
 Aim: The aim of this workshop is to give insight into the use of a life-course approach in relation to research and practice on person-centred integrated care and caring neighbourhoods. It aims to enthuse participants in using a life-course approach in their future academic and professional work.
 Participants: This workshop is important for a variety of actors: researchers, practitioners, politicians, older adults. Experience with the subject is not mandatory. The presence of a diverse group enriches our discussions and reflections.
 Methods:
 1.Introduction: The presentation will start with some questions toward the participants. The answers will lead to a presentation of 5 minutes on the use of a life course approach in relation to person-centred integrated care and caring neighbourhoods. (10min)
 2.Inspirational presentations: Four examples will be given of how a life-course approach can be used throughout 4 different themes: housing, civic engagement, care and the neighbourhood. Presentations will be interactive. (40min)
 
 Ariane Vanbellinghen studies housing and wellbeing through the life-course of older adults. Housing is an essential part in caring neighbourhoods, especially for older adults, where there is often a certain resistance to remodel their current home or relocate.
 Bas Dikmans focuses on civic engagement of older adults in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, making use of a life course perspective in his research to see how life events facilitate or pose obstacles to civic engagement in later life.
 
 
 
 Mikis Dormaels is a life story writer with the senior care team, part of the Center for Mental Health in Brussels. In 2010, "narrative care" as a treatment method was developed and offered to older people in a vulnerable position.
 Liesbeth De Donder will open the discussion on how to include neighbourhood life stories, as an addition to individual stories, when developing caring neighbourhoods.
 
 3.Round tables: exercises on using a life-course approach (30 min)
 4 workshops will be organised. Participants are free to choose which workshop to attend: 1) housing through the life-course, 2) civic engagement through the life-course, 3) narrative care: life stories in mental care and 4) life stories as a neighbourhood mapping tool. 
 We will interact with the audience trough specific exercises on using a specific method, what the benefits and challenges of the method are, how they can integrate it in their own context. Together with the group input, feedback, and own experiences, among others, knowledge will be co-created.
 Closing: Plenary reflection and summary (10 min)
 In a plenary session, all the main findings that were collected through the workshop will be shared and a representative of each workshop will summarise the key-messages to take home.

EXCLUSION FROM MULTIDIMENSIONAL CIVIC ENGAGEMENT OF DIVERSE OLDER ADULTS: A PAN-EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE

Abstract Despite decades of research on social exclusion, the understanding of the intersection between ageing and exclusion from civic engagement remains limited, both theoretically and empirically. Moreover, the research on civic engagement, including volunteering or political participation, has received unequal attention in research and the study of multidimensional civic engagement has scarcely been addressed. This symposium therefore brings together qualitative and quantitative research on multidimensional civic engagement in later life, as a part of the pan-European CIVEX-project, devoted to critically assess multidimensional civic engagement of diverse and potentially marginalized groups of older adults in a European context. The objective is to explore the main dimensions of exclusion from multidimensional civic engagement in later life and older adults’ experiences of such exclusion. Toon Vercauteren starts with a study using data from the European Quality of Life Survey (EQLS) in 33 European countries to examine multidimensional civic engagement of older adults in Europe and its key risk and support factors. Bas Dikmans will use a life course perspective to study features of exclusion from civic engagement in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Belgium, using data collected within the international CIVEX-project. Subsequently, Fredrica Nyqvist will present results based on EQLS data on social capital and political participation in younger as well as older adults. Sandra Torres will close the symposium with a presentation on civic engagement amongst older migrants based on interview data collected in Belgium, Finland, Spain and Sweden.

A CLOSER LOOK AT OLDER ADULTS AS PEER EDUCATORS IN LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTIONS IN THE US

Abstract Productive engagement in later life refers to paid or unpaid activities that can provide beneficial outcomes for individuals and society. This qualitative study examines the experiences of 17 peer educators, aged 61 to 84 and without cognitive deficits, who teach at three institutions of lifelong learning in Florida, USA. Data were collected through field notes, document analysis, a sociodemographic questionnaire, individual in-depth interviews, and brief interviews with each institution′s director. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the profiles of the peer educators, and emerging themes were identified through thematic analysis of the interview data. Preliminary results suggest that volunteerism and altruism played a role in their decision to become peer educators. Descriptive statistics showed that, on average, peer educators have obtained higher education degrees and have past teaching experience. The study identified several emerging themes related to the experiences of peer educators, including the need for purpose, the value of social connections, enjoyment of their role, and the importance of mutual learning. The analysis also revealed some challenges, including the need for environmental modifications to improve teaching conditions and assistance with marketing to promote classes and increase attendance. Overall, this study provides preliminary evidence to aid in understanding older adults in productive roles and fighting ageism. Identify current gaps in each institution′s approach, capacity to promote their participation and enhance their teaching experience while highlighting their contributions to society.

GREATER PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT OFFER PROTECTION AGAINST COGNITIVE DECLINE OVER TIME

Abstract Evidence suggests that physical activity and social engagement in later life are associated with a less pronounced and reduced risk of cognitive decline over time; however, findings are mixed and knowledge concerning the effect of these factors on cognitive functioning in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is underdeveloped. To enhance understanding, we extracted data from eight waves (2004-2018) of the Health and Retirement Study and used hierarchical linear mixed models to investigate the impact of physical activity and social engagement on cognitive functioning in Americans aged 60 years and older with MCI (n=1462). The average cognitive score (sum of immediate and delayed word recall, serial seven subtraction test, counting backwards, range: 0 to 27) at baseline was 9.6, which decreased by 0.14 points each year. Each unit increase in physical activity (weighted sum of light, moderate, vigorous activity; range: 9 to 45) and social engagement (measure capturing social visits, volunteerism, religious participation; range: 0 to 3) reduced the effect of time on cognitive functioning by 0.01 (β=0.007, p<.0001) and 0.04 (β=0.040, p<.0001) points, respectively, while simultaneously controlling for APOE genotype and other covariates. This means, for example, that the cognitive score of someone with a physical activity score of 40 was, on average, 3.1 points higher than someone with a physical activity score of 10 after 16 years of follow-up. Findings suggest that greater physical activity and social engagement offer protection against cognitive decline and could minimize MCI progression among older adults experiencing MCI.

RELATIONSHIP OF SOCIAL SUPPORT AND SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT WITH COGNITION IN AN ETHNICALLY DIVERSE OLDER POPULATION

Abstract One quarter of older adults in the U.S. are socially isolated; far more experience subjective loneliness. The potentially negative effects of limited social support and social engagement pose a concern for maintaining the well-being of older individuals, including the effect on cognitive function. To test the hypothesis that cognitive function is associated with social support and social engagement, we employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze data from an ethnically diverse sample (118 African American, 147 Afro-Caribbean, 133 Hispanic, and 235 European American) of 623 community-dwelling older adults age ≥ 65 (173 male, 450 female). Using the model proposed by Cenè et al. (2022), we conceptualized level of social support and engagement as the exposure, emotional state (anxiety, depression, general emotional well-being), and physical function (functional activity, life space, general physical function, and self-rating of health) as mediators and cognitive function as the outcome of interest. Statistically significant direct and indirect effects were found between the three latent variables (emotional state, physical function, and social support and social engagement), indicating that the level of social support and engagement the older individual is related directly and indirectly to cognition (β=-.75, SE=.49, p<.028; β=-0.08, SE=0.795, p=0.017). The SEM models showed goodness of fit with χ2/df=3.001, CFI=0.931, AGFI=0.966, SRMR=0.045, and RMSA=0.058, and explained 35.3% of the variability. These values support the hypothetical model. Results suggest the importance of maintaining existing social support and engagement activities as well as development and testing of approaches to increase social support and engagement in later life.

IMPACT OF DIGITAL AND SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT ON QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG RURAL OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Objectives In the current digitalized society, digital and social engagement are important elements in the well-being of older adults. This study examines how different types of digital and social engagement are associated with different aspects of quality of life among rural healthy older adults. Methods Older adults without cognitive impairments, residing in the community in Southeast Idaho (n=154) participated in the ‘Aging in Idaho study’ in 2018. Internet use for communication, instrumental purposes, and health information searches were measured. Informal and formal social participation were measured. Five aspects of quality of life (QOL) were measured using the WHOQOL-BREF. Multiple regression analyses were performed. Results Well-educated (M=16 years) rural older adults used the Internet for various purposes, actively engaged in social activities, and reported higher level of QOL for overall and life environment (e.g., M=4.6, Range=1-5). Internet use for communication was positively associated with QOL general health (β=.20, P <.05). Online health information search was negatively associated with QOL general health (β= -.42, P <.05). Informal social participation was positively associated with QOL overall (β=.17, P <.05), psychological health (β=.13, P <.05), and life environment (β=.20, P <.05). Formal social participation was positively associated with QOL social relationships (β=.16, P <.05). Discussion Digital and social engagement relate in distinct ways with different aspects of QOL. Older adults perceived QOL to be better when they actively adopted digital technology whereas maintaining social engagement well in the community. Promoting digital engagement which enables to facilitate social engagement in later life will be discussed.

INFLUENCES OF HAVING COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT OR DEMENTIA ON SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AMONG OLDER ADULTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract Studies have suggested that promoting and maintaining social engagement are positively associated with various well-being outcomes in later life. One notable barrier to sustaining social engagement in later life is development of cognitive impairment (CI) and/or Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). This study aims to synthesize existing literature exploring the impact of CI and ADRD on social engagement among older adults. We conducted a search of studies written in English language in the following databases: PsychInfo, PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria included: observational studies that were conducted outside of residential long-term care facilities, included social engagement as an outcome variable, and examined the impact of cognitive impairment and/or ADRD on social engagement. Eighteen studies were included for qualitative synthesis. The majority of studies used author-developed scales to measure social engagement. Three utilized formal clinical diagnosis to measure cognitive impairment and ADRD. Twenty unique social activities were included, such as volunteering, attending community groups, and religious services. Four primary themes emerged regarding the relationship between CI/ADRD and social engagement: decreased levels of social engagement, reduced variety of social activities, lowered motivation, and heterogeneity in social engagement. Results suggest that people with CI/ADRD have reduced social engagement, but the evidence is limited due to the inconsistent use of measures for social engagement and CI/ADRD. Future research is needed to develop valid and reliable measures of social engagement that can be used among individuals living with CI/ADRD.

“WE DON’T AGE ALONE; WE AGE AS A COMMUNITY”: BARRIERS AND ENABLERS OF AGING WELL IN BLACK/AFRICAN AMERICAN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Eurocentric understandings of successful aging privilege optimal physical and cognitive health, absence of disease and disability, and active social engagement in later life. This marginalizes the experiences of diverse older adults who may live with chronic conditions but maintain a good quality of life, supported by factors such as spirituality, resilience, and close familial ties. Further, this approach is myopic because it fails to capture social determinants of health (SDOH) that influence the aging process over time. The Perceptions of Aging Well in Diverse Older Adults study is a 5-year series that seeks to identify: 1) micro-, meso- and macro-level factors that shape aging well in racial/ethnic minority older adults, and 2) strategies to support aging well in racial/ethnic minority older adults. This presentation highlights preliminary findings from a sub-study with Black/African American participants. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 community-dwelling Black/African American adults age 50+ (14 females, 9 males; mean age = 71.2 years). Thematic analysis of the interview data showed that neighborhood safety, food insecurity, pharmacy deserts, adverse childhood experiences, structural racism, and everyday micro-aggressions shaped perceptions of aging well in powerful ways. Strong kinship bonds and a desire to leave a legacy of resilience and empowerment for younger generations motivated participants to engage in prosocial activities such as volunteering in local church communities. These findings suggest that along with addressing key SDOH, fostering generativity through teaching and mentoring, creative arts, and taking on community leadership roles may enhance subjective well-being in Black/African American older adults.

TECHNOLOGY AND OLDER ADULTS: BEST PRACTICES FOR ENHANCING USABILITY, ENGAGEMENT, AND COMMUNICATION

Abstract The massive growth in population aging has coincided with a time of continued fast-paced innovations in technology. Technology can be leveraged to support health, well-being, and quality of life in older adults with health, mobility, and cognitive issues and is a means of maintaining social engagement in later life. However, for technology to achieve its intended purpose, older adults must have access to and recognize the value of such products. Despite the sheer size of the older adult population, the field of Information Communications Technology (ICT), has long overlooked the perspectives of older adults with regard the design of ICT applications. ICT systems that fail to consider the diverse capabilities and attitudes of older adult users are likely to alienate a significant, growing segment of the population and will likely be underutilized. This presentation will review best practices to enhance older adults’ usability and engagement with technology, with an emphasis on user-centered design principles as well as innovative tools facilitating virtual ICT support and training (e.g., TeamViewer software) to provide older adults who have limited to no technology proficiency with the skills needed to navigate its use. Key takeaways from this presentation will include a greater understanding of the importance of design principles to enhance usability and adoption of ICT systems among older adults; means of increasing access and adoption of ICT applications; and how user feedback can be leveraged to inform adaptions to enhance the efficacy and acceptability of technology applications, and ultimately foster psychosocial well-being in older adults.

Explicating Ageism in the Productive Aging Framework.

This essay argues for a fuller integration of ageism and age discrimination into the productive aging framework. We briefly review the productive aging scholarship and the extent to which ageism has been considered in regard to working, volunteering, education, and caregiving. We suggest that ageism has not been adequately considered, and we identify how it permeates productive engagement in later life. We introduce modifications to the productive aging framework to more directly capture the roles of ageism and age discrimination in activity engagement and the outcomes achieved. We argue for the integration of key concepts from minority stress theory and critical race theory that may yield important insights for an increasingly diverse older population. We conclude with research directions that will guide intervention development to reduce ageism at the societal, organizational, and individual level.

The association between leisure activity patterns and the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults.

The study aimed to identify leisure activity patterns among older adults and explore the differences in the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) of these patterns. A total of 352 older adults aged ≥ 65 years in Shijiazhuang were enrolled in this study from June to September 2021. Their leisure activities and cognition were evaluated. Latent class analysis and logistic regression models were used for analysis. The manuscript was organized according to the STROBE guidelines. We identified three latent classes of leisure activities: multidomain activities (MDA) class (55%), self-improvement activities (SIA) class (21%), and family-centered activities (FCA) class (24%). Three latent classes significantly differed in general characteristics (gender, education, and body mass index) and the prevalence of MCI. The prevalence of MCI was 3.694 times higher in older adults in the FCA class than in older adults in the MDA class (OR = 3.694, P < 0.001) and 2.573 times higher in older adults in the SIA class (OR = 2.573, P = 0.036). Patterns of low participation in intellectual activities were associated with MCI. Identifying the heterogeneity in leisure activity engagement in later life was critical for tailoring interventions and designing programs that can improve the cognitive function of older adults.

Reciprocal Relationship Between Lifelong Learning and Volunteering Among OlderAdults.

Lifelong learning and volunteering contribute to not only health and well-being, but also social inclusion and cohesion among older adults. However, less is known about whether lifelong learning and volunteering promote each other. This study examined the reciprocal relationship between older adults' lifelong learning and volunteering and whether the relationship varied by the purpose of lifelong learning. Cross-lagged panel models were applied to data on 2,608 older adults, aged 60years and older, from 2 waves of a national longitudinal study from Singapore. We found a bidirectional relationship between lifelong learning and volunteering. However, when job-related and nonjob-related lifelong learning were considered separately, only nonjob-related lifelong learning predicted volunteering. On the other hand, volunteering predicted both job-related and nonjob-related lifelong learning. Lifelong learning leads to volunteering, and vice versa, creating a virtuous circle of productive social engagement in later life. Programs or initiatives engaging older adults in either productive activity should promote and provide opportunities for participation in the other activity.

VOLUNTEERING AND RISK OF HEART ATTACK IN LATER LIFE: THE MODERATING ROLE OF PURPOSE IN LIFE?

Abstract Background and Objectives Although research on the health benefits of volunteering has proliferated in recent decades, most studies are cross-sectional, and none prospectively examine the relationship between volunteering engagement, purpose in life, and heart attack. Research design and methods This study uses seven waves of data (2006-2018) from the Health and Retirement study--a nationally representative survey of adults over age 50 (N=5,093). Event history analysis using Cox proportional hazards were used to examine if volunteering engagement in later life reduced the risk of first heart attack and if the effects of volunteering vary by level of purpose in life. Results Results reveal that volunteering, and doing so at a low time commitment, reduces the risk of first heart attack in later life. Additionally, the effect of volunteering varies by sense of purpose in life, such that volunteers with a strong sense of purpose in life had the lowest risk of heart attack. Implications: The findings of this study will inform public health and policy interventions dedicated to extending and improving later life health.

SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT IN LATER LIFE: INTERDEPENDENCE OF MARRIED COUPLE’S MENTAL HEALTH WELL-BEING

Abstract Social engagement in later life often provides a sense of belongings and social identity. Given its salient meanings for older adults in Korea where social ties play important roles on the mental health and well-being, different conceptualizations of social engagement have been examined, such as formal and informal social activities. As numerous studies have suggested, informal activities are associated with better well-being, however, it is unclear whether formal social engagement of husbands and wives influence the other partner’s mental health outcomes. Based on the Interdependence Theory (Rusbult &amp; Van Range, 2008), we expect that formal and informal social engagement of husbands and wives are associated with their own depressive symptoms and further those of their spouses. Using a sample of 1,195 couples (Nf 2,390) of married older adults aged 65 and above from the 8th wave of Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA), we tested the relationship between social engagement and depressive symptoms using actor partner interdependence model (APIM). The findings indicated that for both husbands and wives, there was a negatively significant association between one’s informal social activity on their own depressive symptoms (actor effect) and their spouse’s depressive symptoms (partner effect). No significant findings were observed for formal social activities. Overall, this study suggests the importance of informal social activity compared to formal social activity to lower depressive symptoms for themselves and their spouses in later life. Moving forward, incorporating a partner’s informal social activity can provide useful information in predicting one’s own mental health well-being.

Neighborhood Land Use, Work Participation, and Quality of Life Among Workers in Mid and Late Life: Exploratory Analysis of Singapore’s Public Housing Neighborhoods

Neighborhood environments have been positively associated with older adults’ engagement outcomes. As mid- and late-life work participation gains traction, the scope of productive engagement in later life expands concomitantly. However, current age-friendly neighborhood paradigms remain largely retirement-centric, with minimal applicability for older adults with work aspirations. Therefore, the objective of this research was to examine whether neighborhood land use had significant impact on older adults’ work participation and well-being while working. Neighborhood variables were measured at the postal code level and statistically analyzed in relation to work participation and quality of life (QOL) scores for 850 older adults in Singapore. Significant variables were evaluated again for 28 planning areas, and statistically analyzed in relation to workforce participation rates. The findings suggest that neighborhood spatial attributes are significant for mid- and late-life work participation: Strategic provision of amenities was associated with individual work participation and well-being, while density and distribution of specific land-use types were associated with workforce participation rates. The article concludes with a discussion on the gaps in planning approaches for work-supportive and age-friendly neighborhood paradigms.

Long-Term Correlates of Racially Diverse Schooling: Education, Wealth, and Social Engagement in Later Life

Racially diverse educational settings yield various benefits according to past research. However, researchers have not fully considered how longlasting the benefits are and whether they exist for adults who attended school prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. We analyze a national sample of older adults born between 1931 and 1953 to test for an association between attending a race discordant school in early life and socioeconomic status and social engagement in later life. We use OLS regression and propensity adjusted regression to account for early life factors that select children into race discordant schools. Findings indicate that race discordant schooling is associated with long-term educational benefits for Hispanic adults and greater wealth for Black adults at age 65. Attending a race discordant school was not correlated with socioeconomic outcomes in later life for Whites. Additionally, Black and White older adults who attended discordant schools reported higher levels of social engagement at age 65. To the extent our models successfully account for selection, early exposure to race discordant schools yielded some later-life benefits to all racial/ethnic groups and reduced racial/ethnic inequalities among older adults, despite growing up in a time of entrenched institutional racism and significant White opposition to school integration.

The Life Course Metaphor: Implications for Biography and Interpretive Research

This paper reviews qualitative research in the United States, highlighting the ways research has changed in the era of the third age. With growing attention to positive and uplifting aspects of aging, qualitative research has played a critical role in the exploration of the ways in which older adults are engaging in meaningful ways with others. We describe two key methodological approaches that have been important to examining positive aspects of aging and exploring the extent to which a growing number of years of healthy retirement are redefining the aging experience: ethnographic research and grounded theory research. We also review key topics associated with qualitative research in the era of the third age. These topics fit within two dominant frameworks – research exploring meaningmaking in later life and research exploring meaningful engagement in later life. These frameworks were critically important to raising attention to meaningful experiences and interactions with others, and we propose that the agenda for future qualitative research in the United States should continue contributing to these frameworks. However, we note that a third framework should also be developed which examines what it means to be a third age through use of a phenomenological approach, which will assist in the important task of theory building about the third age.

A New Paradigm for Qualitative Research in the United States: The Era of the Third Age

This paper reviews qualitative research in the United States, highlighting the ways research has changed in the era of the third age. With growing attention to positive and uplifting aspects of aging, qualitative research has played a critical role in the exploration of the ways in which older adults are engaging in meaningful ways with others. We describe two key methodological approaches that have been important to examining positive aspects of aging and exploring the extent to which a growing number of years of healthy retirement are redefining the aging experience: ethnographic research and grounded theory research. We also review key topics associated with qualitative research in the era of the third age. These topics fit within two dominant frameworks – research exploring meaningmaking in later life and research exploring meaningful engagement in later life. These frameworks were critically important to raising attention to meaningful experiences and interactions with others, and we propose that the agenda for future qualitative research in the United States should continue contributing to these frameworks. However, we note that a third framework should also be developed which examines what it means to be a third ager through use of a phenomenological approach, which will assist in the important task of theory building about the third age.