Research activities

Task 1: Demographic ageing and policy preferences

This study mapped the current (age-based) distribution of policy preferences with regards to a number of policy areas such as employment policies, pensions, healthcare, social care, and education and to understand how these are influenced by individual and societal ageing. Acknowledging that individual attitudes reflect both life-cycle effects and the personal experiences and socio-institutional environments that shaped the early stages of the different cohorts of individuals we analysed how individual policy preferences evolve over time.

For this purpose, we combined the various waves of the ISSP modules on the ‘Role of Government’ (1985, 1990, 1996, 2006) into a pseudo-panel, which allowed us to track how policy preferences evolve over time. Bearing in mind the particular nature of this database, our focus was not on changes in individual attitudes, but in the aggregated attitudes of well-defined groups of persons, organised around key socio-economic variables such as age, activity status, education, and income.

Task 2: Receptivity to policy innovation

This study measured the receptivity of different stakeholders to the set of policy proposals that our consortium identified as promoting active ageing. We organised focus groups with relevant stakeholders (notably senior citizens) in the UK, Germany, Denmark, Portugal and Poland to discuss their views with regard to the different policy proposals that emerge from the research fields

  • Extending working lives

  • Pension systems, savings and financial education

  • Health and well-being

  • Built and technological environment, and

  • Social care and social support.

Together with data from Task 1, this provided us with an insight into the receptivity to policy innovation, and the prospects for the capacity to adapt to change. The organisation and selection of the locations for the focus groups was done in consultation with research leaders and Age Platform.

Task 3: Measuring and identifying differences in active citizenship among older people

This study investigated issues relating to the questions of how the level of active citizenship differs between the elderly and younger citizens? How it differs among the elderly? To what extent is the loss of active citizenship a problem in old age?

As a first step, we expanded Hoskins and Mascherini’s composite indicator of active citizenship, to get a clearer picture of active citizenship among older people at a cross country level. For this purpose we combined ESS data with SHARE data (which has questions on activities within the last month) and time use surveys (HETUS). Based on this indicator, we evaluated how active citizenship varies by reference to four key variables: age, education, labour market status and informal family care responsibilities. The analysis was further expanded by taking a longitudinal view utilising several rounds of the European Social Survey (ESS).

While this was not a very long-term perspective, we expected it to yield insights into trends at the country level and expose potential cohort effects in the conduct of active citizenship. Duration 12 months.

Task 4: Overcoming negative stereotypes, promoting participation

This study identified mechanisms that allowed us to overcome the negative stereotypes about senior citizens that hamper their prospects for active citizenship. The first step was to review existing national data and international – such as the European Social Survey, Eurobarometer, or dedicated surveys from the countries’ national statistical offices – to identify and understand the prevalence of different societal representations of senior citizens in Portugal and the UK.

These findings informed an analysis of informational media in Portugal and the UK, which helped us to identify specific elements of stereotypes and beliefs that need to be tackled, or enhanced, to ensure more positive perceptions of ageing. Based on these findings, we conducted experimental studies to test how (manipulated) positive representations of senior citizens could help us to reverse/eliminate the set of negative stereotypes identified in the previous stages. This experimental approach was piloted in Portugal, and then replicated in the UK.

Task 5: Enhancing the civic and political participation of senior citizens

This study identified best practices and promising approaches in advancing the effective participation of senior citizens in policymaking processes. For this purpose, we conducted a series of case studies of successful initiatives in promoting the political participation of senior citizens. The selection of cases was done in consultation with members of the consortium, including Age Platform and national and European experts.

Nonetheless, the selection of cases gave consideration to whether these were agency-led, or citizen or user-led initiatives; the level (local, national, supranational) and area of intervention (issue-specific or general), and the diversity of older citizens involved. Initiatives that equate with higher levels of the ladder of participation, ie where senior citizen’s engagement translates into effective influence in the decisions, was also given a preference.

Links with other work packages

Task 2 tested the receptivity to some of the key policy proposals that emerged from ICT, housing, transport and mobility and the research fields

As they provide an insight on future short and long-term societal preferences for the distribution of public resources, Tasks 1 and 2 provided key information for mapping the future scenarios for active ageing in the research field Active and healthy ageing as an asset. Task 3, as it provided an in-depth overview of the extent and nature of social participation amongst senior citizens, provided key information for Active and healthy ageing as an asset. Tasks 4 and 5 provided important insights on how to promote the engagement of senior citizens and relevant stakeholders and was also relevant to Active and healthy ageing as an asset.