‘Active ageing’: a qualitative study in six Caribbean countries

Abstract

The aim of this study was to document the perceptions of elders in six Caribbean countries about ' active ageing ' and on the basis of their reports to make recommendations to improve their situation. Data were collected principally through 31 focus group discussions conducted in both urban and rural areas. Comparative analysis was carried out of the qualitative information, focusing on three components of 'active ageing' : health and social services access and use, social support, and economic circumstances. Most of the participants were women, aged 60-79 years, of lower socio-economic status and from urban areas. Large disparities in the responses of Caribbean societies to population ageing were indicated, as well as unequal opportunities to obtain health care and social services, public transport, income and food by both socio-economic status and location. Home-care services are either insufficient or non-existent. Some elders receive social and financial support from relatives while others fear isolation and face deprivation. Social participation varies by place, physical condition, financial situation, association membership, and transport opportunities. Social protection benefits do not provide adequate income and some older people face food insecurity. It was concluded that a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach using the ' active ageing ' framework should be implemented to ensure a healthy ageing process.

Older women and their participation in exercise and leisure-time physical activity: the double edged sword of work

“…Qualitative studies on activity in later life have been undertaken in other countries (e.g. Cloos et al 2010) but in line with UK studies, few have explicitly explored the links between participation in PA and employment. One reason for this has been a focus on people in the 60-plus age group who are more likely to be in a pre-retirement or post-retirement phase.…”

Pillars for the Care of Older Persons in the Caribbean

“…Adults age 60 and over represent approximately 8% of the current population of the Caribbean region. By 2050, this age group is expected to comprise over 25% of the region's total population (Cloos et al, 2010;Palloni & McEniry, 2007; United Nations [UN], 2004). Concurrent with this growth is an escalation in the prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases (CNCDs), including heart diseases, cancers, cerebrovascular diseases, and diabetes (Cunningham-Myrie, Reid, & Forrester, 2008;Palloni & McEniry, 2007).…”

“…However, available earning opportunities decrease and the risk of worklimiting disability increases with age. Consequently, elders are particularly likely to experience financial difficulties (Cloos et al, 2010;Palloni & McEniry, 2007). Furthermore, those whose employment was outside the formal workforce lack access to pensions or retirement benefits.…”

“…Culturally and age-appropriate health infrastructure and social services are needed to ensure healthy aging for Caribbean elders (Cloos et al, 2010;Morgan, 2005). Nevertheless, health systems and social policies in many Caribbean nations cannot meet the needs of expanding elderly populations (Palloni & McEniry, 2007).…”

“…The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) called for comprehensive national policies on aging that provide a framework for the formulation of programs and services, such as long-term care for elders with functional limitations and CNCDs, and development of community-based programs (UN, 2004). Yet, to date, there is little evidence of widespread adoption of such policies within Caribbean nations (Cloos et al, 2010).…”