Leader: Giustina Orientale Caputo (UNINA); Other collaborator(s): Adriana Cerasuolo, Marino Pezzolo, Giuseppe Gargiulo
Our investigation focuses on a critical examination of the active aging paradigm, considering it from a dual perspective: as a theoretical entity and as a core of social policies. The relevance of the Active Aging Index, the predominant tool in the European context for guiding active aging policies, will be evaluated, scrutinizing the limitations of its analytical metrics in contextualizing, stimulating, and effectively assessing the capacity for active aging within the European population. The goal is to formulate a new set of indicators, informed by and derivable from key European socio-demographic studies, that provide a more comprehensive and holistic interpretation of the conditions of older adults. These indicators are designed to capture the complex and multidimensional nature of aging and to be readily applicable in future research, thus contributing to the evolution of social policies and the field of gerontology. This may also allow for a better analysis of the social impact of aging on the population.
Brief description of the activities and of the intermediate results. Progress on our paper submission for the General Meeting in Venezia continues with an ongoing critical examination of the active aging paradigm. We are deepening our research by querying various databases from ISTAT (Italian National Institute of Statistics), alongside data from the INPS's statistical observatory. Our scenario analysis is focused on the role of the elderly in Italian society, particularly concerning employment and retirement. Moreover, our reflections on the theoretical and analytical dimensions of active aging and the Active Aging Index (AAI) have led us to consider proposing an alternative set of indicators. Among the sets of indicators we are examining, we are focusing on those proposed within the measurement of social quality. We are assessing how to incorporate the reflection on active aging within the theoretical framework of social quality. These new indicators aim to measure key aspects of the positive aging processes that, in our view, are overlooked by the current AAI and the general approach to active aging prevalent in Europe. This endeavour is part of our broader effort to promote a more inclusive vision of aging that values the diversity of elderly experiences beyond mere productivity.
Main policy, industrial and scientific implications. In policy, the alternative set of indicators proposed could revolutionize the framework for active aging in Italy, leading to more comprehensive and inclusive strategies that consider the diverse experiences and needs of the aging population. This can significantly influence the direction of employment and retirement policies, ensuring that they are better aligned with the actual capabilities and aspirations of older adults.
Data Access on "Social Quality and Active Aging" (target: survey ASPETTI DELLA VITA QUOTIDIANA, ISTAT, individuals aged 55-75+):
- Data from ISTAT survey "ASPETTI DELLA VITA QUOTIDIANA" have been accessed.
- Indicators of social quality related to active aging have been selected.
- Data analysis is ongoing, focusing on the subset of individuals aged 55 to 75 and older.
Data Analysis:
- Analysis of the ISTAT data is ongoing, focusing on dimensions such as social cohesion, inclusion, and economic security for the aging population.
Scientific Publications:
- Writing of scientific articles is currently ongoing, with a focus on the impact of social inclusion and active aging policies.
Policy Brief:
- Preliminary policy briefs on active aging and inclusion have been formulated in collaboration with other tasks of WP4, and additional briefs are in development.
Dissemination Activities:
- Preliminary findings have been presented at the Venice conference and at the spoke 1 conference.
Dissemination efforts continue, with future seminars and collaboration opportunities being explored through networking initiatives (e.g., AGE-IT project).
Data Access on "Social Quality and Active Aging" (target: survey ASPETTI DELLA VITA QUOTIDIANA, ISTAT, individuals aged 55-75+):
- Data from the ISTAT survey "ASPETTI DELLA VITA QUOTIDIANA" have been accessed.
- Indicators of social quality related to active aging have been selected.
- Data analysis is ongoing, focusing on the subset of individuals aged 55 to 75 and older.
Data Access on "Work Quality" (target: QDL INAPP, older workers):
- Data from the QDL INAPP survey on work quality for older workers has been accessed.
- Preliminary data analysis is being initiated.
- Data on the quality of work for INAPP (QDL) has been requested for indicators related to the conditions and quality of work for older workers."
Data Analysis:
- Analysis of the ISTAT data is ongoing, focusing on dimensions such as social cohesion, inclusion, and economic security for the aging population.
- Preliminary analyses on work quality indicators are in progress.
Scientific Publications:
- Writing of scientific articles is currently ongoing, with a focus on the impact of social inclusion and active aging policies.
Policy Brief:
- Preliminary policy briefs on active aging and inclusion have been formulated in collaboration with other tasks of WP4, and additional briefs are in development.
Dissemination Activities:
- Themes related to aging and work were discussed at the ESPAnet conference in Naples in September in the context of a session promoted and managed by the scientific coordinator of this TASK.
- Dissemination efforts continue, with future seminars and collaboration opportunities being explored through networking initiatives (e.g., AGE-IT project).
Data Access
Social Quality and Active Aging (ISTAT Survey - "Aspetti della Vita Quotidiana", individuals aged 55-75+):
- Data from the ISTAT survey "Aspetti della Vita Quotidiana" have been accessed.
- Indicators of social quality related to active aging have been selected.
- The dataset focuses on individuals aged 55 to 75 and older, with ongoing analysis targeting social cohesion, inclusion, social empowerment and economic security.
Data Analysis
- Confirmatory SEM Model: A structural equation model (SEM) has been applied to validate the theoretical structure of social quality in the context of active aging. The SEM tested the relationships among first- and second-order latent constructs, including dimensions such as social cohesion, inclusion, and economic security. The model demonstrated a good fit to the data, supporting the theoretical framework.
- Partial Least Squares (PLS) Modeling (Upcoming): Following the confirmatory SEM, the next step involves applying a Partial Least Squares (PLS) model. This approach aims to enhance the robustness of the indicator system and to develop a composite index for measuring social quality in the context of active aging.
Scientific Publications
- Article in Preparation: A manuscript focusing on the application of PLS modeling and the development of a composite social quality index is currently being drafte.
Empirical Research
- Literature Review: A systematic review of existing studies on active aging has been completed, with a focus on identifying gaps related to social quality dimensions such as social cohesion, inclusion, empowerment, and economic security among older individuals.
- Preparatory Work: The theoretical model validated through SEM has provided a robust framework for the qualitative case study. This framework will guide the design of interviews and focus groups for the next phase, enabling a deeper exploration of subjective experiences among workers aged from 55 to 75.
- Next Steps: The transition to the empirical phase will leverage the insights gained from the literature and the analytical findings to ensure a comprehensive and grounded approach to data collection and interpretation.
- Article in Review: A critical review of the active aging paradigm “ Invecchiamento attivo: un contributo critico al dibattito Europeo” has been submitted to the Autonomie Locali e Servizi sociali journal under the "Dibattiti" section.