Intergenerational Solidarity, Well being and Perceptions of Positive Ageing: A Cross Cultural Study

Research Topic
Intergenerational Solidarity, Well being and Perceptions of Positive Ageing: A Cross Cultural Study

Lead Researcher
Park Miriam Sang Ah, Senior Lecturer, Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom

Host Researcher
Kimberly Suzanne BOWEN, Associate Professor, Kokoro Research Center, Kyoto University

Collaborating Researchers
Stephen Badham, Senior Lecturer, Nottingham Trent University, UK

Vincenza Capone, Associate Professor, University of Naples Federico II, Italy

Anna Rosa Donizzetti, Associate Professor, University of Naples Federico II, Italy

This project aims to examine the potential role of intergenerational solidarity and aspects of well-being on positive ageing. While there is a fast growing literature on positive ageing based on biomedical perspectives (i.e., defining positive ageing as better physical health or absence of serious illness such as dementia), research looking into sociocultural contexts of positive ageing is rarer to find. Preliminary findings from the applicant’s recent studies seem to suggest that positive ageing is also about leading a meaningful life and keeping close social connections, and viewing it from this angle, it is important to re-visit the issue of diminishing solidarity between younger and older generations (as in the countries of South Korea and Japan where resentment toward the older generation seems to be growing) and young people’s (potentially decreasing) well-being and perceptions of positive ageing. Such negative public attitudes and perceptions of older people can have an impact on older people’s perceptions of themselves and their ageing, and can also further widen the gap between the generations which in turn leads to divisive societies.

This project thus aims to investigate (qualitatively through semi-structured interviews and quantitatively through questionnaires) these perceptions and attitudes closely for the younger and older generations in different societies, starting from Japan/Kokoro Research Centre where Professor Uchida and her colleagues are already doing research on the older generations. The project will then begin concurrently examining similar perceptions and attitudes in other countries such as the UK where the applicant works and South Korea where many of the Japanese contemporary views may be mirrored. The findings from these studies will inform the research team and the wider public of how these perceptions and attitudes might be informed and shaped by the sociocultural context, and also provide further understanding of the role of the sociocultural context in the construction of positive ageing in these countries. Identifying factors and aspects that lead to positive ageing can provide valuable knowledge for many of the ageing societies around the world and help tackle the challenges posed by rapid ageing of the global population. The applicant has previously discussed these ideas with Professor Uchida and other colleagues at Kokoro Research Centre listed above and has other international collaborators working in the areas of ageing and well-being who with their expertise can contribute toward the project. The project can have outcomes that can inform policy and intervention at both community and governmental/national level and the project team will actively engage with the external partners and utilize the outcome for implementation upon completing the cross-cultural project.

2021/05/31