ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INFLUENCING ACTIVE AGEING AMONGST ELDERLY WOMEN

Abstract

The global phenomenon of population ageing has huge implications on the overall well-being of the elderly, especially women. In addition, rapid industrialization and urbanization have altered the socio-economic milieu for the elderly and impacted their lives. The elderly are more susceptible to changes in the environment that affect their well-being. Thus, a supportive environment is an essential component for ensuring healthy ageing. With this understanding, the present
research paper based on a phenomenological study, analyses the environmental factors that influence the ageing experiences of women.

It highlights the interplay of various structural factors in shaping the everyday experiences of elderly women. Utilizing a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with ten elderly women in the age group 60 to 70 years and residing in the national capital, Delhi. The findings of the study focused on the perceptions and experiences of community-dwelling elderly women vis-à-vis their health, security and participation in society. The results show that
functional health, the physical environment, financial security and a social support system are major structural factors influencing active ageing. Being community dwellers, irrespective of their social position, women haven't the added advantage of traditional support from the family, neighbours and community at large. The age-unfriendly nature of their physical environment adds to constraints in ageing actively.