Involving Socially Excluded Groups in Age-Friendly Programs: The Role of a Spatial Lens and Co-Production Approaches

Yarker, Sophie; Buffel, Tine

Abstract

Despite the identification of social inclusion as a key objective of age-friendly policies and programs, there is limited research evidence as to either the extent to which this has been achieved or how it might be realized. Gaps remain in our understanding of how age-friendly programs might involve different groups of older people and the possible barriers that might be encountered. This paper seeks to address this gap by drawing on evidence from the Ambition for Aging program in Greater Manchester, UK, which implemented a range of projects designed to tackle social isolation in later life. The paper argues that due to its co-production approach and spatial lens, Ambition for Aging was able to involve sections of the older population that otherwise might have remained excluded. In providing further insights relevant to age-friendly programs, the paper also considers some of the barriers experienced by the Ambition for Aging program and builds a case that taking a spatial justice perspective to age-friendly work may help identify and overcome obstacles to achieving social inclusion.

Citation

Yarker, S., & Buffel, T. (2022). Involving Socially Excluded Groups in Age-Friendly Programs: The Role of a Spatial Lens and Co-Production Approaches. Journal of Aging and Social Policy, 34(2), 254-274. https://doi.org/10.1080/08959420.2022.2049571

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 23, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Mar 22, 2022
• Publication Date: Mar 4, 2022
• Deposit Date: May 16, 2024
• Journal: Journal of Aging & Social Policy
• Print ISSN: 0895-9420
• Electronic ISSN: 1545-0821
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 34
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 254-274
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08959420.2022.2049571
• Additional Information: Peer Review Statement: The publishing and review policy for this title is described in its Aims & Scope.; Aim & Scope: http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=wasp20; Received: 2021-06-14; Accepted: 2021-11-23; Published: 2022-03-22