Active Ageing among the Generations: Towards an Age-Friendly Society?

The present study examines active ageing in a representative sample of 900 subjects between the ages of 65 and 74, with the aim to identify the elements of successful ageing from the perspective of active intergenerational exchanges. Particular attention was paid to the identification of factors that either boost or hinder wellbeing in later life by relating four fundamental aspects of the activity: the goals that the elderly pursue, values, resources upon which they can rely, both at a material and relational level, norms and practices of exchange within family and social networks. The adopted perspective led to three different ageing profiles being found that were characteristic - in different degrees - of the Italian population. There were clear differences between elderly people who had prematurely withdrawn and those who conceive themselves as still having a pivotal role in their families and society. The former tend to perceive themselves as old, while for the latter, ageing is far from being a concern. It is clear that exchange, oriented both to light but entertaining sociability and support and intergenerational sharing of values, is crucial to the elderly persons’ ability to see themselves as active and satisfied with their condition.