"Active ageing" with reservations : unequal opportunities for participation from the cradle to the grave

Abstract

"The point of departure of the present article is a critical reflection on the idea of ageing and old age as related to 'active ageing'. Due to extended life expectancy, people are frequently told to use their 'extra years' actively and constructively both for themselves as individuals and for society, e.g. by working longer. However, the opportunities for older people are clearly unequally distributed when it comes to possibilities for gainful employment and social participation. This inequality in opportunities is not a phenomenon of ageing and old age; instead, it is closely connected to the resources that people have gained throughout their lifetime; i.e. discrimination continues. The creation of opportunities to promote active ageing is therefore a central task in lifelong learning and competence development." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Wienberg, J. & Czepek, J. (2011): "Aktives Altern" unter Vorbehalt. Ungleiche Teilhabechancen von der Wiege bis zur Bahre. In: Magazin Erwachsenenbildung.at No. 13, p. 1-9.