This ECA is based on an individual research project, in which you will interview (separately) two older persons (aged 50 years to 75 years). Active ageing is “the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation, and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age” (WHO, 2002, p.2). Through the examination of the determinants of active ageing as defined by WHO, critically assess the success these two interviewees have achieved in terms of active ageing. Analyse your interviewees` active ageing process using at least two theoretical frameworks learned in the course. Finally, recommend two strategies to boost opportunities for active ageing among older adults in Singapore. Note: As a starting point for your research, refer to the article from The Straits Times, 9 February 2012, “Facilities for elderly not welcome here either” (available via Newslink in [email protected] Library), and consider the opportunities available for seniors in Singapore to enhance their quality of life and the barriers that may prevent them from doing so. Students` Notes: The aims of this assignment are to allow you to analyse the active ageing experiences of different people; to improve your communication and social skills; and practise your interviewing skills. You will appreciate the heterogeneity of ageing populations and analyse ageing experiences with reference to issues selected from your course. Before you start, you should read the relevant material in your course, and to have a better idea of the concept of active ageing in the local context, you could look up recent news articles (via NewsLink or Factiva in UniSIM`s e-resources) that highlighted concerns about ageing and approaches to active ageing. You should prepare a list of questions that you will ask to both interviewees, so that the interviews will be more focused. If the person consents, the interviews can be recorded (not compulsory). If he or she lives with family, it is important to seek their permission. The in-depth interviews should focus on the six determinants of active ageing: Economic, Social, Physical, Personal, Behavioural, and Health and Social Services, as well as the impact of these determinants on your interviewees` quality of life. In line with the active ageing perspective, which sees ageing as a lifelong process, you should also collect information on your interviewees` past life experiences (including significant life events, lifestyles, socioeconomic status, healthcare, educational and social activities) and discuss the effect these currently have on their quality of life. The paper should contain basic biodata of the person such as name (fictitious name to protect his/her privacy) age, ethnicity, gender, place of birth, educational attainment, and living SOC363 Copyrighted © 2012 SIM University Page 4 of 6 ECA January Semester 2012 arrangements. Other relevant information may include current retirement activities and later-life employment, if any. Collect data based on the six determinants of active ageing, for example, information relating to social determinants may include data on informal and formal social support networks. The essay should address some of the basic concepts associated with gerontology such as the concept of active ageing, life course perspective, and the biological, sociological and psychological theories of ageing. Issues you should address include: 1. The perspective of active ageing and other associated models of active ageing. 2. The six determinants of active ageing and the inter-relations between them, to assess the level of success in active ageing. 3. The status variables (for example, gender, culture, ethnicity of the interviewees) and their impact on the opportunities for active ageing. 4. How earlier life experiences, placed in the larger context of social, economic and political changes, could have influenced the active ageing process of the interviewees. 5. Policies and legislations that contribute to or hinder the process of active ageing for the interviewees, and recommendations of strategies to boost active ageing. Respondent: For a deeper understanding of the heterogeneity of the older population and how various status variables may influence the process of active ageing, choose two interviewees who hail from different backgrounds – social class, culture, gender or age (e.g. “younger-old” versus “older-old”). Choose someone who is ambulant, in fairly good health, and will be able to sit through about one hour of interview time. It is recommended that you do not interview your family members and relatives as there may be limitations on the scope of the research. You should aim for rich interview data. Reviewing and comparing both respondents` problems with and successes in active ageing would also provide further insights into factors that contribute to active ageing. You should write up the discussion as soon as possible after the interview. Your personal observations of the respondents during the interviews should also be reflected in the paper. The ECA should have the following format (guide only): a) Introduction b) The two respondents` particulars c) Main body: Analysis of interviews with both respondents (including critical analysis of interviews and selected issues; and comparison) (This should form the bulk of your essay.) SOC363 Copyrighted © 2012 SIM University Page 5 of 6 ECA January Semester 2012 d) Learning gained from project: Briefly reflect on how your knowledge about the ageing process and active ageing has been expanded. e) References (in APA format) Appendices: i. summaries of each interview ii. the question guide iii. signed Consent Forms Note: Word limit of 2750 excludes appendices of interview data and questions. Suggested Readings for the ECA: Study Unit 1, Chapters 1 and 2 and Study Unit 3, Chapters 5 and 6 are relevant. Besides these, other Chapters relevant to the topics brought up in the interview should be utilized. Hooyman, N.R. & Kiyak, H.A. (2009) Social Gerontology: A Multidisciplinary Perspective. Chapters 3-6, 8-9, 12 etc. (Any other relevant chapters in the textbook should be utilized.)