Older people’s perceived health and wellbeing: The contribution of peer-run community-based organisations

Abstract

Qualitative research discussed shows that older people’s peer-run community organisations can play an important role in promoting social engagement, which assists members to cope with the transitions and losses common to growing old. Findings revealed that perceptions of health and wellbeing appeared to be unrelated to living with various medical conditions. The study explored members’ reasons for joining, their experiences in the organisation and whether what they experienced met their expectations. Companionship, mutual support, a choice of enjoyable activities, and the opportunity to contribute life-time knowledge and skills to the running of the group helped to foster feelings of wellbeing, resilience and coping. At a time when neo-liberal discourses in health policy are shifting the responsibility for ‘positive ageing’ on to the consumer/citizen, community-based organisations, particularly those run by older people for their peers, may have an important role to play in promoting community health, and deserve greater government support.

Keywords:

• sociology of ageing
• perceived wellbeing
• community-based organisations
• peer-group
• self-help
• health policy