Project Details

With the progression of ageing, caused by higher life expectancy on the one hand and declining birth rates on the other, issues surrounding the provision of medical, nursing and psychosocial care for older people, the rationing of financial and human resources, and the further development of preventive measures are becoming increasingly important. Local authorities in particular face a wide range of social and health policy challenges in this regard. Maintaining an independent lifestyle and enabling social participation are important aspects that deserve support, as local authorities and, in particular, neighbourhoods are the central living environment of older people and, according to the Act on Strengthening Prevention and Health Promotion (PrävG; German Bundestag, 2015), represent a key setting for health promotion.

The aim of the dissertation is to identify starting points for municipal health promotion for older people in urban areas, with a particular focus on functional competence as a determinant of social participation. Health-related interventions in the context of the WHO Public Health Framework Programme on Healthy Ageing are analysed, along with their content and factors that promote or hinder their implementation. The study is based on guided expert interviews in twelve European cities (N = 14). Data analysis was carried out using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods in line with methodological triangulation. Qualitative data was transferred to evaluation matrices and supplemented with in-depth analysis using inductive category formation. The results show that municipal strategies are predominantly behaviour- or context-oriented, while combined approaches are rare. There are significant differences between cities in terms of target group orientation, particularly with regard to older people with high or low functional competence. The strategies focus on promoting social participation, maintaining independent living, designing cities to promote mobility, and preventing social isolation and loneliness. The high diversity of the older population requires target group-specific and outreach services. Successful implementation is particularly facilitated by a holistic understanding of health, intersectoral cooperation and participatory approaches, while deficit-oriented images of old age are a hindrance. The work highlights the need for differentiated, resource-oriented and participatory approaches to municipal health promotion in urban areas.