Ageing in place: creativity and resilience in neighbourhoods

Abstract

This chapter explores older people's experiences of resilience in their neighbourhoods through a creative, participatory approach. Creative participatory engagement can help to translate public conversations into public policy and practice. The chapter argues that solutions cannot all be created within the neighbourhood. The notion that ageing and living well in neighbourhoods is down to individual capability, or can be managed collectively at a local level, is an abdication of state responsibility. If resilience is built from the situated self, then neighbourhoods need to be ‘ready for ageing’ and to recognise that older people wish to remain involved, connected, and engaged with all generations. Such resilient neighbourhoods should enable everyone to age well in place, particularly if influenced by a responsive policy landscape and strong lobbying for appropriate resources.