Neighbourhoods for ageing in place

The provision of support for ageing in place has become an important imperative in the redefinition of health and social care policy. Governments agree that the ability of older people to continue living in their neighbourhoods has economic and social value. Ageing in place policies thus fuel the need for supportive neighbourhoods that accommodate older people’s needs. Given their shrinking social networks and declining mobility, the neighbourhood context gains importance in meeting older people’s everyday needs. Part A of this thesis addresses the first research question: what are the characteristics of a neighbourhood that supports ageing in place? In part B of this thesis, a Dutch INA that aimed to improve older people’s health-related quality of life and well-being via strengthened integrated social support systems in the neighbourhood is discussed.