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Article
Publication date: 13 March 2017

Judith Sixsmith, Mei Lan Fang, Ryan Woolrych, Sarah L. Canham, Lupin Battersby and Andrew Sixsmith

The provision of home and community supports can enable people to successfully age-in-place by improving physical and mental health, supporting social participation and enhancing…

1644

Abstract

Purpose

The provision of home and community supports can enable people to successfully age-in-place by improving physical and mental health, supporting social participation and enhancing independence, autonomy and choice. One challenge concerns the integration of place-based supports available as older people transition into affordable housing. Sustainable solutions need to be developed and implemented with the full involvement of communities, service organizations and older people themselves. Partnership building is an important component of this process. The purpose of this paper is to detail the intricacies of developing partnerships with low-income older people, local service providers and nonprofit housing associations in the context of a Canadian housing development.

Design/methodology/approach

A community-based participatory approach was used to inform the data collection and partnership building process. The partnership building process progressed through a series of democratized committee meetings based on the principles of appreciative inquiry, four collaboration cafés with nonprofit housing providers and four community mapping workshops with low-income older people. Data collection also involved 25 interviews and 15 photovoice sessions with the housing tenants. The common aims of partnership and data collection were to understand the challenges and opportunities experienced by older people, service providers and nonprofit housing providers; identify the perspectives of service providers and nonprofit housing providers for the provision and delivery of senior-friendly services and resources; and determine actions that can be undertaken to better meet the needs of service providers and nonprofit housing providers in order to help them serve older people better.

Findings

The partnership prioritized the generation of a shared vision together with shared values, interests and the goal of co-creating meaningful housing solutions for older people transitioning into affordable housing. Input from interviews and photovoice sessions with older people provided material to inform decision making in support of ageing well in the right place. Attention to issues of power dynamics and knowledge generation and feedback mechanisms enable all fields of expertise to be taken into account, including the experiential expertise of older residents. This resulted in functional, physical, psychological and social aspects of ageing in place to inform the new build housing complex.

Research limitations/implications

The time and effort required to conduct democratized partnerships slowed the decision-making process.

Originality/value

The findings confirm that the drive toward community partnerships is a necessary process in supporting older people to age well in the right place. This requires sound mechanisms to include the voice of older people themselves alongside other relevant stakeholders. Ageing well in a housing complex requires meaningful placemaking to include the functional, physical, psychological and social aspects of older people’s everyday life in respect to both home and community.

Details

Working with Older People, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-3666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 August 2017

Susan Marie Adams

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the pivotal role of initiatives that address housing disrepair, home improvements and adaptations as a way of improving health…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the pivotal role of initiatives that address housing disrepair, home improvements and adaptations as a way of improving health, independence and quality of life in older age.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses data from housing and health, combined with the author’s experience of policy formulation as well as working with older people and developing practical services, particularly those which address private sector housing stock condition.

Findings

As well as its massive economic impact, housing greatly affects people’s health and wellbeing, not only in later life but across the life course. In England, there is a long history of systematic, government backed action to improve and maintain housing stock condition. There are significant economic and social gains from a coherent national response to addressing private sector housing disrepair, including creation of employment opportunities, economic stimulus through enabling best use of assets, as well as health and social care gains. In addition to increasing housing supply through building much needed new homes, existing housing stock disrepair needs once again to be “on the radar” of policy makers operating across health, social care and housing. Concerted action to make homes safe, healthy places to live in later life, whatever an older person’s tenure, requires vision and innovation and is an essential element in the integration of health, social care – and housing. With significant funding constraints in local authorities, especially for adult social care, and in the context of growing pressures on the NHS, sustaining good health in later life is more important than ever. There is a compelling case for cross-sector action to reduce health hazards in ordinary, private housing, given that 79 per cent of older people who live in non-decent homes are owner occupiers. This is an opportune moment for Health and Wellbeing Boards to take a lead on this issue at a local level, as well as time to put housing stock condition back “On the Radar” of national government policy.

Social implications

There is a need to embed practical housing services in the emerging integrated health and care systems in order to extend healthy later life for the majority of older people who live in mainstream housing.

Originality/value

The author draws on over 30 years’ experience of innovation, development and evaluation of older people’s housing, services and policy development to provide a vision for greater integration across health, care and housing.

Details

Working with Older People, vol. 21 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-3666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 November 2017

Ross Gordon, Katherine Butler, Paul Cooper, Gordon Waitt and Christopher Magee

This paper aims to present a discursive and evaluative analysis of Energy + Illawarra, an Australian Government Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP) funded…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a discursive and evaluative analysis of Energy + Illawarra, an Australian Government Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP) funded interdisciplinary social marketing energy efficiency programme. Energy + Illawarra was a community programme working with low-income older people in Australia and involving social marketers, human geographers and engineers. The paper aims to identify how ecological systems theory can inform social marketing, and what practicalities there may be in doing so. The paper also aims to assess whether a social marketing programme that draws on ecological systems theory can have a positive impact on people’s thermal comfort.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the paper uses critical discursive analysis to examine the use of various elements of a social marketing energy efficiency programme in relation to the different levels of ecological systems theory. Second, a longitudinal cohort survey study design is used to evaluate the programme’s influence on people’s perceptions of thermal comfort and satisfaction with thermal comfort in their homes.

Findings

The study found that ecological systems theory could be an effective framework for social marketing programmes. The evaluation study found that the intervention had a positive impact on participant’s perceptions of thermal comfort, satisfaction with thermal comfort and attitudes towards energy efficiency. However, the paper identifies some potential tensions in using ecological systems theory and suggests that issues of power, representation, agenda setting, the need for reflexive practice and consideration of unintended consequences are important considerations in social marketing programmes.

Originality/value

The work presented here suggests that multi-level social marketing programmes that draw on ecological systems theory can make a useful contribution to social change as demonstrated by the evaluation survey finding positive impacts on thermal comfort and attitudes of participants. However, issues of power, representation, agenda setting, the need for reflexive practice and consideration of unintended consequences should be considered in social marketing programmes.

Article
Publication date: 11 April 2016

Katherine Butler, Ross Gordon, Kate Roggeveen, Gordon Waitt and Paul Cooper

Drawing on value theory, this study aims to explore the perceived value of using energy efficiently amongst a low-income older population group. It aims to provide an empirical…

2239

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing on value theory, this study aims to explore the perceived value of using energy efficiently amongst a low-income older population group. It aims to provide an empirical exploration of the concept of value-in-behaviour, and, in doing so, identify that it is a logical addition to the extant concepts of value-in-exchange and value-in-use.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory focus group research was conducted to explore older, low-income people’s perceived value towards using energy efficiently in the contexts of their everyday lives. The research was conducted in regional New South Wales, Australia, with 11 focus groups of 59 people (40 females, 19 males) aged over 60 with a personal disposable income below $26,104 per annum.

Findings

Using this framework, functional, economic and ecological value appeared to be the most pertinent value dimensions for using energy efficiently, while social or emotional value was less relevant. Attention is drawn to how value in using energy efficiently emerges within the everyday contingencies and constraints configured by individual households’ financial, social, material and cultural contexts. These findings suggest that programmes in this area and with similar target groups would benefit from trying to promote and co-create such value.

Originality/value

The present study provides empirical evidence that consumers in a social marketing context appear to perceive value-in-behaviour in relation to using energy efficiently. This approach inspires social marketers to foster individual behaviour change through a better understanding of how value is created in everyday practices. This builds upon existing work on value in social marketing and suggests that value is an important concept that warrants continued theoretical, empirical and practical exploration.

Details

Journal of Social Marketing, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-6763

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2001

Caroline Hare, David Kirk and Tim Lang

The number and proportion of older people in the UK are increasing and it has been found that this population segment is a nutritional risk group. Food choice research and health…

2724

Abstract

The number and proportion of older people in the UK are increasing and it has been found that this population segment is a nutritional risk group. Food choice research and health promotion reports have sought to identify the influences on diet and the food retailing sector has been found to particularly impact upon older people. Low income, poor mobility and an inability to access food shops disadvantage many. This paper considers the food shopping experiences of older consumers by identifying, through critical incident technique, positive and negative aspects of the food shopping activity. A total of 120 interviews were conducted and 248 incidents collected from people aged 60/65+ in various locations in Scotland. Content analysis produced eight primary categories and 22 sub‐categories of key elements in the shopping experience. The main factors that contribute to the quality of the shopping experience were merchandise related, retail practices and staff issues. The internal store environment, accessibility, external shopping environment and personal factors were also identified and featured both positive and negative incidents, with social aspects only having positive incidents.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 April 2023

Peterson K. Ozili

This study aims to examine whether social inclusion policies promote financial inclusion. Three social inclusion policies were analyzed: gender equality policies, environmental…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether social inclusion policies promote financial inclusion. Three social inclusion policies were analyzed: gender equality policies, environmental sustainability policies and social protection (SP) policies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the panel fixed effect regression methodology to analyze data from 48 low- and medium-income countries.

Findings

The results show that social inclusion policies do not have a significant effect on financial inclusion. Also, the older population is less likely to own an account at a formal financial institution in low- and medium-income countries that have strong environmental sustainability policies and institutions. The implication of the finding is that the policies and institutions established to promote environmental sustainability can discourage the older population from keeping the population's wealth in formal financial institutions in the country.

Practical implications

Policy makers should consider how social and environmental policies and programs can be designed to promote financial inclusion for older individuals in the individuals' countries.

Originality/value

The financial inclusion literature has not considered the role of social inclusion policies in promoting financial inclusion for individuals, businesses and the excluded groups in a country.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 43 no. 11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 October 2017

Ross Gordon, Gordon Waitt and Paul Cooper

This paper aims to contribute to contemporary debates about interdisciplinarity and social marketing by presenting the critical reflections of a social marketer, a human…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to contemporary debates about interdisciplinarity and social marketing by presenting the critical reflections of a social marketer, a human geographer and an engineer on working across disciplines in an Australian community energy efficiency intervention – Energy + Illawarra. The paper also aims to identify challenges, practicalities and learning that emerge from collaborating on interdisciplinary projects. It also aims to provide some suggestions and guidelines for researchers in the interdisciplinary space.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a case study approach and presents the critical reflections of a social marketer, a human geographer and an engineer on working together on the Energy + Illawarra project – a community energy efficiency social marketing intervention.

Findings

Challenges in interdisciplinary projects that are presented by differences in ontology, methodology, language and discourse are identified. The importance of being critically reflexive and openness to alternative perspectives are examined. Concerns over publishing interdisciplinary research are considered. The value of experimenting and developing partnerships through pilot projects is discussed. The potential of leveraging existing synergies and the opportunity to learn from clashes in ontology are also highlighted.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the discussion about being interdisciplinary in social marketing by identifying subjectivities, practicalities and opportunities from collaborating on cross-disciplinary projects. Guidance for researchers on working on interdisciplinary projects offers value for social marketers working in this area.

Details

Journal of Social Marketing, vol. 7 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-6763

Keywords

Content available

Abstract

Details

China Agricultural Economic Review, vol. 8 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-137X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 October 2023

Jitender Kumar, Manju Rani, Garima Rani and Vinki Rani

Financial satisfaction is a potential ambition of individuals' lives that requires well-strategized economic behaviors. The authors examine the impact of various factors on the…

Abstract

Purpose

Financial satisfaction is a potential ambition of individuals' lives that requires well-strategized economic behaviors. The authors examine the impact of various factors on the financial behavior (FB) and financial satisfaction (FIS) of individuals in India's National Capital Region (NCR).

Design/methodology/approach

Through a literature review, a survey questionnaire was formulated using existing scales on FIS. For more in-depth insights, data are obtained from 427 respondents in the NCR region using self-administered questionnaires. This article used “partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM)” to inspect the hypothesized model of individuals' FIS.

Findings

According to the study results, financial attitude (FA), financial self-efficacy (FSE), financial knowledge (FK) and demographic characteristics (DC) significantly influence FB. Conversely, financial stress (FS) negatively impacts FB. It also highlights that FA, FSE, FK and FB all significantly impact FIS. Nevertheless, FS and DC insignificantly influence FIS.

Originality/value

To the best knowledge of the authors, this article is an initial attempt to offer a novel perspective of individuals' FB and FIS in India. It would help the government and stakeholders by providing various pioneering economic schemes and making policies that help increase individuals' FIS.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-03-2023-0239

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 51 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 December 2019

Shijing Liu, Hongyu Jin, Chunlu Liu, Benzheng Xie and Anthony Mills

The purpose of this paper is to examine public–private partnership (PPP) approaches for the construction of rental retirement villages in Australia and to allocate the investment…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine public–private partnership (PPP) approaches for the construction of rental retirement villages in Australia and to allocate the investment proportions under a certain project return rate among three investors which are the government, private sectors and pension funds. The apportionment will achieve a minimum overall investment risk for the project.

Design/methodology/approach

Capital structure, particularly determination of investment apportionment proportions, is one of the key factors affecting the success of PPP rental retirement villages. Markowitz mean-variance model was applied to examine the investment allocations with minimum project investment risks under a certain projected return rate among the PPP partners for the construction of rental retirement villages.

Findings

The research findings validate the feasibility of the inclusion of pension funds in the construction of PPP rental retirement villages and demonstrate the existence of relationships between the project return rate and the investment allocation proportions.

Originality/value

This paper provides a quantitative approach for determination of the investment proportions among PPP partners to enrich the theory of PPP in relation to the construction of rental retirement villages. This has implications for PPP partners and can help these stakeholders make vital contributions in developing intellectual wealth in the PPP investment area while providing them with a detailed guide to decision making and negotiation in relation to investment in PPP rental retirement villages.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 10 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

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