Blog Posts: Civic engagement

The design of public spaces can shape whether older adults can move through their communities, participate in meaningful activities, and stay connected socially and with their communities with autonomy and dignity. Removing environmental barriers and engaging older adults in planning can help create communities in which people are better supported to live independently and participate fully as they age.

Retirement can be the beginning of new projects and new role, and for some this might include “social entrepreneurship”—engaging in small ventures that address real community needs while promoting social participation, providing an outlet for creativity, and generating income.

Grandparenting can bring joy, purpose, as well as challenges and change. Find tips and insights on balancing involvement, independence, and wellbeing as you navigate the grandparenting journey.

Your life experience can shape the future! Intergenerational mentorship programs offer older adults a powerful way to share their wisdom, forge meaningful connections, and leave a lasting legacy while enriching their own lives.

As part of the 2030 Agenda, the United Nations adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are part of a global plan to create a better world for all. What lessons can we draw of the first five years of existence of the SDGs with regard to older adults?

Learn about non-family intergenerational interventions and their impact on the social and mental well-being of young people and the elderly.

As a response to global population ageing and rapid urbanisation, the 'age-friendly community' movement focuses on action at the local level that fosters the full participation of older adults in community life and promotes healthy and active ageing.

The prevailing discourse on climate change sometimes pit generations against each other or place blame on certain generations over others. But evidence shows the importance of intergenerational relations and solidarity to face this pressing societal challenge.

Public art leaves few people completely indifferent. It can move, amuse, make people think, confuse, cringe, and sometimes even shock. But what does research tell us about the effects of public art on cities, places and people's lives?

Working together! Research highlights some of the potential organizational/health care provider and patient-related benefits of co-producing hospital tools and resources with patients.

Climate change is affecting everyone on the planet, but research evidence shows that it is disproportionately affecting older adults. As countries move toward rebuilding their economies after COVID-19, their recovery plans can shape a new path towards greener, healthier and stronger economies.

It is not only individuals who are struck by disasters like a pandemic, it is entire communities that are shaken. Implementing a community resilience plan can help a community come together and overcome any disaster, while rebuilding socially, physically and economically.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for the world. Learn about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and what you can do to shape our world, now and into the future.

Civic participation is a pillar of our communities, and can help people keep a healthy, active and engaged life.

Public debates, as well as public consultations led by governments, are increasingly being conducted online, including social media. Unlike young people who grew up with new information and communication technologies, many older citizens feel excluded from online public debates and consultations on social media.

No matter our age, we all have social needs. Volunteering or participating in social activities appears to be the key to address the needs of older adults for greater proximity, meaningful relationships and reciprocity.

Sometimes central and disadvantaged neighbourhoods experience major changes, referred to as gentrification. Neighbourhood gentrification can have a significant impact on older adults who often have low and fixed incomes.

Volunteering is a form of civic engagement that builds on the experience of older adults and breaks down social isolation, while providing them with a sense of accomplishment and belonging to the community. Concrete measures can encourage the engagement of older adults and maintain their participation in volunteer activities.