AUTHOR=Førsund Elise , Torrado Vidal Juan Carlos , Fæø Stein Erik , Reithe Haakon , Patrascu Monica , Husebo Bettina S. 

TITLE=Exploring active ageing in a community-based living environment: an ethnographic study in the Western Norway context

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1380922

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2024.1380922

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=Age-friendly environments intend to promote active ageing by facilitating social, mental, and physical participation. This could potentially delay the onset of chronic complex conditions, enabling people to live longer independently at home, and prevent loneliness. This study investigates a community-based living environment in Norway called Helgetun and aims to explore how it can facilitate active ageing.We chose an ethnographic approach consisting of observation, informal conversations, and in-depth semi-structured interviews with 15 residents (11 female, 4 male, ages 62-84). We analysed the data using reflexive thematic analysis.We developed three themes on facilitating active ageing in this living environment: maintaining selfidentity, experiencing growth and development, and feeling a sense of belonging. These themes were related to physical activity levels, social engagement, and overall satisfaction with the living environment. Maintaining self-identity concerned getting a new role in life as well as access to meaningful activities. Experiencing growth and development involved being exposed to new activities, learning new skills, and experiencing mastery. Lastly, feeling a sense of belonging meant