Cuerpo, hogar y barrio: lugares y experiencias cotidianas de mujeres mayores en Barcelona

Abstract

This article explores the multifaceted process of aging well in place, conceptualizing place across various scales, encompassing the body, the most intimate scale, the home, and the neighbourhood. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with elderly women residing in Barcelona (N= 30), we investigate their daily needs and strategies for cultivating wellbeing within their immediate environments. Despite facing health challenges and mobility limitations, the study reveals that these women have developed daily routines to care for themselves, maintain activity, and sustain social connections. The findings underscore the significance of local social contacts in providing social, emotional, and instrumental support, both within the home and the broader community. Notably, the research shows the pivotal role of the neighborhood as a space contributing to a positive sense of belonging for the elderly. The participants value walkable, accessible, and secure environments, considering them as conducive spaces for social interaction and physical activity. This nuanced understanding is crucial for addressing the social and emotional needs of the elderly.These factors can be taken into account in the design of policies and programs that address the social and emotional needs of older adults, promoting their autonomy and wellbeing.