Promoting social inclusion? The impact of village services on the lives of older people living in rural England

Dwyer, Peter and Hardill, Irene (2011) Promoting social inclusion? The impact of village services on the lives of older people living in rural England. Ageing & Society, 31 (2). pp. 243-264. ISSN 0144-686X

Preview

PDF (Article) Promoting social inclusion_The impact of village services on the lives of older people living in rural England.pdf - Published Version Download (111kB) | Preview

Abstract

Drawing on data from a qualitative study, this paper explores the impact of ‘ village services ’ on the lives of people aged 70 or more years living in rural England. Throughout the paper, the phrase ‘ village services ’ refers to six community-based services and activities provided to help meet the needs of older rural residents, namely lunch clubs, welfare rights information and advice services, befriending schemes and community warden support, in rural areas in three regions of England. It is argued that, in various ways, village services promote social inclusion by enhancing older rural residents’ access to the resources, rights, goods and services that encourage social interaction and meaningful participation in community life. It is clear, however, that the overwhelming majority of users of village services are female, that older men are often reluctant to engage with the services on offer, and that the providers of village services need to find new and innovative ways of engaging with older men in rural areas. It is concluded that restricted revenue and capital resources means that the expansion of village services so that they may better meet the requirements of older rural men is unlikely.

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads