SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH AGE-FRIENDLY POLICIES IN EUROPE: TRANSNATIONAL AGEING, CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, AND QUALITY OF LIFE USING SHARE DATA

Authors : Ferhan Saniye Palaz

Pages : 7-32

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Publication Date : 2026-01-04

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The local environment plays a vital role in later life, influencing the inclusivity and responsiveness of communities to the challenges of ageing. This study examines civic engagement as a form of social capital that promotes social sustainability and enhancing quality of life among adults aged 50 and over. Using data from Wave 8 (2020) of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) across ten European countries (n = 19,445), the study focuses on the role of transnational ageing and age-friendly policy as a key dimension of the local environment. The findings reveal a positive relationship between civic engagement and quality of life, underscoring the importance of policy frameworks that support both social and environmental sustainability. Our results highlight the need for policy action and the creation of resilient, age-friendly communities. Our study makes a significant contribution to the literature on civic engagement of older population by using the Active Ageing Index (AAI) as structural context. The AAI offers a novel analytical tool by providing a multidimensional understanding of older people’s contributions to society and the environmental conditions that facilitate active ageing. Future research should incorporate rural urban differences to ensure equal access to resources for all older adults.
Keywords : yaşlanan göçmen, sivil katılım, yaşam kalitesi, sosyal içerme, SHARE

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