In a special double edition of Ageing International published this year, CSD’s Nancy Morrow-Howell, PhD, and Ada C. Mui, PhD, of the Columbia University School of Social Work discuss the productive engagement of older adults.
In the decades ahead, China will have a very large older population, with many older adults who are relatively healthy and interested in being actively engaged in their communities. Contributions of older adults will be necessary for social and economic development of families, communities and society.
As the global population ages, the concept of “productive aging” offers a new perspective on meeting the challenges of an aging society. In contrast to conventional views of aging, “productive aging” views older adults as participants in and contributors to social development, rather than passive recipients of services.