Abstract
The role of environment in health and well-being of older persons has been on the research and policy agendas worldwide. Considerable work within environmental gerontology has focused on the physical environment, although more attention has been paid to social environment recently. There is evidence that different elements of social environment such as social capital, social cohesion, safety, social contacts or social support can influence older persons’ life, health (physical and mental) and wellbeing. However we do not exactly know how older persons themselves perceive and experience their environment, what is important for them and role do social characteristics of the environment play. In this poster presentation I will discuss these issues by referring to empirical data obtained by using photovoice method and interviews. Participants were recruited from a database of the Longitudinal Ageing Study Amsterdam (LASA). Photovoice was used as a qualitative research technique, the participants recorded and reflected on their environment through photos. In-depth interviews were conducted with older persons on meaning of living environment and concepts of social cohesion, trust, safety, social participation, social support and social networks. This data will form the background for a discussion of the social environment and its possible impact on mental health and well-being of older persons. I will delve into such questions as: How older persons define their living environment and what are the most important elements of social environment for them? How do older people experience their social environment? What influences their mental health and well-being?