Social activity of senior citizens - some sociological remarks on the issue

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the paper is to discuss the issue of social activity of senior citizens from 6 the perspective of sociology and social gerontology. Design/methodology/approach : The barriers of social activity experienced by elderly people 8 as well as its amenities are presented in the order of the SWOT-like analysis. The main issue 9 has been discussed within the scope of gerontology. Psycho-social and sociological theories has 10 been applied to distinguish two levels of potential factors of social activities of senior citizens: 11 individual level and the level of society. Findings: As a result of discussion in the summary author the role and the connection of theory and research in the practice of providing the opportunities for social activities of senior citizens. 14 The special role belongs to action research which directly lies in between science and practice, the surveys which provide knowledge about scale of the problems and forms of activity of 16 elderly people whereas longitudinal studies indicate the changes in attitudes and the modes of 17 activity in the life course of aging individuals. Originality/value: The paper combines and puts in order the scientific arguments concerning chances and factors hindering social activity of senior citizens. It is addressed to sociologists, social workers and some other specialists in the scope of social sciences and practical professions dealing with the issues of elderly people. Category in viewpoint conceptual paper.