Abstract
The aim of this contribution is twofold: on one hand to examine the individual risk factors regarding feelings of unsafety
among older people and on the other hand to investigate whether they differ between third-age adults (aged 60–79) and fourth-age
adults (aged 80+). This study seeks to identify the relationship between demographic variables, lack of economic resources,
well-being and perceived ageism on the one side and feelings of unsafety on the other. On the basis of data from the Belgian
Ageing Studies (N = 26,116), it was found that fourth-age adults experienced higher levels of feelings of unsafety than third-age adults. Furthermore,
hierarchical regression models indicated that gender, number of children and perceived ageism were significantly related to
feelings of unsafety across the third and fourth ages. However, several individual characteristics were found to be specific
to the different age groups. Conclusively, practical implications and research issues are critically discussed by emphasising
the importance of tackling structural inequalities among older persons to reduce their feelings of unsafety.
among older people and on the other hand to investigate whether they differ between third-age adults (aged 60–79) and fourth-age
adults (aged 80+). This study seeks to identify the relationship between demographic variables, lack of economic resources,
well-being and perceived ageism on the one side and feelings of unsafety on the other. On the basis of data from the Belgian
Ageing Studies (N = 26,116), it was found that fourth-age adults experienced higher levels of feelings of unsafety than third-age adults. Furthermore,
hierarchical regression models indicated that gender, number of children and perceived ageism were significantly related to
feelings of unsafety across the third and fourth ages. However, several individual characteristics were found to be specific
to the different age groups. Conclusively, practical implications and research issues are critically discussed by emphasising
the importance of tackling structural inequalities among older persons to reduce their feelings of unsafety.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Investigation
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10433-012-0226-8
- Authors
- Liesbeth De Donder, Department of Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Nico De Witte, Department of Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Sarah Dury, Department of Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Tine Buffel, Department of Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Dominique Verté, Department of Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Journal European Journal of Ageing
- Online ISSN 1613-9380
- Print ISSN 1613-9372