Quality in Ageing and Older Adults

Purpose China’s rural elderly care system faces significant challenges in addressing the needs of an ageing population, particularly in resource-limited areas. This study aims to critically examine the rural mutual aid elderly care model in China through the lens of active ageing principles. It explores how this model tackles elder care challenges in rural areas by emphasising health, participation and security, aiming to assess its effectiveness in reducing care costs while fostering self-reliance and mutual assistance. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research methodology was used, focusing on document analysis to explore the rural mutual aid elderly care model within an active ageing framework. The study reviewed policy documents, academic literature and organisational records, using thematic analysis to understand the historical context, policy evolution and institutional support for this model. Findings The research identifies a significant shift from traditional passive care models to those grounded in active ageing principles. The rural mutual aid model, centring on health, participation and security, enables elderly individuals to engage in self-help and mutual assistance, thereby enhancing autonomy and reducing dependency. Key success factors include strong community networks and culturally resonant support systems. However, challenges such as resource limitations and regional disparities suggest areas for further improvement. Research limitations/implications The reliance on document analysis may not fully capture the experiences of elderly participants or account for regional variations in the model’s implementation. Future research could incorporate mixed methods, including interviews or case studies, for a more nuanced understanding of elderly care in rural China. The findings emphasise the need for scalable and adaptable policies to enhance the model’s effectiveness and support culturally appropriate care strategies. Practical implications The research presents significant implications for policymakers and practitioners regarding the rural mutual aid elderly care model. It emphasises the need for scalable policies that address resource limitations and enhance community engagement to improve care effectiveness. Key implications include promoting financial and social sustainability by fostering self-reliance among older adults, prioritising active ageing initiatives to enhance quality of life and community cohesion and adopting localised strategies that consider regional disparities. Moreover, these findings offer a blueprint for other countries facing similar ageing challenges, advocating for a culturally sensitive and community-driven approach to elderly care across East Asia. Social implications The study’s findings significantly impact how ageing is perceived and managed in rural Chinese communities. The shift from traditional, passive elderly care models to those grounded in active ageing principles reflects a societal transformation in valuing and supporting older adults. By promoting health, participation and security, the rural mutual aid elderly care model creates inclusive environments where the elderly actively contribute to their well-being and that of others. This approach challenges perceptions of ageing as a decline, fostering autonomy and meaningful engagement, ultimately reducing social isolation and enhancing cohesion through strengthened intergenerational relationships and shared responsibilities. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by focusing on the rural mutual aid elderly care model in China through active ageing principles, addressing a notable gap in the non-Western application of these concepts. The findings offer valuable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners, emphasising community-driven approaches to ageing challenges in rural areas.

Shuo Wang

Bingwen Yan

China’s elderly mutual aid model: an active ageing perspective

中国老年人互助模式：积极老龄化视角

Fiona Mary Poland

Editorial: Building evidence-based knowledge to provide for the needs of older people

编者按：构建基于证据的知识以满足老年人的需求

Prince Agwu

Jacinta Ene

Uzoma Odera Okoye

Short commentary: What is (not) feasible to do in care for older adults in Nigeria: an application of the developmental governance framework

短评：在尼日利亚老年人护理中什么是（不）可行的：发展治理框架的应用

Editorial: Innovate support for older people to reflect changing governance, values, peer and professional practices and built environments

社论：创新老年人支持体系以反映治理、价值观、同伴和专业实践以及建筑环境的变迁

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine changes in the nature, form and range of commissioning arrangements for home care. Design/methodology/approach Data from two discrete national surveys of English local authorities with social service responsibilities were used. In the first, undertaken in 2007, responses from 111 of the 151 local authorities (74%) were received; in the second, undertaken in 2017, responses from 109 local authorities (72%) were received. A combined data set of 79 complete cases, 52% of local authorities, was created. Percentage point differences across the two time periods were calculated and tested to identify significant changes and a systematic analysis of the free-text responses regarding intended changes to the commissioning process in each data set was undertaken. Findings Findings identified substantial changes in some aspects of the commissioning of home care in the 2007-2017 decade. Collaboration between stakeholders had increased, particularly regarding the identification of future needs. Improved conditions of service and remuneration for home care workers were evident within the commissioning process. Standardised charges for home care (regardless of time and day) had also become more widespread. Initiatives to prompt providers to deliver more personalised care were more evident. Originality/value This paper describes the evolution of commissioning arrangements for home care in localities in response to national policy initiatives. It provides guidance to commissioners in meeting the needs of current service users and emphasises the importance of collaboration with stakeholders, particularly providers, in securing future capacity.

Sue Davies

Jane Hughes

Karen Davies

Elizabeth Dalgarno

Rowan Elaine Jasper

Helen Chester

Amy Roberts

David Challis

Changes in commissioning home care: an English survey

英国家庭护理委托的变化：一项调查

Purpose This study aims to explore art workshops for people living with dementia as a process enabling creative expression and fostering communication with others. Design/methodology/approach To enable detailed exploration of the expressive powers of painting and drawing, the authors draw several examples from a series of painting workshops for people living with dementia, which formed part of the PPI for research into experiences of restraint within care. Findings Artwork enabled personal expression, facilitated conversation with others and revealed hidden knowledge and abilities, but also revealed dangers of miscommunication, specifically here related to technological changes and spirituality. Research limitations/implications Individual differences in responses to painting will exist meaning that the specific findings outlined here are unique to individuals and not always generalisable. This follows from the quality of the individual communication that may be enabled by painting, meaning that close attention to each person is both fostered and required. Practical implications Art activities can provide a means to enable deep personal expression and agency in people living with dementia, which can contribute to countering dehumanisation. Social implications Attention to the process of painting can be beneficial in fostering verbal and non-verbal communication with individuals who have difficulties in communication. Attention to cultural issues in care needs to incorporate understanding of spiritual and religious issues and take note of gaps in understanding related to technological as well as cultural changes between generations. Originality/value Much work in this area explores art activities for people living with dementia in terms of beneficial outcomes. This work explores the creative process inherent in painting, drawing upon insights from art theory and providing in-depth individual insights through case studies. Both researchers in this study are artists and the work drew upon their understanding of the processes of painting.

Megan Wyatt

Paula Boddington

Painting workshops for people living with dementia as a means of expression and communication: revelations from our elders

痴呆症患者绘画工作坊：表达与沟通的途径——长者的启示

Abbreviation	Qual. Ageing. Older. Adults.
Journal Impact	0.82
Quartiles(Global)	GERONTOLOGY(Q4)

ISSN	1471-7794, 2042-8766
h-index	22

Publication Information	Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.，Publishing cycle: ，Journal Type: journal，Open Access Journals: No
Basic data	Year of publication: 2000，Proportion of original research papers: 92.86%，Self Citation Rate:12.50%， Gold OA Rate: 8.16%

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults

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China’s elderly mutual aid model: an active ageing perspective

Editorial: Building evidence-based knowledge to provide for the needs of older people

Short commentary: What is (not) feasible to do in care for older adults in Nigeria: an application of the developmental governance framework

Editorial: Innovate support for older people to reflect changing governance, values, peer and professional practices and built environments

Changes in commissioning home care: an English survey

China’s elderly mutual aid model: an active ageing perspective

Editorial: Building evidence-based knowledge to provide for the needs of older people

Short commentary: What is (not) feasible to do in care for older adults in Nigeria: an application of the developmental governance framework

Editorial: Innovate support for older people to reflect changing governance, values, peer and professional practices and built environments

Painting workshops for people living with dementia as a means of expression and communication: revelations from our elders