Capturing lived experience in locality : a socio-spatial characterisation of Floriana from an older residents’ perspective

Abstract

As our age demographics shift further towards an ageing population, exploring the possibilities to accommodate this shift becomes necessary. The dissertation focuses on the relationship between older residents in Floriana and their relationship with their neighbourhood, both physical and social and how this relationship is changing as they grow older. The research looks into the important role of ageing in place, and the benefits of allowing a population to do so, as well as the requirements for ageing in place to be possible. This is done through a review of literature as well as direct observation, and several sedentary and go-along interviews with older residents in Floriana to look into their perceptions and experiences in the locality, and how the locality is enabling them to age in place. The results of the research show that through a supportive and enabling environment, an older population is self-sufficient through inter-dependence with their immediate environment and other residents with whom they have had long-term relationships that have come about through shared past experiences in place. The residents expressed gratitude towards having had the opportunity to age in place due to the affordances that Floriana offers for them to do so. The research is presented as a case study as to how neighbourhoods should be adapted to ensure the long-term liveability of residents in place.