PhD conferral Ms Susan V. van Hees, MA

“The making of ageing-in-place; perspectives on a Dutch social policy towards lifecycle-robust neighbourhoods”

Keywords: older adults, lifecycle-robust neighbourhoods, ageing-in-place, participation society

What does a photo of a steep forest path or a vacant plot of land have to do with lifecycle-robust neighbourhoods? This dissertation found that growing old in your own neighbourhood can be very different from the picture painted by government policy. This four-year study examined the practical results of a social policy geared towards the development of lifecycle-robust neighbourhoods. What is the significance of these results for the ageing-in-place policy? While most people want to live at home for as long as possible, the policy generated various tensions. Social engineering ideals in policy formation seem to contradict the unique personal experiences, memories, and histories of older people.