Introduction: In the context of an increasingly ageing society with a growing number of
persons diagnosed with chronic disabling conditions including dementia and persons with
disabilities, ageing and disability represent two policy fields which need to be jointly re-
thought. So far, policymakers and other political actors have not adequately reacted to
these changing demographics.
Description of policy and practice: The two policy fields are based upon different
presuppositions. Also, disability and ageing interest groups set different agendas. As
several political actor groups with diverse interests and goals operate in the political space,
efforts to bridge policies and practices in ageing and disability are confronted with several
challenges.
Conclusion and discussion: In order to create a policy framework for disability and
ageing, shared political priorities need to be developed. It is necessary to re-think current
disability and ageing policies and the objectives formulated by diverse interest groups in
both fields, and future policies should not only focus on ’active/healthy/normal ageing’
vs. ‘non-healthy/not normal ageing’. Overlap of contents between disability and ageing
policies exists with both fields informing one another. This mutual influence will shape
policymaking and policy practices with regard to an ageing population with a growing
number of persons with disabilities.
Abstract
Introduction: In the context of an increasingly ageing society with a growing number of persons diagnosed with chronic disabling
conditions including dementia and persons with disabilities, ageing and disability represent two policy fields which need to be jointly rethought.
So far, policymakers and other political actors have not adequately reacted to these changing demographics.
Description of policy and practice: The two policy fields are based upon different presuppositions. Also, disability and ageing interest
groups set different agendas. As several political actor groups with diverse interests and goals operate in the political space, efforts to
bridge policies and practices in ageing and disability are confronted with several challenges.
Conclusion and discussion: In order to create a policy framework for disability and ageing, shared political priorities need to be developed.
It is necessary to re-think current disability and ageing policies and the objectives formulated by diverse interest groups in both
fields, and future policies should not only focus on ‘active/healthy/normal ageing’ vs. ‘non-healthy/non-normal ageing’. Overlap of contents
between disability and ageing policies exists with both fields informing one another. This mutual influence will shape policymaking
and policy practices with regard to an ageing population with a growing number of persons with disabilities.
Stichwort
governance of disability and ageing, policy and practice, bridging agendas and objectives