International Policy Perspectives on Independence in Old Age

The promotion of independence in old age has become a common principle in aging policies internationally. The term independence, however, has a variety of meanings that are shaped by social/political/economic contexts and the values and attitudes toward older people. Interpretations of independence affect the ways in which policies are translated into strategies and services. The promotion of independence features prominently in the aging policies of the United Nations and the World Health Organization but does not fit well with the cultural values and social contexts of some countries. A comparison of aging policies in four countries-Australia, Denmark, India, and United Kingdom-found that the principle of promoting independence is not universally adopted. The author proposes that the profile and meaning of independence in policy is shaped by values surrounding individual, family, and social responsibilities. Consideration is given to the limitations and culturally bound nature of independence as a policy principle.