Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine how “others” – such as shopkeepers, domestic workers, drivers and security guards – contribute to the everyday support networks of older Anglo-Indian adults in urban neighbourhoods of Calcutta. It aims to highlight the forms of informal assistance that extend beyond family, friends, neighbours and formal caregivers, which are usually emphasised in gerontological research. This study also seeks to understand how digital technologies like WhatsApp and digital payment systems mediate these support relationships. By focusing on digitally enabled neighbourhood interactions, this research broadens existing perspectives on ageing and care in urban environments. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a qualitative ethnographic methodology to examine everyday support networks of older Anglo-Indian adults in urban neighbourhoods of Calcutta. Data were collected through in-depth ethnographic interviews and participant observation with 15 older Anglo-Indian households in Picnic Garden and Ripon Street. This research focused on daily interactions between older adults and non-kin neighbourhood actors such as shopkeepers, domestic workers, drivers and security guards. Special attention was given to how digital platforms, particularly WhatsApp and digital payment systems, mediate these interactions. Field notes and interview narratives were thematically analysed to identify patterns of informal support and digitally mediated care practices. Findings This study finds that “others” such as shopkeepers, domestic workers drivers and security guards play a crucial role in the everyday support networks of older Anglo-Indian adults in Calcutta. These individuals regularly assist with practical needs like buying medicines, groceries and ready-made food, often coordinated through WhatsApp and digital payment platforms. Digital communication strengthens these informal ties by enabling quick requests and responses. In some cases, these helpers also guide older adults in using smartphones and online services. The findings show that neighbourhood-based, non-kin relationships are essential for daily care, extending support beyond family, friends, neighbours and formal caregivers in digitally connected urban settings. Originality/value The originality of this study lies in shifting analytical attention from conventional support figures – such as family, friends, neighbours and formal caregivers – to “others” embedded in everyday neighbourhood life, including shopkeepers, domestic workers, drivers and security guards. While gerontological research has largely overlooked these actors, this paper demonstrates their central role in sustaining daily living for older Anglo-Indian adults in urban Calcutta. It further innovates by showing how these relationships are increasingly mediated through digital platforms like WhatsApp and digital payment systems, revealing how informal care and technological practices intersect. By combining neighbourhood ethnography with digital mediation, this study offers a new framework for understanding ageing, care and community in contemporary urban contexts.
Purpose Population ageing is a global phenomenon, including in Indonesia, where the number of older adults continues to increase. Life satisfaction is an important indicator of subjective well-being among older adults and is influenced by social engagement and interpersonal relationships. Intergenerational programmes have been developed to strengthen interactions between older adults and younger generations; however, empirical evidence in urban communities in Indonesia remains limited. This study aims to analyse the effect of an Intergenerational Programme for Older Adults on their life satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach A quasi-experimental study using a pretest–post-test control group design was conducted in Bogor City from February to November 2021. A total of 68 older adults (aged 60 years or older) were assigned to an intervention group (n = 34) or a control group (n = 34). The intervention group participated in the intergenerational programme for six weeks, while the control group received education via leaflets. Life satisfaction was measured using a modified Life Satisfaction Index–Short Form. Data were analysed using t-tests, chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression. Findings Life satisfaction among older adults in the intervention group increased significantly after the programme (p < 0.001), whereas the control group showed no significant change (p = 0.919). Multivariate analysis indicated that gender had a significant effect on life satisfaction (p = 0.004), with female older adults more likely to achieve higher life satisfaction compared to male older adults. Originality/value The intergenerational programme was associated with improved life satisfaction among older adults through enhanced social interaction and emotional connectedness. The programme has the potential to be developed as part of community-based older adult services in Indonesia.
Purpose Problematic substance use among older adults is rapidly becoming a global issue, impacting not only health but all aspects of an individual’s life, highlighting the importance of welfare services. This paper aims to study the interconnections of welfare services and problematic substance use of older adults. Design/methodology/approach The study is a scoping review as it is helpful in identifying gaps in knowledge and getting an overview of literature. Findings Older adults have a heightened risk of substance-related harm due to age-related sensitivities, and their treatment needs are diverse. Many older adults do not see their drinking as problematic and avoid seeking help to escape labels such as being an alcoholic. The importance of gender in explaining substance use was widely acknowledged but rarely addressed. Ageism also hinders recognising substance use problems and implementing interventions and treatments effective for younger people may not suit older adults. Originality/value Problematic substance use creates not only health related consequences to older adults but affects their entire life. Despite this, most studies have addressed the problematic substance use of older adults from the health and health services point of view. This review has a wider approach.
Purpose This practice-based paper aims to explore the contribution of volunteers within Dementia Adventure, a UK charity delivering supported breaks, days out and outdoor-based activities for people living with dementia and their carers. It also examines how volunteering contributes to personal and professional development. Design/methodology/approach A practice-based case study approach was used to explore volunteer experiences within the organisational context. Three cases were purposively selected from 125 active volunteers to reflect different volunteer pathways, roles and levels of engagement. The case accounts drew on organisational records, volunteer feedback and reflections and one semi-structured Zoom interview. These materials were reviewed inductively to identify recurring practice themes. The cases are presented as illustrative examples within a structured volunteer programme. Findings Volunteers support people living with dementia and their carers in accessing meaningful outdoor experiences. Their involvement supports personal development, professional skills and a sense of purpose, while also strengthening service delivery, relational support and organisational advocacy. The cases also illustrate how some volunteers’ involvement may develop over time into additional service, community and governance roles. Originality/value This paper offers practice-based insight into a flexible, episodic volunteering model within a national dementia charity. It illustrates how time-limited supported breaks and day activities can provide accessible routes into volunteering and how structured opportunities may enable volunteers to progress from direct service support into advocacy, community engagement and governance. By bringing together accounts shaped by professional training, lived experience of caring and retirement from health care, this paper shows how different motivations and life circumstances can be accommodated within one volunteer programme.
