The concept of "Ageing in Place" – Growing older at home and within the community – promotes an approach to ageing that focuses on valuing support systems for older individuals within their own life contexts, that is, in their homes and communities.

António Fonseca, Professor at the Faculty of Education and Psychology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (FEP-UCP), presented this concept at the XXIV Brazilian Congress of Geriatrics and Gerontology, held in Belo Horizonte.

This model advocates for the creation of conditions and services that meet the needs of older adults in the places where they live, delaying institutionalisation for as long as possible.

 

Ageing with quality, at home and with community support

“Ageing in Place is an approach that aims to ensure older individuals can age with dignity and autonomy, without being removed from their life contexts,” says António Fonseca, who is also a researcher at the Research Centre for Human Development (CEDH), the R&D Unit of FEP-UCP.

At the Belo Horizonte congress, the professor and researcher explored the practical implications of "Ageing in Place", presenting concrete examples of how this concept has been implemented in Portugal.

António Fonseca’s participation in this international congress highlights FEP-UCP’s commitment to promoting innovative and sustainable practices, contributing to the development of policies and interventions that support healthy ageing and enhance the quality of life of older people.

The XXIV Brazilian Congress of Geriatrics and Gerontology, where the professor presented his work, took place from 3rd to 5th April 2025, focusing on the theme “Ageing and Technology: a partnership between generations.”