The Subjective and Objective Dimensions of Home in Later Life: Implications for Aging in Place
The Subjective and Objective Dimensions of Home in Later Life: Implications for Aging in Place

Summary/Abstract: The aim of the paper is to identify what Romanian research can learn from international research trends regarding the subjective and objective dimensions of home for older people and their relationship with the phenomenon of aging in place. First, a literature review will be done, using theoretical justification and conceptualization. Second, the paper will analyze the main research findings from Romanian context. Third, it will provide some recommendations to guide future Romanian research. The analysis is done using the person-environment model (Oswald and Wahl, 2010 apud Oswald and Wahl, 2013) and the relational model of space (Löw, 2008). There are two specific terms used for representing the notion of dwelling: one for objective dimension (house) and one for subjective dimension (home). The subjective dimension of home can be understood through the process of social construction of home, while the objective dimension through the process of social production of home. In international context, the study of subjective and objective dimensions of home in later life and their implications for the phenomenon of aging in place are very advanced. In contrast, in Romanian context studies about the aging population are scarce and the same thing can be said about the aging in place topic. Therefore, it’s difficult to talk about using research findings for improving the social policies when so little research on these topics had been carried. The paper shows why the topic is of general gerontological interest, but also of special interest in the Romanian context.

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