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Themes of togetherness. Examining space sharing sociality among older people

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Extensive research demonstrates a positive relationship between social participation and health and well-being in older adults. Yet, knowledge is scarce regarding the diverse practices older individuals employ when engaging with others in everyday life settings. For the purpose, we elaborate on the concept of togetherness to encapsulate the full spectrum of co-located activities. Togetherness embodies a spatiotemporal understanding of sociality, involving “being with” others in shared spaces, times, and projects. We empirically investigate how various forms of togetherness manifest in everyday life and explore the motivation behind immediate and more overarching projects and goals. Drawing on time-space diaries that inform in-depth interviews with 22 older adults (aged 68–85) in Gothenburg, Sweden, our findings reveal that practising everyday togetherness seldom is a standalone project with the explicit purpose of socializing. More often, sociality is integrated into projects with other primary, sometimes overlapping, goals such as maintaining everyday routines, providing structure and rhythm to daily life, breaking away from routines, thriving and feeling safe in a place, and seeking inspiration and creativity in life. • Challenges current partial definitions of sociality as predetermined by researchers. • Defines togetherness as being with others, and people's sharing of time and space. • Draws on time-use diaries and in-depth interviews with active older adults. • Practicing togetherness seldom a project with the stated purpose “to socialize”. • Emphasizes the importance of supporting local environments for social participation.
DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.117828
Authors: Eva Thulin, Bertil Vilhelmson
Language: English
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,800
OpenAlex ID: W4407246320
FWCI: 8.167
Cites: 63
Cited by: 7
Related to: 10