Abstract

Active seniors are given increasing attention in Italy and Europe. Active aging involves both an individual and a social dimension. Choosing to play an active role even in later life is, first of all, a subjective option, that calls into play the full range of physical, psychological, relational, ethical resources of the individual. This option acquires a specific social relevance because, through activity, it is possible for the older person to experience an inter-subjective and prosocial dimension, crucial to the pursuit of a successful social role. Through the presentation of findings from a quantitative research carried out in Italy and similar analysis at European level, the book aims to provide a comprehensive reflection on this phenomenon, in particular in terms of intergenerational exchanges, well-being and life satisfaction, use of multimedia technologies, prosocial behaviors and volunteering. This book is for students and professionals interested in intergenerational exchanges, well-being, personal and intersubjective satisfaction, multimedia technologies, prosocial behaviors, volunteering in active ageing. This volume is the partial translation of “L’allungamento della vita. Una risorsa per la famiglia, un’opportunità per la società, Eugenia Scabini e Giovanna Rossi (a cura di), Studi interdisciplinari sulla famiglia, 28, Vita e Pensiero, Milano, Italia, 2016." Studi interdisciplinari sulla famiglia is the cultural and scientific communication instrument of the Family Studies and Research University Centre of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. Since 1983, it enables confrontation on several issues related to family dynamics and relations stemming from different disciplines such as psychology, sociology, theology, demography, economy, law and history.