Older and still voting? A mixed-methods study of voting amongst the older old in Europe and in the North-West of England

Bibliographic Data

ID11201397
AuthorsKingsley Purdam (0000-0003-3872-0110, University of Manchester, corresponding author), H F W Taylor (0000-0002-0582-6851, University of Manchester)
Year2024
Volume44
Issue12
Pages2657-2683
Publication date2024-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAgeing and Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0144-686X • E-ISSN: 1469-1779
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0144686x23000120
OpenAlexW4365448295
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited56

The implications of an ageing population for democracy are far reaching, however, older people are often treated as a homogenous group. This article used survey data from 29 countries across Europe, alongside qualitative interviews with the older old (people aged 70 and older) in the North-West of England (United Kingdom). The findings suggest that voting declines amongst the older old and women aged 85 and older were less likely to report having voted compared to men in the same age group. Older women aged 85 and older were also less likely to feel that people like them could have an influence on politics. In terms of a sense of the future, having grandchildren was associated with the likelihood of reporting having voted, but being older than the country average life expectancy was not. The interviews with the older old in the North-West of England revealed that many could remember the first time they had voted and its lasting personal significance. However, many also described becoming politically disengaged in their late old age. Older people also reported barriers to voting, including difficulties in accessing polling stations and in using postal voting. There was a desire amongst the older old to see more young people voting and frustration about their lack of interest, including amongst their own children and grandchildren. This suggests a concern for democracy and future generations. As the population ages and people are living longer, it is important to develop the understanding of voter turnout amongst the older old at different ages and the barriers they can face

Democracy · Life expectancy · Older people · Political science · Politics · Population · Population ageing · Sociology · Turnout · Voting · Demography · Electoral Systems and Political Participation · Gender Politics and Representation · Law · Medicine · Psychology · Youth Education and Societal Dynamics · Gerontology

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