Well-being in Later Life : The Notion of Connected Autonomy

Advancing the notion of connected autonomy, and highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary research in the development of this novel concept, this volume explores the possibility of maintaining the freedom to make one’s own decisions in later life, while also remaining connected to others – as well as to things, services, places and events.

Through a series of case studies, the book examines the importance of preserving self-determination as health, environmental and social circumstances render autonomy more difficult, showing that innovations in social interaction and technology have the capacity to enhance older persons’ connectedness to their environment, while at the same time, offering opportunities for self-governance.

As such, it will appeal to scholars across the social sciences with interests in ageing and the life course, the sociology of science and technology and research methods.

Linda J. Garcia is Professor in the Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences and Director of the LIFE Research Institute at the University of Ottawa, Canada.

Louise Bélanger-Hardy is Professor in the Faculty of Common Law and member of the LIFE Research Institute at the University of Ottawa, Canada.

Jeffrey W. Jutai is Professor in the Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences and member of LIFE Research Institute at the University of Ottawa, Canada.

Maria Łuszczyńska is Assistant Professor of the Social Science Faculty in Sociology and Social Work Institute at The Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow, Poland.