Activities to Address Quality of Life Between Urban and Rural Ageing People in the Czech Republic

Environment fundamentally affects the quality of life in old age, whether offering support or presenting barriers. Rural and urban environments represent different challenges for ageing people. Based on two research projects with ageing people in the Czech Republic, one based in city centers and the second in rural settlements with fewer than 5000 inhabitants, three key areas are identified that determine the subjective perceived quality of life in old age: neighbours, safety and lifestyle. Mixed methods were used. For most indicators, ageing is very similar in rural and urban areas. Older adults feel a little happier, healthier and less lonely in the countryside, but the differences are small. Unlike in rural areas, safety is a risk element in the urban environment. Distinctively different forms of active lifestyles were found in the city and country, but both types of activity appeared to act as protective elements for maintaining quality of life in old age.