Active ageing in Portuguese long-term care facilities: Critical insights into perceptions and social work implications

Abstract In Portugal, care provided in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) has shown remarkable growth, reinforcing academic research on the care dynamics developed in these settings. The literature points to overprotective practices, guided by strict compliance with standardized rules and procedures. However, quality of life tends to be enhanced when care is oriented by the principles of active ageing (AA). The way long-term care staff—particularly social workers, who have historically held leadership positions in Portuguese LTCFs—perceive AA seems to have direct implications for its implementation and for residents’ ageing experience. This study, based on preliminary results of doctoral research in Social Work conducted in 2024 in six Portuguese LTCFs, seeks to understand how AA is perceived by professionals and residents, as well as to analyse its practical application in these contexts. Grounded in an interpretive paradigm and a qualitative approach, the research drew in-depth interviews with twelve residents, six managing directors, six registered managers, and six care assistants. The findings indicate that the conception of AA, particularly among professionals in LTCFs, poses significant challenges to residents’ ageing, influencing the way they live and exercise their autonomy and independence.