Preprint · Jan 2026
How do men (aged 50-80) maintain functional independence within the context of active ageing: A scoping review
By Richardson N, Toner P, Archibald D
The aim of this scoping review is to map the available evidence and identify research gaps regarding how men aged 50-80 maintain functional independence within the context of active ageing. Globally the ageing population is growing, both in terms of number and their proportion within the overall population (WHO, 2025). The pace of the growth is creating urgency around understanding the strategies that support independence and wellbeing in later life. Biological, psychosocial, and self‑management perspectives highlight that maintaining meaningful activity and autonomy is key to healthier ageing. Understanding how men engage in activity can inform more effective, person‑centred approaches to extending healthy life expectancy and functional independence. This scoping review aims: To consider how men (50-80) understand, maintain and experience participation in activities of daily living (ADLs) (including those ADLs for self-care, productivity and leisure) To understand what individual and/or societal and/or environmental factors support or inhibit participation in activity To understand the benefits or detriments of activity as reported by males To map and identify the gaps in the literature on this topic