Insights from Herman Plasmans on participation, interdependence, and ageing
What does it really mean to age “independently”? And who gets to define it?
Herman Plasmans (born in 1957) previously worked in the social services department of a municipality serving approximately 30,000 residents. He is now active in Flanders (Belgium) as an independent speaker, engaging with groups of older adults on social and cultural issues. He is also a member of PAAR-Net’s Older Co-Creators group, which brings together 17 older citizens from across nine European countries.
In a recent interview conducted by the Société Française de Gériatrie et de Gérontologie (SFGG)—following a presentation he delivered in English on 23 January at COST in Brussels to a group of European geriatric doctors—Plasmans shares his reflections on ageing, participation, and the importance of recognising older adults as active contributors to society.
He highlights that ageing is not a uniform experience, but one shaped by living environments, access to services, and social connections.
In the interview, Plasmans offers a critical perspective on the concept of independence in later life. He suggests that it is often idealised, yet difficult to sustain without adequate support systems. For him, independence should not mean being left alone, but rather having access to responsive social and care networks when needed. He illustrates this through concrete everyday examples, showing how seemingly “independent” living often relies on invisible forms of support.
He also emphasises the importance of involving older adults in decision-making processes, recognising them not as passive recipients of care but as individuals with valuable experience and knowledge. This perspective closely aligns with PAAR-Net’s participatory research approach.
Overall, the interview invites us to rethink ageing policies and care systems, while highlighting the need to better integrate older adults’ perspectives into research, policy, and practice.
Read the full interview here:
https://sfgg.org/temoignages-portraits/hermann-plasmans-conferencier-et-co-createurs-de-paar-net/