The Ecological-Narrative Approach
摘要
The ecological-narrative approach offers a promising framework for working with older adults, particularly in contexts where aging is accompanied by social invisibility, biographical fragmentation, and reduced access to meaningful participation. Drawing on ecological systems theory and narrative methodologies, this approach emphasizes the interconnection between individuals, their life stories, and the social and environmental contexts in which they live. This chapter explores the application of ecological-narrative principles in life story work with older adults, highlighting how such practices can contribute to dignity, recognition, and relational justice in later life. Moving beyond individualized therapeutic models, the approach frames biography as a socially situated, coconstructed process capable of fostering agency and inclusion. By facilitating storytelling spaces that attend to the relational and spatial ecology of aging, practitioners can contribute to counteracting ageist narratives and enhancing intergenerational understanding. The chapter describes the theoretical foundations of the ecological-narrative method and presents insights from its implementation in community-based elder care initiatives. While not a research-based contribution, the chapter draws from situated professional practice to identify the potentials and challenges of narrative interventions within aging societies. It concludes by reflecting on the broader implications of ecological-narrative work for social services, professional ethics, and policy agendas aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3, 10, and 11). Ultimately, the chapter argues that life story work grounded in ecological and narrative principles constitutes a politically relevant and professionally transformative tool for promoting social inclusion, active aging, and the visibility of older adults in the public discourse.