Active Ageing and Social Work: A Bibliometric Analysis (2000-2026)

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Social Work
• Bibliometrics

Background:

• The intersection of active aging and social work is a growing research area.
• Understanding the landscape of scientific output is crucial for identifying trends and gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the scientific output on active aging and social work using bibliometric methods.
• To identify geographical, methodological, and disciplinary trends and asymmetries.
• To propose a framework for future research and policy reform.

Main Methods:

• Bibliometric analysis of 1,833 records from Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed (2000-2026).
• Analysis of compound annual growth rate (CAGR), geographical distribution, thematic clusters, and network structures.

Main Results:

• The field shows a 19.5% CAGR but exhibits significant geographical, methodological, and disciplinary asymmetries.
• The USA, UK, and China dominate research output, with the Global South being peripheral.
• Social participation and successful aging are core themes, while co-production and health inequalities are emerging.
• Gerontological social work concepts are at the network periphery, suggesting a visibility issue.

Conclusions:

• The study quantifies a visibility gap for gerontological social work.
• Recommendations are provided for future research directions and educational policy reform to address identified asymmetries and gaps.