Overview

Ageing populations represent a key global challenge for the twenty-first century. Few areas of life will remain untouched by the accompanying changes to cultural, economic and social life. This book interrogates various understandings of ageing, and provides a critical assessment of attitudes and responses to the development of ageing societies, placing these in the context of a variety of historical and sociological debates. Written in a highly accessible style, this book examines a range of topics, including demographic change across high- and low-income countries, theories of social ageing, changing definitions of 'age', retirement trends, family and intergenerational relations, poverty and inequality, and health and social care in later life. The book also considers the key steps necessary in preparing for the social transformation which population ageing will bring. Ageing provides a fresh and original approach to a topic of central concern to students and scholars working in sociology, social policy and wider social science disciplines and the humanities.

Full Product Details

9780745630847

Table of Contents

Reviews

'Chris Phillipson is one of our most prominent authorities on ageing. In this book he provides a comprehensive and insightful overview of the key debates in the field, addressing both how we should understand the phenomenon of ageing and also its consequences for an increasingly globalized world.' Julia Twigg, University of Kent 'In Ageing , Chris Phillipson explains and critiques social science contributions to understanding and moulding the way we think about older people and population ageing. Foremost among its many merits are exceptional clarity and comprehensibility. Both new and long-term students of the field will profit greatly from reading this book.' Tony Warnes, University of Sheffield 'Phillipson makes clear that the face of ageing is changing in response to wide-reaching currents sweeping around the globe. As is apparent throughout Ageing , the discussion of what is fair and appropriate is shifting as the political economic forces of national and international development redefine what it means to grow old. A real tour de force from an internationally recognized scholar.' Joe Hendricks, Oregon State University

'Chris Phillipson is one of our most prominent authorities on ageing. In this book he provides a comprehensive and insightful overview of the key debates in the field, addressing both how we should understand the phenomenon of ageing and also its consequences for an increasingly globalized world.' Julia Twigg, University of Kent 'In Ageing , Chris Phillipson explains and critiques social science contributions to understanding and moulding the way we think about older people and population ageing. Foremost among its many merits are exceptional clarity and comprehensibility. Both new and long-term students of the field will profit greatly from reading this book.' Tony Warnes, University of Sheffield Phillipson makes clear that the face of ageing is changing in response to wide-reaching currents sweeping around the globe. As is apparent throughout Ageing , the discussion of what is fair and appropriate is shifting as the political economic forces of national and international development redefine what it means to grow old. A real tour de force from an internationally recognized scholar.' Joe Hendricks, Oregon State University A key strength of this publication is the rich contextual background it provides, with welcome coverage of international variations in ageing and thought-provoking suggestions on as to how institutions can successfully adapt to the changing demographic Journal of Ageing & Society

Author Information

Chris Phillipson is professor of sociology and social gerontology at the University of Manchester.

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