Transitions and the Lifecourse: Challenging the Constructions of 'Growing Old'

by Amanda Grenier

Overview

Transitions and the life course: Challenging the constructions of 'growing old' explores and challenges dominant interpretations of transitions as they relate to ageing and the life course. It takes a unique perspective that draws together ideas about late life as expressed in social policy and socio-cultural constructs of age with lived experience. The book is aimed at academics and students interested in social gerontology, policy studies in health and social care, and older people's accounts of experience.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781847426918
Publisher:	Bristol University Press
Publication date:	02/01/2012
Series:	Ageing and the Lifecourse
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	6.77(w) x 9.45(h) x 0.03(d)

About the Author

Amanda Grenier is Associate Professor in the Department of Health, Aging and Society at McMaster University, Canada. She holds the Gilbrea Chair on Aging and Mental Health, and is Director of the Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging. She is also affiliated with the Centre for Research and Expertise in Social Gerontology at the CSSS Cavendish, the McGill School of Social Work, and is Honorary Research Fellow at the Institute for Life Course Studies at Keele University. Her research focuses on the intersections of policy, organisational practice and lived experience in relation to ageing, frailty and care.

Table of Contents

Part One: The context of growing old: The study of transition in late life; Critical perspectives on ageing and the lifecourse; Multidisciplinary approaches to transition; The intersections of policy, practice, and experience; Socio-cultural constructs of late life; Part Two: Contested models of ageing and late life: Narratives of transition on ageing and late life; Rethinking transition; Social location and 'othered' constructs of age; The fourth age: impairment in late life; Future directions

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Grenier challenges assumptions that underlay most gerontology theories, policies and services, concluding that models of successful ageing deny the reality of physical decline that shapes the experiences of all who survive into late old age. This book is a must read for those concerned with the implications of global ageing." Sheila M. Neysmith, Associate Dean of Research, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and Professor & RBC Chair in Applied Social Work Research, University of Toronto

Editorial Reviews

"This slender volume provides a succinct and readable introduction to some of the key debates in critical gerontology and would therefore be a useful purchase for any students interested in learning about experiences of growing older." Sue Davies, Journal of Ageing and Society

"The book offers an independent and sometimes radical voice as it combines a review of theory, policy and practice." - Canon James Woodward

From the Publisher