Rethinking Old Age - Theorising the Fourth Age

With the aspiration for a long life now achievable for many individuals, the status of old age as a distinct social position has become problematic. In this radical re-examination of the nature of old age, Paul Higgs and Chris Gilleard reveal the emergence of a ''fourth age'' that embodies the most feared and marginalised aspects of old age, conceptually linked to and yet distinct from traditional models of old age. Inspired by the authors'' ground-breaking work on the third and fourth age and supported by extensive sociological, medical and historical research, offers a unique and timely analysis of the fourth age as a ''social imaginary'' that is shaped and maintained by the social, cultural and political discourses and practices that divide later life. It stands as a significant resource for students, academics and practitioners of sociology, ageing studies, gerontology, social policy, health studies, social work and nursing.>

Product details

• Authors: Chris Gilleard, Chris (University College London Gilleard, Gilleard Chris, Paul Higgs, Paul (University College London Higgs, Paul Gilleard Higgs, Higgs Paul
• Publisher: Macmillan
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.05.2015
• EAN: 9781137383983
• ISBN: 978-1-137-38398-3
• No. of pages: 184
• Series: Bloomsbury 3PL
• Subjects: Guides > Self-help, everyday life > Lifestyle, personal development; Social sciences, law, business > Sociology > Sociological theories; B, aging, History, Ageing, Age groups: adults, aging;care;demography;identity;Moral;morality;Nation;nature