critical gerontology

Population ageing and international migration are two of the major societal trends that European societies are facing today. These trends affect not only the ways in which we conceive aging and old age but also the manner in which elderly care is planned and provided.

The critique of the notion of ‘successful aging’ coined a while ago by Rowe and Kahn, revolves around these issues of intra-generational (in addition to inter-generational) inequality, whether it is represented in media discourses about later life, or in individuals’ everyday experiences.

Queer gerontology is a critical analysis of the heterosexual norms shaping scholarship and practice in gerontology.

Researching with social recognition theory will eventually require more sophisticated research methodologies to grasp personal experiences of older people in later life.

From ‘dependence’, to ‘successful ageing’, the dominant discourses of ageing and well-being are on the move again as the World Health Organisation introduces a new ‘functional ability’ policy framework.

Varying discourses regarding ‘aging well’ have been criticized – rightly – with respect to who has the capacity to engage in the premises therein, and for attaching moral and prescriptive values to busy and active lifestyles.

The dominant model of successful aging is centered on three main criteria which include: a low probability of disease and disability, high physical and cognitive functional capacity, and active engagement with life (Rowe & Kahn, 1987). Over time, this concept has gained traction as a leading focus for research, policy, and practice.

Nowadays the importance of population ageing is widely accepted. Researchers produce a rich body of knowledge on it, and policymakers’ carry out the reform welfare states in reaction to it.

The increase in aging populations and government action to address the needs of rapidly aging populations is reflected in research that examines the effect of social isolation on various dimensions of health.

The senior vote is now committed to Donald Trump at a level beyond that of any other age-group, and this is a topic that deserves attention from those concerned with critical gerontology.