Ageing in Modern Society

The twentieth century saw twin developments in Britain: changes in the pattern of employment, producing the institution of retirement; and demographic changes resulting in an ageing population. In the 1980s, these phenomena stimulated interest and concern in political, professional and academic circles. The growing interest in ageing encouraged the development of social gerontology as a new area of intellectual activity in Britain. Originally published in 1983, the chapters in Ageing in Modern Society draw attention to the changed circumstances in which ageing takes place, at the subjective level, at the level of care and provision, and at the level of theory. Some challenge prevailing notions about the characteristics, needs and capacity of older people. Others are about the changing perceptions of policy makers and practitioners. The collection as a whole offers a view of social gerontology and illustrates the integration of theory and practice. Taken together, the contributions reflect the view that the contemporary experience of old age needs to be seen against a background of social change and cultural diversity.

Dorothy Jerrome

Introduction Dorothy Jerrome. Part 1: New Applications of Old Disciplines Introduction. 1. Associational Participation in Old Age Christopher Harris 2. Elderly Women and Disadvantage: Perceptions of Daily Life and Support Relationships Helen Evers 3. Crime and the Elderly: Experience and Perceptions R. I. Mawby 4. Elderly Vagrants Martin Blacher 5. Ageing in the Inner City: A Comparison of Old Blacks and Whites Kenneth Blackmore 6. Stereotypes of Old Age: The Case of Yugoslavia Dianne Willcocks 7. Accounts of Onitsha Market Literature: Perceptions of Age and Wisdom Pamela Shakespeare 8. "Just a Song at Twilight": Residents' Coping Strategies Expressed in Musical Form Jennifer Hockey 9. Loneliness: A Problem of Measurement Clare Wenger 10. The Potential for Learning in Later Life Paula Allman Part 2: Studies of Changing Policy and Practice Introduction 11. The History of Provision for the Elderly to 1929 Pat Thane 12. From Public Assistance Institutions to 'Sunshine Hotels': Changing State Perceptions About Residential Care for the Elderly Robin Means and Randall Smith 13. Short Term Residential Care for Elderly People: An Answer to Growing Older Peter McCoy 14. A Profile of Residential Life Dianne Willcocks, Sheila Peace and Leonie Kellaher 15. Friendship and Isolation: Two Sides of Sheltered Housing Laura Middleton 16. The Nursing Home: Professional Attitudes to the Introduction of New Forms of Care Provision for the Elderly Gillian Dalley 17. The Hospice Concept and the National Health Service Hedley Taylor 18. Groups of Old People in the Community: A Preliminary Report Jeanette Brewster, Bob Chard and Gregorio Kohon. Details of Contributors. Index.