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Article
Publication date: 24 March 2011

Joanna Latimer, Terence Davis, Mark Bagley and David Kipling

In this paper we present preliminary findings from a study of the social, ethical and cultural aspects of ageing science and medicine. The paper draws on a collaborative, ongoing…

Abstract

In this paper we present preliminary findings from a study of the social, ethical and cultural aspects of ageing science and medicine. The paper draws on a collaborative, ongoing project between life scientists and sociologists, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council's (ESRC) New Dynamics of Ageing Programme1 and the ESRC Centre for the Economic and Social Aspects of Genomics2. The sociological element of this project involves participant observation and interviews with expert scientists who specialise in ageing and age‐related diseases, both in the UK and the US, as well as interviews with sceptics of ageing science and medicine. There has been much critique of how ageing science is anti‐ageing, reinforcing the ageism prevalent in Western culture. Our specific objective in this paper is to suggest how biogerontology can contribute to the social inclusion of older people, particularly in relation to health care. We discuss how agesim is endemic to some aspects of health care, and go on to show how the ways that biogerontology is reconceptualising what it is to age, and to be old, can help reinclude ageing and the aged in health‐care education, policy and practice.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 March 2011

Mark Bagley, Terence Davis, Joanna Latimer and David Kipling

Increased longevity is the success story of 20th‐century biomedicine, together with improvements in general living conditions, but it brings great challenges. Although many…

Abstract

Increased longevity is the success story of 20th‐century biomedicine, together with improvements in general living conditions, but it brings great challenges. Although many individuals do undergo what might be termed ‘successful ageing’, this is not a universal experience, for with older age comes a range of age‐related diseases and degenerations that can diminish, if not destroy, quality of life for some older individuals. Biogerontology is the study of the biology of ageing, a normal process but one that has the potential to contribute to age‐related disease. Its goal is to extend the proportion of a life that is healthy, an outcome that is desirable both at an individual and a societal level. One of the great insights from the last decade or more of biogerontology is the realisation that the ageing process is not a fixed, unchangeable process. Rather, it is controlled by genes and is open to experimental interventions that extend healthy lifespan, in species from microbes to mice. These findings have produced a sea change in the way the biogerontological community views ageing: not as a fixed, ‘inevitable’ process, but one where rates of ageing vary enormously according to genotype, and can be readily changed by interventions. This makes the biological process of ageing an attractive target both to understand, and target, age‐related conditions.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 December 2015

Lynne Marie Wealleans

The purpose of this paper is to disseminate the learning from the positive ageing and positive living projects of the Beth Johnson Foundation (BJF) and to contribute to the…

304

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to disseminate the learning from the positive ageing and positive living projects of the Beth Johnson Foundation (BJF) and to contribute to the discourse around ageing and older people.

Design/methodology/approach

The content for this case study was drawn from evidence gathering activities with different generations of older people, with key stakeholders, commissioners and policy makers. This was supported by extensive desk top analysis of information and research on the subjects of positive and active ageing.

Findings

This case study examines the key elements of positive ageing within a life course context and explores the language and culture around ageing. It makes some recommendations, based on practice, that support a change in the dialogue around ageing from positive ageing to positive living.

Practical implications

This approach is of interest to all citizens, to those who work with older people, to commissioners and to decision makers. It promotes a multi-generational approach to the co-design of services. It supports prevention, health promotion and appropriate interventions which are not based on age. It also, therefore, promotes ageing as a “natural” part of the life course, challenges negative stereotypes around ageing and ensures accessible, inclusive and quality services.

Social implications

The content and conclusions of the case study challenge some of the traditional thinking and approaches around ageing and recommend a more inclusive approach to service design and delivery. The case study also addresses some of the issues around the language used and the culture around ageing which will contribute to a more forward thinking approach.

Originality/value

This is an original case study based on the work of the BJF over a ten year period as it developed its’ Positive Ageing and Positive Living programmes. BJF has been at the forefront of the positive ageing movement by developing mid-life programmes of work and is acknowledged as an expert organisation in the field of intergenerational (and now multi-generational) practice and age friendly communities.

Details

Working with Older People, vol. 19 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-3666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 December 2017

David James Martin

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the need to challenge ageism and to draw attention to how art, especially art activism, can challenge Ageism and bring about a new…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the need to challenge ageism and to draw attention to how art, especially art activism, can challenge Ageism and bring about a new personal understanding of ageing.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a summary of personal reflections by the author.

Findings

The pervasive, ageist, stereotypical attitudes developed at an early age and the possible means to challenge and transform thinking through Art.

Practical implications

Artist and Arts organisations, their commissioners and funders could consider focussing upon ageing across the life course and commission and create work which challenges thinking and the status quo on ageing, reflecting society’s adjustment to an Ageing society.

Social implications

Art and especially art activism could make a fundamental contribution to a raft of strategies to not only combat ageism but assist personal understanding of our ageing.

Originality/value

Currently there are relatively few artists and arts organisation focussing upon ageing across the life course. The paper states the view that such art activity could assist with new ways of understanding personal ageing and challenge ageist attitudes.

Details

Working with Older People, vol. 22 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-3666

Keywords

Abstract

Details

When Reproduction Meets Ageing
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83909-747-8

Book part
Publication date: 7 November 2017

Florian Kohlbacher, Izabela Warwas and Hendrik Mollenhauer

This chapter discusses the concept of productive ageing in Japan and Poland. Productive ageing is defined as any activity by older people which produces goods or services, whether…

Abstract

This chapter discusses the concept of productive ageing in Japan and Poland. Productive ageing is defined as any activity by older people which produces goods or services, whether paid or not. Productive ageing is slightly more narrowly defined than active ageing in so far it is focused on economic activity whereas active ageing covers a broader array of social activities. The chapter discusses activities of governments and employers in these three economies in promoting economic activities. The relative success of the Japanese economy in sustaining relative high levels of older employment is the result of active government interventions both in terms of adjusting pension policies to support working pensioners and intervening in employer practices. In Poland, government has struggled to raise older workers’ participation rates by raising pension ages and promoting older employment. In both countries, governments are recognising the economic impact of ageing demographics on the respective societies, but have had different levels of active involvement in intervening in employer practices. Finally, this chapter initiates a broader discussion of the situation in the discussed area not only in Poland, but in other countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

Details

Managing the Ageing Workforce in the East and the West
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78714-639-6

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 December 2023

Gemma Hartley and Jack Purrington

Perceptions of ageing towards the self and towards others can positively and negatively impact an older adult’s mental wellbeing. This paper aims to consolidate literature…

Abstract

Purpose

Perceptions of ageing towards the self and towards others can positively and negatively impact an older adult’s mental wellbeing. This paper aims to consolidate literature examining the relationship between perceptions of ageing and depression in older adults to inform both practice and policy for older adult mental health services.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research articles examining perceptions of ageing and depression in older adults were identified through searches on three electronical databases, alongside forward and backwards citation searches. A total of 14 articles involving 31,211 participants were identified.

Findings

Greater negative attitudes towards ageing were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms and greater positive attitudes towards ageing were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms or higher levels of happiness. However, the causal direction of this relationship could not be determined. Studies demonstrated that perceptions of ageing also act as a moderator in the relationship between depression and health status, hopelessness and personality traits. Future research should attempt to examine the relationship between perceptions of ageing and depression in older adults to attempt to identify the causal direction of this relationship.

Originality/value

This is the only systematic review the authors are aware of consolidating literature which explores the relationship between older adults’ perceptions of ageing and depression. It is hoped that these findings will be able to inform both policy and practice to improve older adults’ care and support for depression.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

Abstract

Details

When Reproduction Meets Ageing
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83909-747-8

Book part
Publication date: 1 August 2017

Catherine Earl, Philip Taylor, Chris Roberts, Patrick Huynh and Simon Davis

Population ageing, coupled with economic uncertainty and a shifting workforce structure, has directed the attention of public and organizational policy makers toward the potential…

Abstract

Population ageing, coupled with economic uncertainty and a shifting workforce structure, has directed the attention of public and organizational policy makers toward the potential contribution of older workers and skilled migrants in meeting labor supply shortages in ageing populations. This chapter presents labor supply and demand scenarios for 10 OECD countries and examines trends in the labor force participation of older workers against the backdrop of changes to the nature of work in an era of globalization, casualization, and, increasingly, automation. Brief analysis of each country’s situation and policy responses indicates that China, Japan, and Korea stand out as being at particular risk of being unable to maintain growth without undertaking drastic action, although their areas of focus need to differ. A limitation of the study is that GDP projections used in labor demand analysis were based on historical rates and represented past potential and a long-run average of historic economic output. Future research might also undertake comparative analysis of case studies addressing different potential solutions to workforce ageing. A key implication of the study is that there is a need to take a blended approach to public policy regarding older workers in a changing labor market. Where migration has historically been a source of labor supplementation, this may become a less viable avenue over the near future. Future shortfalls in labor imply that economies will increasingly need to diversify their sources of workers in order to maintain economic growth. For public policy makers the challenge will be to overcome public antipathy to migration and longer working lives.

Details

Age Diversity in the Workplace
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78743-073-0

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Article
Publication date: 21 June 2022

Hway-Boon Ong and Sajiah Husna Mohd-Audi-Tye

By 2040, 14.5% of Malaysia’s population will consist of those aged 65 years and above. The purpose of this paper is to examine the time-varying impact of an ageing population on…

Abstract

Purpose

By 2040, 14.5% of Malaysia’s population will consist of those aged 65 years and above. The purpose of this paper is to examine the time-varying impact of an ageing population on the economy of Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The relationship between the ageing population and economic performance was examined from the period 1971–2019. The time-varying rolling convergence estimation of 40 + k observations sample frame of the trace statistics was analysed.

Findings

The ageing population had affected the economic activities in Malaysia over all sampling time frame from 1971 to 2010, 1972–2011, …to 1980–2019. The growth in total population and economic activities also caused a significant increase in the ageing population in the long run. An improved economic performance signifies the affordability for better healthcare services and improvement in medical science technology to treat diseases.

Originality/value

Its ageing population has gradually slow down economic activities in Malaysia. Now is the time to be prepared and address an ageing workforce issues such as productivity, retirement policy, savings behaviour and life-long learning capabilities.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-04-2021-0234.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 49 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

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