Social aspects of ageing

Abstract

This paper examines the social aspects of ageing in contemporary society. It emphasises: the quality of life in older people, ageing and health, two case studies on the experiences of older people, social exclusion, perceptions of risk and insight and overcoming stigma. Despite the democratic revolution in which human lifespans are increasing steadily worldwide – mainly as a result of improvements in living conditions, sanitation and healthcare – it is the case that age stratification and discrimination are widespread and in most Western cultures older people are marginalized and socially excluded on the basis of age. It concludes that this hegemony of institutionalized ageism and the negative cultural representation of older people remain major barriers to greater social inclusion for all older citizens.