
Age and Dignity
Anti-Ageist Theory and Practice
Edward Elgar Publishing
Published on 13. June 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
260 pages
978-1-0353-6912-6 (ISBN)
Description
In this insightful book, Neil Thompson and Gerry R. Cox highlight the detrimental effects and pervasiveness of ageist stereotypes, structures and practices. Stressing the importance of dignity in later-life care, they provide a well-informed basis for understanding the complexities of ageing and challenge ageist assumptions.
Age and Dignity proposes a professional practice that not only avoids ageism, but also actively contributes to developing anti-ageist frameworks. Substantially building on key earlier work and the authors' in-depth experience in care, ageing and bereavement, it provides a detailed overview of the processes and sociology of ageing and how these are affected by cultural differences. Successfully blending theory and practice, chapters examine various physical, psychological and social problems encountered when working with older people that can serve as a barrier to dignity, as well as how care duties can be carried out to ensure the respect of the ageing individual when dealing with issues such as dementia and grief.
This practical yet scholarly book is an invigorating read for students and scholars of sociology, discrimination and gerontology. It will also appeal to anyone working with older people in any capacity, including health, social care and housing.
Age and Dignity proposes a professional practice that not only avoids ageism, but also actively contributes to developing anti-ageist frameworks. Substantially building on key earlier work and the authors' in-depth experience in care, ageing and bereavement, it provides a detailed overview of the processes and sociology of ageing and how these are affected by cultural differences. Successfully blending theory and practice, chapters examine various physical, psychological and social problems encountered when working with older people that can serve as a barrier to dignity, as well as how care duties can be carried out to ensure the respect of the ageing individual when dealing with issues such as dementia and grief.
This practical yet scholarly book is an invigorating read for students and scholars of sociology, discrimination and gerontology. It will also appeal to anyone working with older people in any capacity, including health, social care and housing.
Reviews / Votes
'Age and Dignity provides a comprehensive overview of ageing and older age that draws from key sociological theories and scholars. With examples and exercises throughout, the authors encourage readers to reflect upon their own biases and experiences, cementing the book's practical orientation.' -- Nicola Crowe, Ageing & Society 'Respect for the individual regardless of their age upholds their dignity. Age and Dignity by Neil Thompson and Gerry R. Cox will enlighten you, whatever your relationship to older people, on how they should be treated. I highly recommend Age and Dignity for the wisdom that is conveyed throughout this amazing, comprehensive book.' -- Inge Corless, MGH Institute of Health Professionals, USMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cheltenham
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-0353-6912-6 (9781035369126)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Neil Thompson, Independent writer, educator and adviser and Visiting Professor at the Open University, UK and Gerry R. Cox, Emeritus Professor, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, US
Content
Contents:
Foreword
Preface
Introduction: the importance of dignity
PART I AGEING IN CONTEXT
Introduction to Part I
1 Understanding ageism
2 Dimensions of ageing
3 The policy context
4 The sociology of ageing
5 Cultural differences in ageing
PART II RESPONDING TO THE CHALLENGES OF AGEING
Introduction to Part II
6 Assaults on dignity
7 Promoting dignified care
8 The challenges of dementia
9 Caring for the carers
10 Loss, grief and facing death
Conclusion: Developing anti-ageist practice
Afterword
Glossary
Guide to further learning
Bibliography
Foreword
Preface
Introduction: the importance of dignity
PART I AGEING IN CONTEXT
Introduction to Part I
1 Understanding ageism
2 Dimensions of ageing
3 The policy context
4 The sociology of ageing
5 Cultural differences in ageing
PART II RESPONDING TO THE CHALLENGES OF AGEING
Introduction to Part II
6 Assaults on dignity
7 Promoting dignified care
8 The challenges of dementia
9 Caring for the carers
10 Loss, grief and facing death
Conclusion: Developing anti-ageist practice
Afterword
Glossary
Guide to further learning
Bibliography