Developing in Older Age
An Integrative View
Published on 21. May 2026
Book
Hardback
280 pages
978-1-009-50465-2 (ISBN)
Description
Despite rising life expectancies and growing attention to the increasing proportion of older persons in rich democracies, we still know surprisingly little about how people develop after 60. This book proposes an integrative approach to development in older age that expands sociocultural psychology across the life course. It shows that people develop into older age while acting, feeling, remembering, imagining, and moving in the spaces where they live and interact with others. The diversity and singularity of ageing trajectories is also studied, highlighting how deeply the environment can guide and support as well as expand upon or offer resources to older persons. The author demonstrates the role of carefully designed social and institutional settings and well-planned ageing policies in fostering 'ageing in place'. By exploring housing, formal and informal care networks, and everyday arrangements that help older persons live meaningful lives, this volume speaks to anyone concerned with ageing.
Reviews / Votes
'Zittoun's sensitive and insightful analysis illuminates the complexity of aging and the rich ways in which older adults engage in meaning-making. This book is a true tour de force, reminding us that human beings, like a fine whisky, can mature gracefully by developing depth, richness, and a variety of tastes.' Yair Neuman, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, IsraelMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 21 mm
Weight
582 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-009-50465-2 (9781009504652)
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
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
05/2026
Cambridge University Press
€47.20
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Tania Zittoun is a professor in sociocultural psychology at University of Neuchatel, Switzerland. She researches sociocultural psychology of the life course, showing the role of transitions, symbolic resources and imagination in development. Tania currently serves as President of the International Society for Theoretical Psychology, and is Associate Editor of Culture & Psychology and Theory & Psychology. She is also the author of The Pleasure of Thinking (Cambridge University Press, 2023).
Content
1. Introduction; 2. Loose ends; 3. Promises; 4. Opening new routes; 5. Methodology; 6. Sociogenesis: shaping the landscape of care; 7. Microgenesis; daily activities, encounters and vital engagements; 8. Ontogenesis: housing histories, life trajectories - engagements and dynamic patterns; 9. A dialogic understanding of social and psychological change; 10. An integrative approach to human development; 11. Contributing to environmental gerontology; 12. Fostering ageing in place; 13. On dialogical case studies; References; Index.