University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Living with and experiencing ageing as an older person

conference contribution
posted on 2023-05-24, 14:59 authored by Peta CookPeta Cook
Across the developed world, the population is ageing. Despite this, older age continues to be negatively framed and associated with loss including social isolation and withdrawal (including unproductivity), and a body in decline with malfunctioning or deficit physical, mental and emotional resources (Gullette 2004; Hunt 2005). Significantly, such perceptions of ageing fail to consider and engage with what it means to be an older person, including having an ageing body. Furthermore, the negativity towards ageing may contribute to, or could be at odds with, how older people experience their ageing. I will explore these issues by drawing on data from my current research project that examines ageing from the perspective of people aged 65 years and over living independently in Greater Launceston (Tasmania, Australia). Through photo elicitation and in-depth interviews, the participants reveal the dynamism of being an older person and having an older body; the beauty, sadness, joy, uncertainty and empowerment that ageing may present. In their experiences of being older people, the participants reveal that ageing is not to be feared, but worth exploring and celebrating.

History

Publication title

13Th Global Conference: International Federation on Ageing

Department/School

School of Social Sciences

Publisher

International Federation on Ageing

Place of publication

Australia

Event title

13Th Global Conference: International Federation on Ageing

Event Venue

Brisbane Australia

Date of Event (Start Date)

2016-06-21

Date of Event (End Date)

2016-06-23

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in human society

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Categories

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC