Living with and experiencing ageing as an older person

Practical and/or theoretical implications of this presentation: This presentation highlights what ageing means to older people by examining social and personal contexts. In an ageing population, this has practical implications for policy by indicating what older people need to age well and meaningfully, and how they make sense of the ageing process.

Abstract: 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.