Abstract
Concurring with the critiques of ‘successful ageing’ for focusing on values and abilities more attainable by white middle-class older people, this paper explores alternative discourses according to which older people from minoritized groups consider themselves to be ageing well including in the context of frailty. The paper draws on original empirical material derived from a research project funded by the UKRI and focused on five minority ethnic groups living in a city (and surrounding areas) of the UK known for its diverse population. It draws on both longitudinal interview and photovoice methods conducted with the participants and identifies several themes that give a sense of subjective health and wellbeing to older minoritized people. Of these the themes of belonging, connection with other generations and generativity, and feeling heard by others are key. These themes stress the importance of relationships, relationality and a societal emphasis not on age wars but on intergenerational solidarity. In so doing, they offer another way of viewing good care in deep old age beyond the increasing emphasis on technology. Further, the images and narratives presented here challenge the normative depictions of a good or successful old age constructed from the perspective of white and middle-class older adults. These diverse range of alternative depictions of ageing well will be helpful for all those concerned to support older people to flourish in conditions of health as well as frailty.
Presenters
Susan PickardProfessor of Sociology, Centre for Ageing and the Life Course, Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
AGEING, ETHNICITY, DIVERSITY, RELATIONALITY, SUCCESSFUL AGEING, FRAILTY
