Understanding the Discourse of Aging: A Multifaceted Perspective. Book Presentation

Abstract

Nowadays there is increasing interest in the social recognition of old age. The extension of life expectancy is widely praised as one of the indicators of development and welfare. Nevertheless, an attitude of resistance to aging still pervades the way age is generally conceived of and viewed. Although in some contexts age might be positively perceived (such as in politics), the dominant imperative is to ‘stay young’ as long as possible; therefore, age denial and the shame of aging emerge as widespread responses.

This edited volume addresses the discursive practices surrounding age, aging and the elderly through a multidisciplinary lens. Part 1 of the book deals with the difficult definition of old age, which is analyzed from discursive, clinical, and anthropological perspectives. The second section of the book takes a gender perspective on aging and particularly considers the denial of female mature body and sexuality. An overview of several discourses on aging in the literature, from Catalan Medieval literature to today's English drama, is the main focus of the third section of the book. Finally, the last chapters analyze the image of the elderly in media, communication, and popular culture.