This controversial book argues that concepts such as `successful' and `active' ageing are potentially dangerous paradigms that reflect and exacerbate inequalities in older populations. The author presents a new theory to make sense of the popularity of these concepts, providing essential reading for anyone seeking to make sense of social constructions of ageing in contemporary societies.

About the Author
Virpi Timonen is Professor in Social Policy and Ageing at the School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. Her research focuses on intergenerational relationships and policy pertaining to older adults. In 2014-2018, she serves as the President of the Research Committee on the Sociology of Ageing (RC11) of the International Sociological Association.

Reviews
"This book challenges the pervasive model of successful aging through both cogent critique and penetrating analyses of its policy and practice implications. The proposed alternative frame of `model aging' is a unique and important contribution to knowledge and understanding." Anne Martin-Matthews, Unversity of British Columbia, Canada
"Anyone who uses "active" and "successful" ageing as concepts in their policy, research or advocacy work, needs to think carefully about what these mean. Virpi Timonen's book provides a valuable, if sometimes challenging, aid to doing this." Judith Davey, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
"Timonen is a fine theorist and critical thinker. This book will challenge readers to revisit their notions of a good old age." Norah Keating, University of Alberta, Canada



Book Information
ISBN 9781447330172
Author Virpi Timonen
Format Hardback
Page Count 132
Imprint Policy Press
Publisher Policy Press