Life after ninety /
Life after 90
Michael Bury and Anthea Holme ; foreword by Margot Jefferys.
- xiv, 198 pages ; 23 cm
Includes bibliographical references (pages 181-188) and index.
Introduction -- The Study Introduced -- The People Introduced -- Longevity and Possible Influences -- Health and Disability -- The Quality of Life -- Everyday Life -- Dependency and Choice -- Support and Care -- The Issues Discussed -- Appendix I -- Notes Bibliography -- 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Appendix II. Introduction -- The Study Introduced -- The People Introduced -- Longevity and Possible Influences -- Health and Disability -- The Quality of Life -- Everyday Life -- Dependency and Choice -- Support and Care -- The Issues Discussed. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
"Long life and the factors which promote it are of perennial interest to human beings. Although there is much discussion in our society about aging, there is less willingness to examine the assumptions which govern our attitudes towards old age. The very old represent the fastest growing segment of the population in most Western societies, yet attitudes toward them are mostly limited to negative stereotypes. In Life After Ninety, Michael Bury and Anthea Holme have surveyed and interviewed 200 individuals living at home and in institutions to create a unique portrayal of the health, quality of life, and social circumstances of the very old. The authors examine the validity of old age stereotypes, and discuss longevity and the factors which promote it. Throughout the book the concept of the "life course" is employed, as a process which weaves together the biographical experiences of individuals and the changing historical circumstances of the twentieth century through which they; have lived. Although poor health and unhappiness are experienced by some individuals, this study shows that a good quality of life is possible in advanced age, and that life after ninety can involve both contentment and dignity."--Publisher description.
0415041651 9780415041652
90035825
Older people--Social conditions--Great Britain Old age--Great Britain Longevity--Great Britain Life cycle, Human Older people--Social conditions Old age Longevity.