The Cultural Context of Aging

The consequences of global aging will influence virtually all areas of life to be encountered in the 21st century, including the biological limits of healthy longevity, the generational contract and nature of family ties, the makeup of households and communities, symbolic representations of midlife and old age and attitudes toward disability and death. The 3rd edition of this book covers all these topics and more. It uses a qualitative, case study approach to look at the rapidly emerging new cultural spaces and social scripts through which mid and late life are being encountered globally. It is completely revised with over thirty new original works covering China, Japan, Denmark, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Peru, indigenous Amazonia, rural Italy and the ethnic landscape of the U.S.

The new edition of this text explores a wide variety of cultural issues worldwide that impact aging issues, from perception and valuation of the elderly to homelessness, caregiving, assisted suicide, psychological support, and responses to those with dementia. It includes twenty-five new chapters as well as special student resources, data from the most recent studies, a guide to Internet sites, and a bibliography of related readings. Especially useful for students across majors from anthropology and psychology to social work, nursing, and medicine, the new edition fully updates and expands on the second edition.