Care of the elderly Books

Book SynopsisThe ageing of the population has enormous implications for the provision of, and access to, health care. Christina Victor's important textbook provides comprehensive overview of the experiences of older people, chapters on physical health, mental health, disability and lifestyle, a thesis of current policy developments, the key debates on the future health of elders and an international, up-to-date perspective. Written by a leader in the field, the book covers key questions such as the fitness of future older people, the widening inequalities in their health and whether health in old age is related to habits and behaviour in earlier life.Trade Review"An extremely insightful and thought-provoking book, presenting a wide range of relevant issues for consideration to help the reader more fully appreciate the helath and social care dynamics of ageing." Richard Bryant-Jefferies, CNWL NHS Foundation Trust"As a text that can be read as a whole or picked off in chunks, this is a good primer in the gerontological library." Age & Ageing"A comprehensive overview of the key questions concerning healthy ageing ... this book is ideal for professionals and academics who have not previously worked on the subject and want to get a first introduction." International Journal of Integrated Care"[Ageing, health and care] offers an excellent in-depth examination of the health of the elderly in Great Britain with some international comparisons." International Journal of Ageing and Later Life"Professor Victor's book is highly readable and informative about the different models of health. It contains a wealth of fascinating material, from the types of health-related data collected in early censuses to the emergence of anti-ageing medicine. She also uses examples from research to illustrate and enliven key points throughout. There are useful exercises for postgraduate students, as well as key websites. This is an important contribution to the literature in gerontology. " Ann Bowling, Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London Medical School"Christina Victor's authoritative text on ageing and health digs deep into the meaning and challenges of old age. It is essential reading for practitioners as well as gerontological specialists." Professor Fiona Ross, Dean, Faculty of Health & Social Care Sciences, Kingston University and St George's, University of London"This is an informative, accessible and essential reader and study guide for anyone with an interest in ageing: gerontologists, health and social care professionals, managers, policy makers, academics and researchers." Brenda Roe, Professor of Health Research, Edge Hill UniversityTable of ContentsIntroduction: perspectives on ageing, health and care; Introduction to the key concepts; Health and mortality; Chronic disease and disability; Mental health and psychological well-being; Consumption and health; Responding to needs: provision and utilisation of services; Health in the future.

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Book SynopsisDementia has been widely debated from the perspectives of biomedicine and social psychology. This book broadens the debate to consider the experiences of men and women with dementia from a sociopolitical perspective. It brings to the fore the concept of social citizenship, exploring what it means within the context of dementia and using it to re-examine the issue of rights, status(es), and participation. Most importantly, the book offers fresh and practical insights into how a citizenship framework can be applied in practice. It will be of interest to health and social care professionals, policy makers, academics and researchers and people with dementia and family carers may find it revitalising. Trade Review"This interesting and well written book is an excellent addition to the growing body of work published by Policy Press in their ‘Ageing and the Lifecourse’ series." Mo Ray in British Journal of Social Work"This book offers a fresh perspective on dementia, one that is not afraid to address the challenges, but which asserts not only the continuing personhood and humanity, but also the agency and citizenship of those who live with dementia." Marian Barnes, Professor of Social Policy, University of Brighton"This book is a must read for everyone working in dementia care. Bringing together concepts of citizenship, status, difference, embodiment and personhood, the authors provide a much needed alternative and hopeful lens for examining and understanding dementia. Most importantly, it provides a solid foundation for doing practice and research consistent with a critical, social citizenship approach." Sherry L. Dupuis, Ph.D., Director, Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program, University of WaterlooTable of ContentsPart one: Citizenship in theory: Introduction; Setting the context for broadening the debate; The meaning and value of social citizenship; Part two: Social citizenship in action: Thinking and talking differently; Implications for health and social care practices; Extending research practices; Part three: Combining theory and practice: Conclusion: working towards social citizenship.

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Book SynopsisDementia has been widely debated from the perspectives of biomedicine and social psychology. This book broadens the debate to consider the experiences of men and women with dementia from a sociopolitical perspective. It brings to the fore the concept of social citizenship, exploring what it means within the context of dementia and using it to re-examine the issue of rights, status(es), and participation. Most importantly, the book offers fresh and practical insights into how a citizenship framework can be applied in practice. It will be of interest to health and social care professionals, policy makers, academics and researchers and people with dementia and family carers may find it revitalising. Trade Review"This interesting and well written book is an excellent addition to the growing body of work published by Policy Press in their ‘Ageing and the Lifecourse’ series." Mo Ray in British Journal of Social Work"This book offers a fresh perspective on dementia, one that is not afraid to address the challenges, but which asserts not only the continuing personhood and humanity, but also the agency and citizenship of those who live with dementia." Marian Barnes, Professor of Social Policy, University of Brighton"This book is a must read for everyone working in dementia care. Bringing together concepts of citizenship, status, difference, embodiment and personhood, the authors provide a much needed alternative and hopeful lens for examining and understanding dementia. Most importantly, it provides a solid foundation for doing practice and research consistent with a critical, social citizenship approach." Sherry L. Dupuis, Ph.D., Director, Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program, University of WaterlooTable of ContentsPart one: Citizenship in theory: Introduction; Setting the context for broadening the debate; The meaning and value of social citizenship; Part two: Social citizenship in action: Thinking and talking differently; Implications for health and social care practices; Extending research practices; Part three: Combining theory and practice: Conclusion: working towards social citizenship.

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Book SynopsisOver the next 40 years the number of people aged 60+ in the world, many of whom live in developing regions, will grow by 1¼ billion. What will old age be like for them? This original book provides an analysis of links between development, population ageing and older people, challenging some widely held misconceptions. It highlights the complexity of international experiences and argues that the effects of population ageing on development are influenced by policy choices. The book will be of interest to a range of academic disciplines, including economics, gerontology, social policy and development studies as well as policy-makers and practitioners concerned with developing countries.Trade Review"...this important book should be required reading for policy-makers whose decisions will influence ageing and development in the coming years." Ageing & DevelopmentTable of ContentsIntroduction; International development and demographic ageing; Experiencing later life in a context of development; Income security in later life: work, social protection and pensions; Health trends and policy options; Older people in society: families, social networks and the care economy; Case study: South Africa; Case study: Argentina; Case study: India; Conclusion.

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Book SynopsisWith socio-economic and demographic changes taking place in contemporary societies, new patterns of family relations are forming partly due to significant family changes, value shifts, precariousness in the labour market, and increasing mobility within and beyond national boundaries. This book explores the exchange of support between generations and examines variations in contemporary practices and rationales in different regions and societies. It draws on both theoretical perspectives and empirical analysis in relation to new patterns of family reciprocity. Contributors discuss both newly emerging patterns and more established ones which are now being affected due to various opportunities and pressures in contemporary societies. The book is split into two parts, the first (Chapters one to four) reviews key theoretical and conceptual debates in this field, while the second (Chapter five to nine) offers insights and an understanding of exchange practices based on case studies from different regions and different relationships.Trade Review"Well-written, well-edited and compelling...timely and important" Journal of Comparative Family Studies"Students, academics, professionals and policymakers will find this text of particular value with its synthesis of current research and fresh analytical lens on intergenerational relations." re:search, University of Bristol Research Review"The present global flux in generational relations means that this book is extremely well timed to fill a major gap in the literature. It should be a key text for both gerontology and social policy." Alan Walker, University of SheffieldTable of ContentsContents: Introduction ~ Misa Izuhara; Globalisation, global ageing and intergenerational relations ~ Chris Phillipson; Theorising intergenerational relations ~ Ariela Lowenstein; Intergenerational relationships and the welfare state ~ Svein Olav Daatland; Migration and the impact on intergenerational reciprocity ~ Louise Acker; Family wealth and reciprocity in the East Asian context ~ Misa Izuhara and Ray Forrest; Grandparents, HIV/AIDS and grandparenting in Sub-Saharan Africa ~ Akpovire Oduaran and Choja Oduaran; The spiritual debt and the gendered cost ~ Pascale Engelmajer; Reciprocity in intergenerational relationships in stepfamilies ~ Lawrence Ganong and Marilyn Coleman; Conclusion ~ Misa Izuhara.

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Book SynopsisWith socio-economic and demographic changes taking place in contemporary societies, new patterns of family relations are forming partly due to significant family changes, value shifts, precariousness in the labour market, and increasing mobility within and beyond national boundaries. This book explores the exchange of support between generations and examines variations in contemporary practices and rationales in different regions and societies. It draws on both theoretical perspectives and empirical analysis in relation to new patterns of family reciprocity. Contributors discuss both newly emerging patterns and more established ones which are now being affected due to various opportunities and pressures in contemporary societies. The book is split into two parts, the first (Chapters one to four) reviews key theoretical and conceptual debates in this field, while the second (Chapter five to nine) offers insights and an understanding of exchange practices based on case studies from different regions and different relationships.Trade Review"Well-written, well-edited and compelling...timely and important" Journal of Comparative Family Studies"Students, academics, professionals and policymakers will find this text of particular value with its synthesis of current research and fresh analytical lens on intergenerational relations." re:search, University of Bristol Research Review"The present global flux in generational relations means that this book is extremely well timed to fill a major gap in the literature. It should be a key text for both gerontology and social policy." Alan Walker, University of SheffieldTable of ContentsContents: Introduction ~ Misa Izuhara; Globalisation, global ageing and intergenerational relations ~ Chris Phillipson; Theorising intergenerational relations ~ Ariela Lowenstein; Intergenerational relationships and the welfare state ~ Svein Olav Daatland; Migration and the impact on intergenerational reciprocity ~ Louise Acker; Family wealth and reciprocity in the East Asian context ~ Misa Izuhara and Ray Forrest; Grandparents, HIV/AIDS and grandparenting in Sub-Saharan Africa ~ Akpovire Oduaran and Choja Oduaran; The spiritual debt and the gendered cost ~ Pascale Engelmajer; Reciprocity in intergenerational relationships in stepfamilies ~ Lawrence Ganong and Marilyn Coleman; Conclusion ~ Misa Izuhara.

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Book SynopsisSocial welfare workers are frequently motivated by a desire to 'work with people', to 'bring about change' or to 'make a difference'. This valuable book explores some of the difficulties and dilemmas faced by those who deliver welfare in a changing policy context. This book seeks to develop an analytical skills-based approach to understanding the role and importance of social policy in social welfare practice, and will encourage and enable readers to understand, analyse and engage with policy. It will be of great value to students of social work and other welfare professions, and their teachers.Trade Review"This text should be recommended as 'core reading' on any reading list where policy studies are in the curriculum..." British Journal of Social Work"A systematic, thoughtful, accessible and passionate call for social workers to move far beyond mere service delivery and to engage in social change ... An important contribution to the discussion of social policy." European Journal of Social Work"The approaches of the Coalition government are likely to highlight the centrality of welfare professionals in social policy. This timely book will be valuable for those seeking to understand and enhance this role." Hugh Bochel, Dept of Policy Studies, University of LincolnTable of ContentsIntroduction: The ideas behind the book; From the care of the poor to service users: experts by experience; From caseworkers to networks: partnership and collaboration; From state-led provision to 'choice'; The mixed economy of welfare and political priorities; Social inequalities and the welfare professional; The decline of the 'union' and the rise of the 'manager'; Economic theories; Globalisation; Political choices; Engaging in policy-orientated practice; Using skills to understand the policy stereotypes; Reclaiming a radical agenda.

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Book SynopsisMany western nations have experienced a rise in the number of marginalised and deprived inner-city neighbourhoods. Despite a plethora of research focused on these areas, there remain few studies that have sought to capture the 'optimality' of ageing in place in such places. In particular, little is known about why some older people desire to age in place despite multiple risks in their neighbourhood and why others reject ageing in place. Given the growth in both the ageing of the population and policy interest in the cohesion and sustainability of neighbourhoods there is an urgent need to better understand the experience of ageing in marginalised locations. This book aims to address the shortfall in knowledge regarding older people's attachment to deprived neighbourhoods and in so doing progress what critics have referred to as the languishing state of environmental gerontology. The author examines new cross-national research with older people in deprived urban neighbourhoods and suggests a rethinking and refocusing of the older person's relationship with place. Impact on policy and future research are also discussed. This book will be relevant to academics, students, architects, city planners and policy makers with an interest in environmental gerontology, social exclusion, urban sustainability and design of the built environment.Trade Review"....this is an excellent example of how well-crafted empirical research can make a forceful contribution to debates on environment and ageing". Andrew Clark in Ageing & Society"Some older people put themselves at risk through their attachment to what is seen as a deprived urban environment, while other older people may achieve a sense of security through their invisibility within such locations. Allison Smith takes on board this tension and engages in a pivotal debate on social exclusion and inclusion, exploring the experience of environmental pressure at a macro level and contributing to our theoretical and everyday understanding of ageing in place." Sheila Peace PhD, The Open UniversityTable of ContentsContents: Part one: Revisiting the person-environment fit: Environmental gerontology; Urban ageing; Ageing in deprived urban areas; Part two: Rethinking the person-environment fit: Skid Row? Optimality of 'ageing in place'; Case studies: ageing in deprived neighbourhoods; Re-conceptualising the person-environmental relationship; Refocusing the person-environment fit; The way forward: building sustainability; Influences and future challenges; Conclusion.

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Book SynopsisMany western nations have experienced a rise in the number of marginalised and deprived inner-city neighbourhoods. Despite a plethora of research focused on these areas, there remain few studies that have sought to capture the 'optimality' of ageing in place in such places. In particular, little is known about why some older people desire to age in place despite multiple risks in their neighbourhood and why others reject ageing in place. Given the growth in both the ageing of the population and policy interest in the cohesion and sustainability of neighbourhoods there is an urgent need to better understand the experience of ageing in marginalised locations. This book aims to address the shortfall in knowledge regarding older people's attachment to deprived neighbourhoods and in so doing progress what critics have referred to as the languishing state of environmental gerontology. The author examines new cross-national research with older people in deprived urban neighbourhoods and suggests a rethinking and refocusing of the older person's relationship with place. Impact on policy and future research are also discussed. This book will be relevant to academics, students, architects, city planners and policy makers with an interest in environmental gerontology, social exclusion, urban sustainability and design of the built environment.Trade Review"....this is an excellent example of how well-crafted empirical research can make a forceful contribution to debates on environment and ageing". Andrew Clark in Ageing & Society"Some older people put themselves at risk through their attachment to what is seen as a deprived urban environment, while other older people may achieve a sense of security through their invisibility within such locations. Allison Smith takes on board this tension and engages in a pivotal debate on social exclusion and inclusion, exploring the experience of environmental pressure at a macro level and contributing to our theoretical and everyday understanding of ageing in place." Sheila Peace PhD, The Open UniversityTable of ContentsContents: Part one: Revisiting the person-environment fit: Environmental gerontology; Urban ageing; Ageing in deprived urban areas; Part two: Rethinking the person-environment fit: Skid Row? Optimality of 'ageing in place'; Case studies: ageing in deprived neighbourhoods; Re-conceptualising the person-environmental relationship; Refocusing the person-environment fit; The way forward: building sustainability; Influences and future challenges; Conclusion.

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Book SynopsisHow can we understand older people as real human beings, value their wisdom, and appreciate that their norms and purposes both matter in themselves and are affected by those of others? Using a life-course approach, "Valuing older people" argues that the complexity and potential creativity of later life demand a humanistic vision of older people and ageing. It acknowledges the diversity of experiences of older age and presents a range of contexts and methodologies through which they can be understood. Ageing is a process of creating meaning carried out by older people, and is significant for those around them. This book, therefore, considers the impact of social norms and political and economic structures on older people's capacities to age in creative ways. What real obstacles are there to older people's construction of meaningful lives? What is being achieved when they feel they are ageing well? This collection, aimed at students, researchers, practitioners and policy-makers, offers a lively and constructive response to contemporary challenges involving ageing and how to understand it.Trade Review"Provides a historical typology of old age attitudes from the eighteenth century to the present." American Studies Quarterly"This book not only reflects the growing maturity of humanistic gerontology, but invites all of us to reflect more deeply on the very meaning of 'maturity' itself. It is a remarkable collection, drawn from all over the globe, of the best thinking on what it means to grow older." Harry R. Moody, Director of Academic Affairs, AARP"An eagerly awaited volume that directs attention to norms and values as essential for capacities to age creatively and give meaning to the process of ageing." Lars Andersson, National Institute for the Study of Ageing and Later Life (NISAL), Linköping University, SwedenTable of ContentsIntroduction ~ Ricca Edmondson and Hans-Joachim von Kondratowitz; Part one: Religious belonging and spiritual questioning: a Western European perspective on ageing and religion ~ Peter G. Coleman; Spirituality: a means for achieving integration in personal and community spheres in an ageing Singapore ~ Kalyani K. Mehta; Integrating the sacred in creative ageing ~ Michele Dillon; Atheist convictions, Christian beliefs or 'keeping things open'? Patterns of worldviews among three generations in East German families ~ Monika Wohlrab-Sahr; Beyond dialogue: entering the fourth space in old age ~ Haim Hazan; Part two: The long road to a moralisation of old age ~ Hans-Joachim von Kondratowitz; How to balance generations: solidarity dilemmas in a European perspective ~ Svein Olav Daatland; Pension systems and the challenge of population ageing: what does the public think? ~ Dina Frommert, Dirk Hofäcker, Thorsten Heien and Hans-Jürgen Andreß; The ethos of care and environment and its impact on continuity of life for older people in residential care ~ Adelina Cooney and Kathy Murphy; Engineering substantially prolonged human life-spans: biotechnological enhancement and ethics ~ Peter Derkx; Part three: Wisdom: a humanist approach to valuing older people ~ Ricca Edmondson; Social practices, moral frameworks and religious values in the lives of older people ~ Carmel Gallagher; 'Woo-hoo, what a ride!' Older people, life stories and active ageing ~ Lorna Warren and Amanda Clarke; Does eldership mean anything in the contemporary West? ~ James Nichol; Talk about old age, health and morality ~ Outi Jolanki; Afterword: Exploring positive images of ageing: the production of calenders ~ Eileen Fairhurst and Sue Baines; Afterword: Gateways to humanistic gerontology ~ Ron Manheimer.

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Book SynopsisHow can we understand older people as real human beings, value their wisdom, and appreciate that their norms and purposes both matter in themselves and are affected by those of others? Using a life-course approach, "Valuing older people" argues that the complexity and potential creativity of later life demand a humanistic vision of older people and ageing. It acknowledges the diversity of experiences of older age and presents a range of contexts and methodologies through which they can be understood. Ageing is a process of creating meaning carried out by older people, and is significant for those around them. This book, therefore, considers the impact of social norms and political and economic structures on older people's capacities to age in creative ways. What real obstacles are there to older people's construction of meaningful lives? What is being achieved when they feel they are ageing well? This collection, aimed at students, researchers, practitioners and policy-makers, offers a lively and constructive response to contemporary challenges involving ageing and how to understand it.Trade Review"Provides a historical typology of old age attitudes from the eighteenth century to the present." American Studies Quarterly"An eagerly awaited volume that directs attention to norms and values as essential for capacities to age creatively and give meaning to the process of ageing." Lars Andersson, National Institute for the Study of Ageing and Later Life (NISAL), Linköping University, Sweden"This book not only reflects the growing maturity of humanistic gerontology, but invites all of us to reflect more deeply on the very meaning of 'maturity' itself. It is a remarkable collection, drawn from all over the globe, of the best thinking on what it means to grow older." Harry R. Moody, Director of Academic Affairs, AARPTable of ContentsIntroduction ~ Ricca Edmondson and Hans-Joachim von Kondratowitz; Part one: Religious belonging and spiritual questioning: a Western European perspective on ageing and religion ~ Peter G. Coleman; Spirituality: a means for achieving integration in personal and community spheres in an ageing Singapore ~ Kalyani K. Mehta; Integrating the sacred in creative ageing ~ Michele Dillon; Atheist convictions, Christian beliefs or 'keeping things open'? Patterns of worldviews among three generations in East German families ~ Monika Wohlrab-Sahr; Beyond dialogue: entering the fourth space in old age ~ Haim Hazan; Part two: The long road to a moralisation of old age ~ Hans-Joachim von Kondratowitz; How to balance generations: solidarity dilemmas in a European perspective ~ Svein Olav Daatland; Pension systems and the challenge of population ageing: what does the public think? ~ Dina Frommert, Dirk Hofäcker, Thorsten Heien and Hans-Jürgen Andreß; The ethos of care and environment and its impact on continuity of life for older people in residential care ~ Adelina Cooney and Kathy Murphy; Engineering substantially prolonged human life-spans: biotechnological enhancement and ethics ~ Peter Derkx; Part three: Wisdom: a humanist approach to valuing older people ~ Ricca Edmondson; Social practices, moral frameworks and religious values in the lives of older people ~ Carmel Gallagher; 'Woo-hoo, what a ride!' Older people, life stories and active ageing ~ Lorna Warren and Amanda Clarke; Does eldership mean anything in the contemporary West? ~ James Nichol; Talk about old age, health and morality ~ Outi Jolanki; Afterword: Exploring positive images of ageing: the production of calenders ~ Eileen Fairhurst and Sue Baines; Afterword: Gateways to humanistic gerontology ~ Ron Manheimer.

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Book SynopsisAcross the world governments in mature industrial and post-industrial economies are concerned about the ageing population. Dealing directly and exclusively with the issue of older workers, this book brings together up-to-the-minute research findings by many of the leading researchers and writers in the field. The duration and quality of working lives and the timing and circustances of retirement are of growing concern, especially in those cases where employers' demands and imperatives clash with employees' wishes. The contributions in this volume focus upon various measures taken by the state and employers to foster the employment of older workers in Britain, mainland Europe, the US and Japan. The authors address key issues that will influence public policy, exploring what workers over 50 want, the impact of the ageing workforce on employer policies and the implications for governments in promoting and supporting extended working lives. The book is aimed at academics, students, policy makers and other professionals (such as training managers, HR professionals and trade unionists) interested in contemporary issues within social policy, the sociology of ageing, and human resource and diversity management. It wil also be of interest to older workers themselves.Trade Review"Older workers are increasingly needed in working life, and it is necessary to reinforce a reversal of the tradition of early retirement and to extend working life. This collection of scholarly articles is an important contribution to the discussion of future policy on work and retirement, offering new perspectives and critical discussions of the topic." Per Erik Solem, Norwegian Social Research (NOVA)Table of ContentsIntroduction ~ Wendy Loretto, Sarah Vickerstaff and Philip J. White; Older workers in the labour market: the demographic context ~ Mike Danson; The American experience of age discrimination legislation ~ John Macnicol; The employment of older people: can we learn from Japan? ~ Bernard Casey; Moving older people into jobs: Incapacity Benefit, Labour's reforms and the job shortfall in the UK regions ~ Christina Beatty and Stephen Fothergill; Women's knowledge of, and attitudes to, pensions ~ Sue Ward; Sustaining working lives: the challenge of retention ~ Donald Hirsch; Healthy work for older workers: work design and management factors ~ Amanda Griffiths; Flexible work and older workers ~ Wendy Loretto, Sarah Vickerstaff and Philip J.White; The employability of older workers: what works? ~ Tony Maltby; Is extending working life possible? Research and policy issues ~ Chris Phillipson; The future for older workers: opportunities and constraints ~ Sarah Vickerstaff, Wendy Loretto and Philip J. White.

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Book SynopsisBased on 40 years' interviewing experience, this book illustrates the variety of religious, spiritual and other beliefs held by older people. It provides models of research procedure, especially in the context of bereavement. Participants include not only British Christians, but also Muslims, Humanists and witnesses of the Soviet persecution of religion. The author argues that both welfare professionals and gerontologists need to pay far more consideration to belief as a constituent of well-being in later life. The book looks to the future and increasing diversity of choice in matters of belief among Britain and Europe's older citizens as a consequence of immigration and globalisation.Trade Review"A bold and imaginative volume from the leading scholar in the field. The study provides rich and wide-ranging material on the role of religious and other beliefs in the lives of older people. An outstanding contribution." Chris Phillipson, Professor of Applied Social Studies and Social Gerontology, Keele UniversityTable of ContentsAgeing and belief; Religion, a constant friend to ageing?; Listening to and expressing belief in later life; Ageing and faith: trajectories across the lifespan; Faith in crisis: facing death; Coping in later life without faith; Religious culture and age: European variation in Christian practice; Religious difference and age: The growing presence of the other great faiths; The role of religious ministry in an ageing society; Ageing and the future of belief.

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Book SynopsisBased on 40 years' interviewing experience, this book illustrates the variety of religious, spiritual and other beliefs held by older people. It provides models of research procedure, especially in the context of bereavement. Participants include not only British Christians, but also Muslims, Humanists and witnesses of the Soviet persecution of religion. The author argues that both welfare professionals and gerontologists need to pay far more consideration to belief as a constituent of well-being in later life. The book looks to the future and increasing diversity of choice in matters of belief among Britain and Europe's older citizens as a consequence of immigration and globalisation.Trade Review"A bold and imaginative volume from the leading scholar in the field. The study provides rich and wide-ranging material on the role of religious and other beliefs in the lives of older people. An outstanding contribution." Chris Phillipson, Professor of Applied Social Studies and Social Gerontology, Keele UniversityTable of ContentsAgeing and belief; Religion, a constant friend to ageing?; Listening to and expressing belief in later life; Ageing and faith: trajectories across the lifespan; Faith in crisis: facing death; Coping in later life without faith; Religious culture and age: European variation in Christian practice; Religious difference and age: The growing presence of the other great faiths; The role of religious ministry in an ageing society; Ageing and the future of belief.

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Book SynopsisThis book focuses on older people as makers of meaning and insight, highlighting the evolving values, priorities and ways of communicating that make later life fascinating. It explores what creating ‘meaning’ in later life really implies, for older people themselves, for how to conceptualise older people and for relationships between generations. The book offers a language for discussing major types of lifecourse meaning, not least those concerning ethical and temporal aspects of the ways people interpret their lifecourses, the ways older people form part of social and symbolic landscapes, and the types of wisdom they can offer. It will appeal to students of gerontology, sociological methodology, humanistic sociology, philosophy, psychology, and health promotion and medicine.Trade Review"Ricca Edmondson’s truly remarkable book demonstrates that wisdom is not a collection of proverbs but an expression of a deeply humane quest for insight which may intensify as people grow older. An inspiring, deeply reflected work that looks beyond the dominant agendas of contemporary ageing." Jan Baars, University of Humanistic Studies, The Netherlands"In five succinct chapters Ricca Edmondson provides an eminently valuable and useful exploration of the nature of meaning in later life, both as meaning attributed to old age and as found and realised within it. Mixing together the narratives of people known as friends and colleagues with the accounts of people as research subjects, she provides a welcome overview of issues and themes to which other books on ageing often give scant or only passing regard. Highly recommended." Chris Gilleard, Visiting Research Fellow, UCL, London"This is a book of rare distinction and import. Tremendously learned yet modest, quietly powerful in its advocacy of meaning and wisdom in gerontology. In a word, liberating." Thomas R. Cole, The University of Texas"Ricca Edmondson’s critical expedition into the wisdom of the ages and keen observations of everyday life in the West of Ireland transform our understanding of ageing as artful, ethical, meaningful and deeply human." Stephen Katz, Trent UniversityTable of ContentsForeword by Rick Moody; Introduction; Life Courses, Insight and Meaning; Diminishing Older People: Silence, Occlusion and ‘Fading’; Lifetimes, Meaning and Listening to Older People; Languages for Life-Course Meanings; Meaning and intergenerationality: approaches by younger people; Conclusion: Morality, Insight and Wisdom in Life-course Construction.

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Book SynopsisThis book focuses on older people as makers of meaning and insight, highlighting the evolving values, priorities and ways of communicating that make later life fascinating. It explores what creating ‘meaning’ in later life really implies, for older people themselves, for how to conceptualise older people and for relationships between generations. The book offers a language for discussing major types of lifecourse meaning, not least those concerning ethical and temporal aspects of the ways people interpret their lifecourses, the ways older people form part of social and symbolic landscapes, and the types of wisdom they can offer. It will appeal to students of gerontology, sociological methodology, humanistic sociology, philosophy, psychology, and health promotion and medicine.Trade Review"Ricca Edmondson’s truly remarkable book demonstrates that wisdom is not a collection of proverbs but an expression of a deeply humane quest for insight which may intensify as people grow older. An inspiring, deeply reflected work that looks beyond the dominant agendas of contemporary ageing." Jan Baars, University of Humanistic Studies, The Netherlands"In five succinct chapters Ricca Edmondson provides an eminently valuable and useful exploration of the nature of meaning in later life, both as meaning attributed to old age and as found and realised within it. Mixing together the narratives of people known as friends and colleagues with the accounts of people as research subjects, she provides a welcome overview of issues and themes to which other books on ageing often give scant or only passing regard. Highly recommended." Chris Gilleard, Visiting Research Fellow, UCL, London"This is a book of rare distinction and import. Tremendously learned yet modest, quietly powerful in its advocacy of meaning and wisdom in gerontology. In a word, liberating." Thomas R. Cole, The University of Texas"Ricca Edmondson’s critical expedition into the wisdom of the ages and keen observations of everyday life in the West of Ireland transform our understanding of ageing as artful, ethical, meaningful and deeply human." Stephen Katz, Trent UniversityTable of ContentsForeword by Rick Moody; Introduction; Life Courses, Insight and Meaning; Diminishing Older People: Silence, Occlusion and ‘Fading’; Lifetimes, Meaning and Listening to Older People; Languages for Life-Course Meanings; Meaning and intergenerationality: approaches by younger people; Conclusion: Morality, Insight and Wisdom in Life-course Construction.

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Book SynopsisWhat is age? A simple question but not that easy to answer. 'Unmasking Age' addresses it using data from a series of research projects relating to later life. This is supplemented by material from a range of other sources including diaries and fiction. Drawing on a long career in social research, Bill Bytheway critically examines various methods and discusses ways of uncovering the realities of age.Trade Review"Bill's book is to be recommended - and not just for oldies - (whatever they are)." Dorothy Sheridan MBE, University of Sussex " 'Unmasking Age' is a tour de force. It is a real page turner in the sense that it is so illuminating and intellectually accessible. I have ordered copies for the library and will certainly use it as a course textbook next year." Marvin Formosa, University of Malta" Let me start by saying I’d urge absolutely everyone who has a professional concern for ageing to read this book." Hilary Burrage, New Start magazine "Bytheway succeeds in challenging our preconceptions...For this reason, the book can assist social researchers, at any stage of their career, to design and implement innovative projects related to age and ageing." Ageing & Society"This book provides an excellent overview for anyone looking for an introduction to age studies, or an interesting re-examination and drawing together of past research for those already familiar with the work of Bytheway." British Politics and Policy at LSE Blog "He offers numerous details and examples of his work that uses rich data from diaries, fiction, demography and market research to provide a nuanced and accessible review of how his interaction with the subject have evolved over time." CHOICETable of ContentsContents: Introducing age; A nuisance variable?; Chronological age is significant; How old are you?; Age in time; Representations of age; Growing older and older; The later life perspective; Getting real.

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Book SynopsisWhat is age? A simple question but not that easy to answer. 'Unmasking Age' addresses it using data from a series of research projects relating to later life. This is supplemented by material from a range of other sources including diaries and fiction. Drawing on a long career in social research, Bill Bytheway critically examines various methods and discusses ways of uncovering the realities of age.Trade Review"Bill's book is to be recommended - and not just for oldies - (whatever they are)." Dorothy Sheridan MBE, University of Sussex " 'Unmasking Age' is a tour de force. It is a real page turner in the sense that it is so illuminating and intellectually accessible. I have ordered copies for the library and will certainly use it as a course textbook next year." Marvin Formosa, University of Malta" Let me start by saying I’d urge absolutely everyone who has a professional concern for ageing to read this book." Hilary Burrage, New Start magazine "Bytheway succeeds in challenging our preconceptions...For this reason, the book can assist social researchers, at any stage of their career, to design and implement innovative projects related to age and ageing." Ageing & Society"This book provides an excellent overview for anyone looking for an introduction to age studies, or an interesting re-examination and drawing together of past research for those already familiar with the work of Bytheway." British Politics and Policy at LSE Blog "He offers numerous details and examples of his work that uses rich data from diaries, fiction, demography and market research to provide a nuanced and accessible review of how his interaction with the subject have evolved over time." CHOICETable of ContentsContents: Introducing age; A nuisance variable?; Chronological age is significant; How old are you?; Age in time; Representations of age; Growing older and older; The later life perspective; Getting real.

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Book SynopsisTransitions and the life course: Challenging the constructions of 'growing old' explores and challenges dominant interpretations of transitions as they relate to ageing and the life course. It takes a unique perspective that draws together ideas about late life as expressed in social policy and socio-cultural constructs of age with lived experience. The book is aimed at academics and students interested in social gerontology, policy studies in health and social care, and older people's accounts of experience.Trade Review"This slender volume provides a succinct and readable introduction to some of the key debates in critical gerontology and would therefore be a useful purchase for any students interested in learning about experiences of growing older." Sue Davies, Journal of Ageing and Society"The book offers an independent and sometimes radical voice as it combines a review of theory, policy and practice." - Canon James Woodward"Grenier challenges assumptions that underlay most gerontology theories, policies and services, concluding that models of successful ageing deny the reality of physical decline that shapes the experiences of all who survive into late old age. This book is a must read for those concerned with the implications of global ageing." Sheila M. Neysmith, Associate Dean of Research, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and Professor & RBC Chair in Applied Social Work Research, University of TorontoTable of ContentsPart One: The context of growing old: The study of transition in late life; Critical perspectives on ageing and the lifecourse; Multidisciplinary approaches to transition; The intersections of policy, practice, and experience; Socio-cultural constructs of late life; Part Two: Contested models of ageing and late life: Narratives of transition on ageing and late life; Rethinking transition; Social location and 'othered' constructs of age; The fourth age: impairment in late life; Future directions

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Book SynopsisTransitions and the life course: Challenging the constructions of 'growing old' explores and challenges dominant interpretations of transitions as they relate to ageing and the life course. It takes a unique perspective that draws together ideas about late life as expressed in social policy and socio-cultural constructs of age with lived experience. The book is aimed at academics and students interested in social gerontology, policy studies in health and social care, and older people's accounts of experience.Trade Review"This slender volume provides a succinct and readable introduction to some of the key debates in critical gerontology and would therefore be a useful purchase for any students interested in learning about experiences of growing older." Sue Davies, Journal of Ageing and Society"The book offers an independent and sometimes radical voice as it combines a review of theory, policy and practice." - Canon James Woodward"Grenier challenges assumptions that underlay most gerontology theories, policies and services, concluding that models of successful ageing deny the reality of physical decline that shapes the experiences of all who survive into late old age. This book is a must read for those concerned with the implications of global ageing." Sheila M. Neysmith, Associate Dean of Research, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and Professor & RBC Chair in Applied Social Work Research, University of TorontoTable of ContentsPart One: The context of growing old: The study of transition in late life; Critical perspectives on ageing and the lifecourse; Multidisciplinary approaches to transition; The intersections of policy, practice, and experience; Socio-cultural constructs of late life; Part Two: Contested models of ageing and late life: Narratives of transition on ageing and late life; Rethinking transition; Social location and 'othered' constructs of age; The fourth age: impairment in late life; Future directions

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Book SynopsisEvidence of widening inequalities in later life raises concerns about the ways in which older adults might experience forms of social exclusion. Such concerns are evident in all societies as they seek to come to terms with the unprecedented ageing of their populations. Taking a broad international perspective, this highly topical book casts light on patterns and processes that either place groups of older adults at risk of exclusion or are conducive to their inclusion. Leading international experts challenge traditional understandings of exclusion in relation to ageing in From Exclusion to Inclusion in Old Age. They also present new evidence of the interplay between social institutions, policy processes, personal resources and the contexts within which ageing individuals live to show how this shapes inclusion or exclusion in later life. Dealing with topics such as globalisation, age discrimination and human rights, intergenerational relationships, poverty, and migration, the book is essential reading for anyone interested in ageing issues.Trade Review"This is an important book for students, policy makers and practitioners in the ageing and social policy fields because it provides essential theoretical and empirical insights into a critical issue for the well-being of older people. It is highly recommended." Alan Walker FBA, Professor of Social Policy & Social Gerontology, The University of SheffieldTable of ContentsConceptualising social inclusion ~ Thomas Scharf and Norah Keating; Globalisation and ageing: new patterns of social inclusion and exclusion ~ Chris Phillipson; Older people in developing countries: inclusion and security? ~ Peter Lloyd-Sherlock, Armando Barrientos and Julia Mase; The impact of changing value systems on social inclusion ~ Kevin Cheng and David R. Phillips; International migration patterns and exclusion ~ Sandra Torres; Exclusion from material resources: poverty amongst older adults in Europe ~ Asghar Zaidi; Age discrimination as a source of exclusion: towards an international human rights and ethics framework ~ Astrid Stuckelberger and Philippe Chastonay; Social inclusion of elders in families ~ Jim Ogg and Sylvie Renaut; Inclusive built environments for older adults ~ Gloria Gutman and Atiya Mahmood; Future perspectives: towards a more inclusive society? ~ Norah Keating and Thomas Scharf.

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Book SynopsisEvidence of widening inequalities in later life raises concerns about the ways in which older adults might experience forms of social exclusion. Such concerns are evident in all societies as they seek to come to terms with the unprecedented ageing of their populations. Taking a broad international perspective, this highly topical book casts light on patterns and processes that either place groups of older adults at risk of exclusion or are conducive to their inclusion. Leading international experts challenge traditional understandings of exclusion in relation to ageing in From Exclusion to Inclusion in Old Age. They also present new evidence of the interplay between social institutions, policy processes, personal resources and the contexts within which ageing individuals live to show how this shapes inclusion or exclusion in later life. Dealing with topics such as globalisation, age discrimination and human rights, intergenerational relationships, poverty, and migration, the book is essential reading for anyone interested in ageing issues.Trade Review"This is an important book for students, policy makers and practitioners in the ageing and social policy fields because it provides essential theoretical and empirical insights into a critical issue for the well-being of older people. It is highly recommended." Alan Walker FBA, Professor of Social Policy & Social Gerontology, The University of SheffieldTable of ContentsConceptualising social inclusion ~ Thomas Scharf and Norah Keating; Globalisation and ageing: new patterns of social inclusion and exclusion ~ Chris Phillipson; Older people in developing countries: inclusion and security? ~ Peter Lloyd-Sherlock, Armando Barrientos and Julia Mase; The impact of changing value systems on social inclusion ~ Kevin Cheng and David R. Phillips; International migration patterns and exclusion ~ Sandra Torres; Exclusion from material resources: poverty amongst older adults in Europe ~ Asghar Zaidi; Age discrimination as a source of exclusion: towards an international human rights and ethics framework ~ Astrid Stuckelberger and Philippe Chastonay; Social inclusion of elders in families ~ Jim Ogg and Sylvie Renaut; Inclusive built environments for older adults ~ Gloria Gutman and Atiya Mahmood; Future perspectives: towards a more inclusive society? ~ Norah Keating and Thomas Scharf.

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Book SynopsisSocial welfare workers are frequently motivated by a desire to 'work with people', to 'bring about change' or to 'make a difference'. This valuable book explores some of the difficulties and dilemmas faced by those who deliver welfare in a changing policy context. This book seeks to develop an analytical skills-based approach to understanding the role and importance of social policy in social welfare practice, and will encourage and enable readers to understand, analyse and engage with policy. It will be of great value to students of social work and other welfare professions, and their teachers.Trade Review"This text should be recommended as 'core reading' on any reading list where policy studies are in the curriculum..." British Journal of Social Work"A systematic, thoughtful, accessible and passionate call for social workers to move far beyond mere service delivery and to engage in social change ... An important contribution to the discussion of social policy." European Journal of Social Work"The approaches of the Coalition government are likely to highlight the centrality of welfare professionals in social policy. This timely book will be valuable for those seeking to understand and enhance this role." Hugh Bochel, Dept of Policy Studies, University of LincolnTable of ContentsIntroduction: The ideas behind the book; From the care of the poor to service users: experts by experience; From caseworkers to networks: partnership and collaboration; From state-led provision to 'choice'; The mixed economy of welfare and political priorities; Social inequalities and the welfare professional; The decline of the 'union' and the rise of the 'manager'; Economic theories; Globalisation; Political choices; Engaging in policy-orientated practice; Using skills to understand the policy stereotypes; Reclaiming a radical agenda.

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Book SynopsisAround half the world's population live in countries where the fertility rate is far below the replacement rate and where life expectancy is increasing dramatically. Using Singapore as a case study, Social Policy in an Ageing Society explores what might happen in a dynamic and prosperous society when falling births, longer life expectancy and rising expectations put disproportionate pressure on scarce resources that have alternative uses.David Reisman investigates the challenges facing Singapore, where a rapidly rising median age and the growing pressure of the elderly upon medical attention are threatening to disrupt the economic and even the political status quo. The dependency of the old upon the young is becoming a financial and an emotional burden. Health care is swelling in quantity and price. Voluntary and compulsory savings are being used up. New demands for pensions and subsidies are challenging the national ideology of family network and self-reliance. Despite a wealth of prospective problems, the author argues that viable solutions can be found. Discretionary savings can increase. Reverse mortgages can monetise owner-occupied property. A higher participation rate can give the elderly the opportunity to earn a living for themselves. This book concludes that public policy must play its part in facilitating these solutions. It must ensure that the old retain their dignity. The old should not lie where they fall.This comprehensive, intelligible and highly original cross-disciplinary study will appeal to a wide-ranging audience. Readers will include academics, researchers and students with an interest in health economics, the economics of development, social policy and administration, public policy and the socio-economic aspects of medicine.Trade Review'. . . this book is likely to be most useful for researchers in health economics and development economics. It will be especially valuable to readers with a detailed interest in Singapore and comparable city-states in the Asia-Pacific region, especially those who wish to see data and socio-economic policy considered in a comparative context.' -- David R. Phillips, Ageing & SocietyTable of ContentsContents: 1. Introduction 2. Old and Ill 3. The Provident Fund 4. Affordable Health Care 5. Payment for Health: Medisave 6. Payment for Health: MediShield and Medifund 7. Home and Family 8. Assets: Capital and Property 9. Labour in the Retirement Years 10. Older Workers: The Policy Options 11. Conclusion Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThe transition from central planning in Central and Eastern Europe has resulted in a decline in social security. Transformation of Pension Systems in Central and Eastern Europe provides an in-depth examination of systems of social protection for the elderly.The authors begin by analysing the urgent measures required to respond to a changing economic system. They also consider the fundamental questions of redesigning old-age financial security which is embedded in an international debate on pension reform, taking into account the political and economic factors from a comparative perspective. Covering the Baltic states, Poland, the Czech and Slovak Republics and Hungary, the development of pension security is traced from the late 1980s to the end of the 1990s. Using local pension experts with academic and administrative backgrounds, the country studies are characterized by a detailed and interdisciplinary perspective, and provide an economic, political, legal and institutional approach to pension systems development.Trade Review'This book takes a detailed look at changes in the pension systems of central and East European countries.' -- European Library'Given the highly specialised subject matter, which so easily degenerates into rather tedious calculations, this book is really amazingly interesting and competently executed.' -- The late Mark Blaug, formerly of the University of London and University of Buckingham, UKTable of ContentsContents: Preface Part I: Transformation of Pension Schemes in Comparative Perspective 1. Introduction: Design of the Analysis, its Methodological Approach and Basic Decisions in Designing Pension Schemes 2. Economic, Demographic and Institutional Background 3. The Development of Pension Systems 4. Explaining Reforms Part II: Country Reports 5. Transformation of Old-Age Security in Estonia 6. Transformation of Old-Age Security in Latvia 7. Transformation of Old-Age Security in Lithuania 8. Transformation of Old-Age Security in Poland 9. Transformation of Old-Age Security in the Czech Republic 10. Transformation of Old-Age Security in the Slovak Republic 11. Transformation of Old-Age Security in Hungary Index

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Book SynopsisPopulation ageing is an important trend which will be experienced in industrialized countries in the early years of the next century. This significant book examines aspects of population ageing and pensions, with an emphasis on the design and use of simple economic models to focus on particular aspects of a very broad problem. The analysis of pensions presents many complex problems. A major aim of this book is to demonstrate how reasonably simple economic models can be designed and used to shed some light on the issues involved in population growth and pension provision. The basic analytics of population growth and pension structure are first explored. Projections for Australia are examined and used to model ageing and social expenditure and to estimate the 'burden' of aged care on future workers. The author goes on to investigate pensions and pension finance, and examines several types of economic model before turning to the analysis of alternative pension arrangements using a lifetime simulation model. The results of the study suggest that both lower contribution rates and a universal pension encourage a later retirement age.This book will prove invaluable to students and scholars of public sector economics, welfare economics, social economics and public finance.Trade Review'This book might have been published ten years ago, but we are reviewing it in this edition because it is even more relevant now than it was then. . . Given the importance of pensions in relation to social welfare, employment incentives, savings incentives, tax rates, and much else, it really is essential that the work of the Pensions Commission continues, and equally essential that this book is on its members' reading list.' -- Citizen's Income'. . . the book adds considerable value in providing simple economic models and numerical examples to illuminate the complexities of pensions and population ageing.' -- John Piggott, Australasian Journal on AgeingTable of ContentsContents: Part I: Introduction 1. Introduction and Outline Part II: Ageing and Social Expenditure 2. Population Ageing and Social Expenditure 3. Social Expenditure Projections 4. Migration and Population Ageing Part III: Economic Models and Pensions 5. Policy Trade-offs and Pension Systems 6. Private versus Public Pensions 7. Pensions and Contracting Out 8. Two-tier State Pensions 9. Pensions and Compensating Variations Part IV: Lifetime Simulations 10. Alternative Pension Systems 11. Modelling Retirement Decisions 12. The Choice of Early Retirement Age Index

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Book SynopsisWe are all approaching retirement but what should we expect? For some, it is a happy prospect. Others approach retirement knowing they face hardship and social exclusion. Amid alarming predictions of a 'demographic time bomb', governments and the private pensions industry urge everyone to plan and save now, but admit that there are risks. But will the pension funds deliver on their promises? Will the rich increasingly retire early but the poor work for longer? How reliable are state pension schemes? Do the USA, Sweden, or Australia have a 'better' approach to retirement pensions than the UK? Approaching retirement tackles these and many other questions from a number of sociological perspectives. Using the idea of the social division of welfare as a template, different approaches to retirement pensions policy are assessed and their strengths and weaknesses clearly presented. This book will be an invaluable resource for social science students at all levels and for those who teach them. Economists and pension practitioners will also find food for thought here.Trade Review"... an original, interesting and informed exposition on the issues of retirement." Ageing & Society"... highly readable. A significant achievement given the complexity of the subject matter, i.e. pensions, and the breadth of the theoretical perspectives that are examined." Journal of Social Policy"In the current ideological climate of 'apocalyptic demography', in which public welfare is portrayed as inferior to private, this book provides a lively review of the ideological contests surrounding retirement and pension policies. The social division of welfare is examined through the lens of several theoretical approaches, including political economy, consumption theory, Foucauldrian discourse theory and risk theory. The impact of pension policies on all our lives is made abundantly clear, as are the contradictions between individualism and wider social well-being." Jay Ginn, Department of Sociology, University of Surry, UK"This is an important and insightful book which deserves to be widely consulted. Kirk Mann's ability to synthesize theory and policy issues is truly impressive. He demonstrates just how sophisticated social policy scholarship has become." James Midgley, Specht Professor of Public Social Services and Dean of the School of Social Welfare, University of California, BerkeleyTable of ContentsIntroduction; Social divisions, exclusion and retirement; Two versions of political economy: ease and plenty or immiseration and crisis?; Consumption, consumers and choice; Post-work and post-structuralism: first past the post?; Risk and post-traditional welfare; Looking (or put out) for greener grass? Some comparative measures of 'success'; Prophets, profits and uncertain conclusions.

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Book SynopsisIn an ageing society, the health and well-being of older people has become a primary focus of concern for government, policy makers and practitioners. With moves towards greater integration of health and social care services, there is a need for improved understanding of the importance and benefits of a person-centred, holistic approach to work in these fields. This accessible text, the produce of a collaborative venture between older people's groups and academics, provides students, academics and practitioners across a wide range of health and social care professions, including, nursing, social work, social care and gerontology, with a guide to understanding the value of this approach.Trade Review"This is what is clearly needed: a bridge between people's experiences and thoughts across the multiple divides of services, policy and life's practicalities and unforseen changes ... a highly readable text." Community Care"... should guide both academics and practitioners into ways of translating theory into more practical approaches to working with older people. This book is a very valuable read." Ageing & Society"The holistic view of ageing, health and social care advocated in this book is increasingly important given the interdisciplinarity of policy and practice in these fields. The book will have a wide appeal to academics and students as well as to those who work with older people." Judith Phillips, School of Social Relations, Keele UniversityTable of ContentsContents: Introduction: The knowledge basis for working with older people; Ideas and models of growing older; Attitudes and images; The body growing older; The lived environment; Memory: self, relationship and society; Older people, sexuality and intimacy; Living in families and communities; Money and financial resources in later life; Safety and risk; Service, satisfaction and service-user involvement; Issues for discussion and practice.

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Book SynopsisThis book uses a range of interpretive approaches to reveal the dynamics of service users' and professionals' individual experiences and life-worlds. From their research the contributors show how biographical methods can improve theoretical understanding of professional practice, as well as enrich the learning and development of professionals, and promote more meaningful and creative practitioner - service user relationships. The book: · reviews applications of biographical methods in both policy and practice in a range of professional contexts, from health and social care to education and employment; · explores the impact of social change in three main arenas - transformation from Eastern to Western types of society in Europe, major shifts in social and welfare principles, experiences of immigration and of new cultural diversities - on professional practice; · critically evaluates subjective and reflexive processes in interactions between researchers, practitioners and users of services; · considers the institutional arrangements and cultural contexts which support effective and sensitive interventions; · draws on actual projects and tracks reflection, progress and outcomes. With contributions from leading international experts, it provides a valuable comparative perspective. Researchers, policy analysts and practitioners, postgraduate students, teachers and trainers will find this book a stimulating read.Trade Review"The editors have performed a major task drawing together such a rich range of biographically informed research on a variety of professional contexts across differing national contexts ... very useful companion to P. Chamberlayne, M. Rustin and T. Wengraf (eds) (2002), Biography and Exclusion in Europe, Bristol: The Policy Press." Journal of Social Policy" ... this is a carefully written book that offers well-framed arguments for applying biographical methods to research and practice. ... The book should be kept close at hand and its chapters considered and recognised as situations arise." European Journal of Social Work"By now, the 'biographical turn' in the social sciences is widely acknowledged but its impact in the main has been upon academics rather than professional practitioners. Biographical methods and professional practice makes an important and worthwhile contribution by demonstrating that the biographical perspective can be focused fruitfully upon applied, social policy issues both for research and for practice in the field." Robert Miller, Department of Sociology and Social Policy, Queen's University BelfastTable of ContentsIntroduction ~ Ursula Apitzsch, Joanna Bornat and Prue Chamberlayne; Part One: Putting the subject into policy and practice: Biographical methods and social policy in European perspective ~ Prue Chamberlayne; Balancing precarious work, entrepreneurship and a new gendered professionalism in migrant self-employment ~ Ursula Apitzsch; Considerations on the biographical embeddedness of ethnic entrepreneurship ~ Maria Kontos; Ethnic entrepreneurship as innovation ~ Feiwel Kupferberg; Part Two: Subjectivity in context: The social subject in biographical interpretive methods: emotional, mute, creative, divided ~ Andrew Cooper; A socially and historically contextualised psychoanalytic perspective: Holocaust survival and suffering ~ Daniel Bar-On; Professional choices between private and state positions in Russia's transformation ~ Victoria Semenova; Maintaining a sense of individual autonomy under conditions of constraint: a study of East German managers ~ Ulrike Nagel; Part Three: Self-awareness in research and practice: Biographical reflections on the problem of changing violent men ~ David Gadd; The biographical turn in health studies ~ Wendy Rickard; Ethical aspects of biographical interviewing and analysis ~ Kaja Ka?mierska; Ghost writers: using biographical methods across languages ~ Bogusia Temple; Part Four: Recognising trajectories of disempowerment: 'Bucking and kicking': race, gender and embodied resistance in healthcare ~ Yasmin Gunaratnam; Biography as empowering practice: lessons from research ~ Joanna Bornat and Jan Walmsley; 'It's in the way that you use it': biography as a tool in professional social work ~ Riitta Kyllönen; Interpreting the needs of homeless men: interviewing in context ~ Karin Schlücker; Part Five: Biographical resources in education and training: In quest of teachers' professional identity: the life story as a methodological tool ~ Marie-Françoise Chanfrault-Duchet; Narratives, community organisations and pedagogy ~ Rosemary Du Plessis, Jane Higgins and Belinda Mortlock; Doctors on an edge: a cultural psychology of learning and health ~ Linden West; Intercultural perspectives and professional practice in the university: what's new in Germany ~ Lena Inowlocki, Maria Teresa Herrera Vivar and Felicia Herrschaft

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Book SynopsisDrawing on key research, government policies and real-life case studies, the book assists health and social care professionals to work more effectively together in order to improve services for users and carers. The health and social care divide: explains why partnerships are important and what helps/hinders partnership working; reviews the legal and policy framework, providing a chronological overview and placing current initiatives in their historical and social policy context; summarises existing research findings with regard to key health and social care policy debates; uses case studies to explore the implications of this research for health and social care practitioners; provides good practice guidance for both students and front-line practitioners.Trade Review"... achieves what it sets out to do: it is accessible to a wide range of readers. For consumers of services it provides knowledge and powerful insights; for students, practitioners, managers and teachers in health and social care it is an invaluable textbook in a complicated area of policy and practice; for researchers and policy makers it brings together and synthesizes definitive polices and research. It's also a good read." Journal of Interprofessional Care"Students and practitioners alike will find this up to date, relevant and clear. Much is written about this area but few publications throw as helpful a light." Jill Manthorpe, Social Care Workforce Research Unit, King's College LondonTable of ContentsIntroduction; Partnership working in health and social care; Health and social care: the legal and policy context; Andrew's story: hospital discharge; Bert and Babu's story: rehabilitation and intermediate care; Ben's story: continuing care; Ivy's story: domiciliary care in the community; Marjorie's story: older people with mental health problems; Mary and Dennis' story: primary care; Postscript: Sid and May's story.

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Book SynopsisTo understand contemporary ageing it is necessary to recognise its diversity. Drawing on an extraordinary range of theory, original research and empirical sources, this book assesses the stereotyped conceptions of ageing, and offers a critical and updated perspective. The book explores the diversity of individual pathways of ageing, the sources of identifications, migration and otherness, and the tension between social structures and personal agency; considers multidisciplinary and international perspectives as an important means of understanding the diversity of ageing, and the need for change in established notions and policies; addresses key issues such as global ageing, migration, transnational community and citizenship; incorporates theories and findings from psychology and sociology, anthropology and demography, social policy and health sciences. 'Ageing and diversity' is aimed at academics, students and practitioners in the fields of sociology, social psychology, health, and welfare. It will also be of interest to all those who want to challenge stereotypes about ageing.Trade Review"it may be recommended as a rich and handy source of propositions of answers to the questions [of growing old]" European Journal of Social Work"This is another excellent text form the Policy Press ... The editors have done an excellent job of bringing together some of the leading writers on social gerontology from Western Europe ... and as a collection this is a very stimulating read indeed." Social Policy"An important contribution to the debate on theoretical directions within gerontology. Expert international editors provide an in-depth analysis of this under-researched topic." Liz Lloyd, School for Policy Studies, University of BristolTable of ContentsAgeing and diversity: a critical introduction ~ Simon Biggs and Svein Olav Daatland; Section I: Individual pathways: Ageing differently: potential and limits ~ Jacqui Smith and Denis Gerstorf; The personal meaning of individuality and relatedness: gender differences in middle and late adulthood ~ Gerben J. Westerhof and Christina Bode; Diversity, health and ageing ~ Lars Andersson and Peter Öberg; Gender trajectories: how age and marital status influence patterns of gender inequality in later life ~ Sara Arber; Section II: Social identifications: The search for ageing identities ~ Andrew Blaikie; New ageism: age imperialism, personal experience and ageing policy ~ Simon Biggs; Sexuality in gerontology: a heteronormative presence, a queer absence ~ Ann Cronin; Section III: Migration and otherness: Making sense of the construct of successful ageing: the migrant experience ~ Sandra Torres; Older foreign migrants in Europe: multiple pathways and welfare positions ~ Tony Warnes; Transnational communities, migration and changing identities in later life: a new research agenda ~ Chris Phillipson and Nilufar Ahmed; Section IV: Structure and agency: Societal trends and lifecourse events affecting diversity in later life ~ Jenny De Jong Gierveld; Quality of life and social inequality in old age ~ Andreas Motel-Klingebiel; Class, power and inequality in later life ~ Paul Higgs and Chris Gilleard; Ageing and diversity, what next? ~ Svein Olav Daatland and Simon Biggs.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides a much-needed introductory guide to the issues surrounding pension policy, not just in the UK but worldwide, and offers a critique of some of the dominant ideas and assumptions. Noting the intense debate that currently surrounds the subject, the book explores a wider view of the continuing issues about pension policy. It draws attention to an ideological 'fault-line' running through pensions policy, between a dominant view of pensions as deferred earnings on the one hand and a view of them as providers of an adequate income to enable elderly people to participate fully in society on the other. It argues for more attention to that second perspective, as an aspect of the search for a satisfactory work/ life balance. Critical of the many 'quick fix' approaches to the topic, the author attacks 'the demographic time bomb thesis' for its crude assumptions about the future burden of the old and exposes naïve assumptions about what can be achieved by pension funding. This book offers an excellent analysis for the general reader and provides an authoritative supplementary text for courses in social policy. Policy and Politics in the Twenty-First Century This exciting series offers a guide through some of today's most hotly contested policy issues by distinguished leaders in the field. Each book untangles current policy debates, looking behind the rhetoric and spin to discover what is at the core of contemporary political agendas. Authors present their own perspectives and make recommendations for what could - or should - be our priorities for future policy reform.Trade Review"..clear and well-organised.." Citizen's Income Newsletter, 2008, Issue 2."Michael Hill provides a much needed introductory guide to the issues surrounding pension policy... This is a very interesting assessment of the current pensions climate." Pensions World, July 2007."Michael Hill nicely sets out the intersecting layers and peculiarities of the UK pensions mixture. He challenges the myths and asks questions that policymakers and pension providers should be required to answer." Adrian Sinfield, Professor Emeritus of Social Policy, School of Social and Political Studies, University of Edinburgh"Michael Hill's book tackles the often complex and confusing world of pensions in a clear and concise way. Helping wider society understand the pensions issue more fully can only help those of us who promote a more generous and inclusive state funded pension scheme. This book will do that, and it is timely to be bought and read now." Rodney Bickerstaffe, Former President, National Pensioners ConventionTable of ContentsIntroduction: pension policy aims and pathways; UK pension policies: a historical account; Pension scheme adequacy; Alternative pension models; Pension age and retirement age; The alleged 'demographic time bomb'; Facing the future: the funding obsession; Pension reform.

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Book SynopsisTargeted as the 'grey consumer', people retiring now participated in the creation of the post-war consumer culture. These consumers have grown older but have not stopped consuming. Based on extensive analysis over two years, this unique book examines the engagement of older people with consumer society in Britain since the 1960s. It charts the changes in the experience of later life in the UK over the last 50 years, the rise of the 'individualised consumer citizen' and what this means for health and social policies. The book will appeal to students, lecturers, researchers and policy analysts. It will provide material for teaching on undergraduate courses and postgraduate courses in sociology, social policy and social gerontology. It will also have considerable appeal to private industry engaged with older consumers as well as to voluntary and non-governmental organisations addressing ageing in Britain.Trade Review"This book brings together research on later life and the literature on consumption in new ways. It is timely, informative, and thought-provoking." Professor Frank Trentmann, Birkbeck College, London, author of Free Trade Nation: Commerce, Consumption and Civil Society in Modern BritainPlease send comp copy to Birkbeck College addressTable of ContentsSocial change and later life; The historical evolution of the third age; Cohort, generation and time; Consumption and the changing nature of the household in later life; Later life in consumer society; Income, expenditure and inequalities in later life; Consuming health in later life; Health and social policy: a moving target; Conclusion.

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Book SynopsisTargeted as the 'grey consumer', people retiring now participated in the creation of the post-war consumer culture. These consumers have grown older but have not stopped consuming. Based on extensive analysis over two years, this unique book examines the engagement of older people with consumer society in Britain since the 1960s. It charts the changes in the experience of later life in the UK over the last 50 years, the rise of the 'individualised consumer citizen' and what this means for health and social policies. The book will appeal to students, lecturers, researchers and policy analysts. It will provide material for teaching on undergraduate courses and postgraduate courses in sociology, social policy and social gerontology. It will also have considerable appeal to private industry engaged with older consumers as well as to voluntary and non-governmental organisations addressing ageing in Britain.Trade Review"This book brings together research on later life and the literature on consumption in new ways. It is timely, informative, and thought-provoking." Professor Frank Trentmann, Birkbeck College, London, author of Free Trade Nation: Commerce, Consumption and Civil Society in Modern BritainPlease send comp copy to Birkbeck College addressTable of ContentsSocial change and later life; The historical evolution of the third age; Cohort, generation and time; Consumption and the changing nature of the household in later life; Later life in consumer society; Income, expenditure and inequalities in later life; Consuming health in later life; Health and social policy: a moving target; Conclusion.

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Book SynopsisCurrent social policy recognises that older people should be treated as experts in their own lives and be actively involved in their care. This book explores what can be learned from older people's experiences of managing ageing. Direct connections are made between the everyday experiences and perspectives of older people, related research and theoretical perspectives. This yields an engaging and informative analysis of how older people manage the ageing experience and what this means for policy and practice directed at promoting older people's wellbeing. The book will be of value to undergraduate and postgraduate students in health and social care and practitioners in these fields. Trade Review"Written in a clear and engaging style that draws the reader into the everyday lives of older people, it reveals the independent spirit and coping abilities of many of the older participants and is an inspiration for readers who have reached or are approaching these older ages." Verina Waights in Ageing and Society"written for academic and policy audience...stories woven with the realities of dealing with the support system...rigorous qualitative research methods and analysis of her interview data" Pamela .A.Saunders, Phd, Associate Professor, Georgetown University School of Medicine and Philip .A.Saunders Retired International Tax Lawyer"A book which truly makes older people's experiences central to understanding how best policy makers and practitioners might promote well-being in later life." Professor Miriam Bernard, Research Institute for Life Course Studies, Keele University"This unique book, based on the lived experience of older people, conveys important lessons for policy makers, service providers and practitioners about how older people manage the experience of ageing." Ann McDonald, Head of the School of Social Work and Psychology, University of East AngliaTable of ContentsIntroduction; Starting from lives; Setting the scene; Keeping going; Staying me; The slippery slope; Sustaining the self; Destinations and directions.

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Book SynopsisCurrent social policy recognises that older people should be treated as experts in their own lives and be actively involved in their care. This book explores what can be learned from older people's experiences of managing ageing. Direct connections are made between the everyday experiences and perspectives of older people, related research and theoretical perspectives. This yields an engaging and informative analysis of how older people manage the ageing experience and what this means for policy and practice directed at promoting older people's wellbeing. The book will be of value to undergraduate and postgraduate students in health and social care and practitioners in these fields. Trade Review"Written in a clear and engaging style that draws the reader into the everyday lives of older people, it reveals the independent spirit and coping abilities of many of the older participants and is an inspiration for readers who have reached or are approaching these older ages." Verina Waights in Ageing and Society"written for academic and policy audience...stories woven with the realities of dealing with the support system...rigorous qualitative research methods and analysis of her interview data" Pamela .A.Saunders, Phd, Associate Professor, Georgetown University School of Medicine and Philip .A.Saunders Retired International Tax Lawyer"A book which truly makes older people's experiences central to understanding how best policy makers and practitioners might promote well-being in later life." Professor Miriam Bernard, Research Institute for Life Course Studies, Keele University"This unique book, based on the lived experience of older people, conveys important lessons for policy makers, service providers and practitioners about how older people manage the experience of ageing." Ann McDonald, Head of the School of Social Work and Psychology, University of East AngliaTable of ContentsIntroduction; Starting from lives; Setting the scene; Keeping going; Staying me; The slippery slope; Sustaining the self; Destinations and directions.

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Book SynopsisThis important book brings together some of the best known international scholars working within a critical gerontology perspective. Together, they review and update our understanding of how the field has developed over the last twenty-five years and, through the lens of 'passionate scholarship', provide a challenging assessment of the complex practical and ethical issues facing older people, and those who conduct research on ageing, in the 21st century. The contributions extend the critical gerontological approach conceptually, methodologically and practically. They offer close and scholarly analysis of policies affecting the lives of older people and provide insights into why research is done in particular ways. Special attention is paid to feminist contributions and new approaches to working in partnership with older people; age discrimination and ageism; the impact of neo-liberal policies and the passage of various human rights instruments; the re-medicalisation of later life; the participation of older people in research; and justice between generations. The editors and contributors offer suggestions for promoting change, and an exciting set of visions and perspectives for the renewal and development of critical gerontology in the years ahead. "Critical Perspectives on Ageing Societies" will be a valuable resource for all students, academics and practitioners interested in ageing and the life course.Trade Review"This valuable and timely collection adds substantially to the critical gerontology literature by assessing progress, renewing the committed scholarship that provided the original impetus behind this approach and by ensuring that the voices of older people are at centre stage in its analyses." Alan Walker, University of SheffieldTable of ContentsCritical perspectives on ageing societies ~ Miriam Bernard and Thomas Scharf; Critical gerontology: reflections for the 21st century ~ Martha B. Holstein and Meredith Minkler; Using human rights to defeat ageism: dealing with policy-induced 'structured dependency' ~ Peter Townsend; The remedicalisation of later life ~ Robin Means; Narratives as agents of social change: a new direction for narrative gerontologists ~ Ruth E. Ray; Redressing the balance? The participation of older people in research ~ Mo Ray; Revisiting The Last Refuge: present day methodological challenges ~ Julia Johnson, Sheena Rolph and Randall Smith; The road to an age-inclusive society ~ Bill Bytheway, Richard Ward, Caroline Holland and Sheila Peace; Justice between generations: the recent history of an idea ~ Harry R. Moody; Progress in gerontology: where are we going now? ~ Tony Warnes and Judith Phillips.

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Book SynopsisAcross the world governments in mature industrial and post-industrial economies are concerned about the ageing population. Dealing directly and exclusively with the issue of older workers, this book brings together up-to-the-minute research findings by many of the leading researchers and writers in the field. The duration and quality of working lives and the timing and circustances of retirement are of growing concern, especially in those cases where employers' demands and imperatives clash with employees' wishes. The contributions in this volume focus upon various measures taken by the state and employers to foster the employment of older workers in Britain, mainland Europe, the US and Japan. The authors address key issues that will influence public policy, exploring what workers over 50 want, the impact of the ageing workforce on employer policies and the implications for governments in promoting and supporting extended working lives. The book is aimed at academics, students, policy makers and other professionals (such as training managers, HR professionals and trade unionists) interested in contemporary issues within social policy, the sociology of ageing, and human resource and diversity management. It wil also be of interest to older workers themselves.Trade Review"Older workers are increasingly needed in working life, and it is necessary to reinforce a reversal of the tradition of early retirement and to extend working life. This collection of scholarly articles is an important contribution to the discussion of future policy on work and retirement, offering new perspectives and critical discussions of the topic." Per Erik Solem, Norwegian Social Research (NOVA)Table of ContentsIntroduction ~ Wendy Loretto, Sarah Vickerstaff and Philip J. White; Older workers in the labour market: the demographic context ~ Mike Danson; The American experience of age discrimination legislation ~ John Macnicol; The employment of older people: can we learn from Japan? ~ Bernard Casey; Moving older people into jobs: Incapacity Benefit, Labour's reforms and the job shortfall in the UK regions ~ Christina Beatty and Stephen Fothergill; Women's knowledge of, and attitudes to, pensions ~ Sue Ward; Sustaining working lives: the challenge of retention ~ Donald Hirsch; Healthy work for older workers: work design and management factors ~ Amanda Griffiths; Flexible work and older workers ~ Wendy Loretto, Sarah Vickerstaff and Philip J.White; The employability of older workers: what works? ~ Tony Maltby; Is extending working life possible? Research and policy issues ~ Chris Phillipson; The future for older workers: opportunities and constraints ~ Sarah Vickerstaff, Wendy Loretto and Philip J. White.

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Book SynopsisThis important book addresses a growing international interest in 'age-friendly' communities. It examines the conflicting stereotypes of rural communities as either idyllic and supportive or isolated and bereft of services. Providing detailed information on the characteristics of rural communities, contributors ask the question, 'good places for whom'? The book extends our understanding of the intersections of rural people and places across the adult lifecourse. Taking a critical human ecology perspective, authors trace lifecourse changes in community and voluntary engagement and in the availability of social support. They illustrate diversity among older adults in social inclusion and in the types of services that are essential to their well being. For the first time, detailed information is provided on characteristics of rural communities that make them supportive to different groups of older adults. Comparisons between the UK and North America highlight similarities in how landscapes create rural identities, and fundamental differences in how climate, distance and rural culture shape the everyday lives of older adults. "Rural ageing" is a valuable resource for students, academics and practitioners interested in communities, rural settings and ageing and the lifecourse. Rich in national profiles and grounded in the narratives of older adults, it provides theoretical, empirical and practical examples of growing old in rural communities never before presented.Trade Review"Are rural environments good places in which to grow old? This pioneering volume addresses this question in new and insightful ways. The contributors have produced a work that is 'fresh' and essential reading for scholars, practitioners and policy makers." Graham D. Rowles, Ph.D., Professor and Director, Graduate Center for Gerontology, University of Kentucky"This volume brings together a distinguished group of researchers working in the field of rural gerontology and gives an excellent balance between theoretical perspectives and empirical findings. It challenges conventional stereotypes of rural ageing and provides important lessons for policy-makers and practitioners alike." Chris Phillipson, Professor of Applied Social Studies and Social Gerontology, Keele UniversityTable of ContentsA critical human ecology perspective on rural ageing ~ Norah Keating and Judith Phillips; Crossing borders: life course, rural ageing and disability ~ Tamara Daly and Gordon Grant; Rurality and ageing well: 'a long time here' ~ Sherry Ann Chapman and Sheila Peace; The evolution of networks of rural older adults ~ G.Clare Wenger and Norah Keating; Distance, privacy and independence: rural homecare ~ Joanie Sims Gould and Anne Martin-Matthews; Respite for rural and remote caregivers ~ Neena Chappell, Bonnie Schroeder and Michelle Gibbens; Ageing, disability and participation ~ Janet Fast and Jenny de Jong Gierveld; Participation in rural contexts: community matters ~ Julia Rozanova, Donna Dosman and Jenny de Jong Gierveld; Staying connected: issues of mobility of older rural adults ~ Bonnie Dobbs and Laurel Strain; Ageing and social exclusion in rural communities ~ Thomas Scharf and Bernadette Bartlam; Age-friendly rural communities ~ Jacquie Eales, Janice Keefe and Norah Keating; Revisiting rural ageing ~ Norah Keating.

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Book SynopsisThis important book addresses a growing international interest in 'age-friendly' communities. It examines the conflicting stereotypes of rural communities as either idyllic and supportive or isolated and bereft of services. Providing detailed information on the characteristics of rural communities, contributors ask the question, 'good places for whom'? The book extends our understanding of the intersections of rural people and places across the adult lifecourse. Taking a critical human ecology perspective, authors trace lifecourse changes in community and voluntary engagement and in the availability of social support. They illustrate diversity among older adults in social inclusion and in the types of services that are essential to their well being. For the first time, detailed information is provided on characteristics of rural communities that make them supportive to different groups of older adults. Comparisons between the UK and North America highlight similarities in how landscapes create rural identities, and fundamental differences in how climate, distance and rural culture shape the everyday lives of older adults. "Rural ageing" is a valuable resource for students, academics and practitioners interested in communities, rural settings and ageing and the lifecourse. Rich in national profiles and grounded in the narratives of older adults, it provides theoretical, empirical and practical examples of growing old in rural communities never before presented.Trade Review"Are rural environments good places in which to grow old? This pioneering volume addresses this question in new and insightful ways. The contributors have produced a work that is 'fresh' and essential reading for scholars, practitioners and policy makers." Graham D. Rowles, Ph.D., Professor and Director, Graduate Center for Gerontology, University of Kentucky"This volume brings together a distinguished group of researchers working in the field of rural gerontology and gives an excellent balance between theoretical perspectives and empirical findings. It challenges conventional stereotypes of rural ageing and provides important lessons for policy-makers and practitioners alike." Chris Phillipson, Professor of Applied Social Studies and Social Gerontology, Keele UniversityTable of ContentsA critical human ecology perspective on rural ageing ~ Norah Keating and Judith Phillips; Crossing borders: life course, rural ageing and disability ~ Tamara Daly and Gordon Grant; Rurality and ageing well: 'a long time here' ~ Sherry Ann Chapman and Sheila Peace; The evolution of networks of rural older adults ~ G.Clare Wenger and Norah Keating; Distance, privacy and independence: rural homecare ~ Joanie Sims Gould and Anne Martin-Matthews; Respite for rural and remote caregivers ~ Neena Chappell, Bonnie Schroeder and Michelle Gibbens; Ageing, disability and participation ~ Janet Fast and Jenny de Jong Gierveld; Participation in rural contexts: community matters ~ Julia Rozanova, Donna Dosman and Jenny de Jong Gierveld; Staying connected: issues of mobility of older rural adults ~ Bonnie Dobbs and Laurel Strain; Ageing and social exclusion in rural communities ~ Thomas Scharf and Bernadette Bartlam; Age-friendly rural communities ~ Jacquie Eales, Janice Keefe and Norah Keating; Revisiting rural ageing ~ Norah Keating.

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Book SynopsisIn the context of global ageing societies, there are few challenges to the underlying assumption that policies should promote functional health and independence in older people and contain the costs of care. This important book offers such a challenge. It provides a critical analysis of the limitations of contemporary policies and calls for a fuller understanding of the relationship between health and care throughout the life-course. Located within the tradition of the feminist ethic of care, the book provides a fresh insight into global policy debates and the impact that these have on people's experiences of ageing. Including international evidence on health inequalities, health promotion and health care, this book will be of interest to a range of social scientists, particularly specialists in gerontology and social policy.Trade Review"essential reading for those interested in health policy for older persons....an excellent job of connecting the intricate web of issues and outcomes associated with the process of ageing in a neoliberal economic environment." International Journal of Ageing and Later Life"the book places socioeconomic determinants of health at the centre of its discussion and draws attention to the vast social inequalities both within and across boundaries...the book covers an impressive range of disciplines....provides an important critical perspective". Bernd Rechel, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine"This is a major contribution to the debate about health policies for older people. The study represents a powerful critique of health inequality and will be a vital resource for students of social policy and social gerontology." Chris Phillipson, Professor of Applied Social Studies and Social Gerontology, Director of Social Science Research Institutes, Keele University, UK."This highly readable and thought-provoking book could not be more timely. In challenging orthodox - and increasingly pessimistic - understandings of health and care, Liz Lloyd makes a compelling case for change in the orientation of public policy in ageing societies." Thomas Scharf, Professor of Social Gerontology and Directory, Irish Centre for Social Gerontology, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland."...the book will appeal to academics, postgraduate students, senior practitioners and policy makers. I will be adding this publication to the reading lists of our postgraduate students". Karen Lowton, Institute of Gerontology, King's College London.Table of ContentsIntroduction; Patterns and trends in ageing and health; Understanding health and care; The policy process in health and care; Healthy ageing: upstream actions to prevent illness; Medicine, ageing and healthcare; Care for health in later life; Conclusion.

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Book SynopsisIn the context of global ageing societies, there are few challenges to the underlying assumption that policies should promote functional health and independence in older people and contain the costs of care. This important book offers such a challenge. It provides a critical analysis of the limitations of contemporary policies and calls for a fuller understanding of the relationship between health and care throughout the life-course. Located within the tradition of the feminist ethic of care, the book provides a fresh insight into global policy debates and the impact that these have on people's experiences of ageing. Including international evidence on health inequalities, health promotion and health care, this book will be of interest to a range of social scientists, particularly specialists in gerontology and social policy.Trade Review"essential reading for those interested in health policy for older persons....an excellent job of connecting the intricate web of issues and outcomes associated with the process of ageing in a neoliberal economic environment." International Journal of Ageing and Later Life"the book places socioeconomic determinants of health at the centre of its discussion and draws attention to the vast social inequalities both within and across boundaries...the book covers an impressive range of disciplines....provides an important critical perspective". Bernd Rechel, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine"This is a major contribution to the debate about health policies for older people. The study represents a powerful critique of health inequality and will be a vital resource for students of social policy and social gerontology." Chris Phillipson, Professor of Applied Social Studies and Social Gerontology, Director of Social Science Research Institutes, Keele University, UK."This highly readable and thought-provoking book could not be more timely. In challenging orthodox - and increasingly pessimistic - understandings of health and care, Liz Lloyd makes a compelling case for change in the orientation of public policy in ageing societies." Thomas Scharf, Professor of Social Gerontology and Directory, Irish Centre for Social Gerontology, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland."...the book will appeal to academics, postgraduate students, senior practitioners and policy makers. I will be adding this publication to the reading lists of our postgraduate students". Karen Lowton, Institute of Gerontology, King's College London.Table of ContentsIntroduction; Patterns and trends in ageing and health; Understanding health and care; The policy process in health and care; Healthy ageing: upstream actions to prevent illness; Medicine, ageing and healthcare; Care for health in later life; Conclusion.

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Book SynopsisIntermediate care has become a buzzword within health and social care over the last few years. Seen as the panacea for a number of woes, particularly for older people, intermediate care has been held up as a way forward within contemporary health and social care. This text explores in detail what is understood by the concept of intermediate care and, in particular, ways in which the needs of older people can be best met by this new range of services. Initial discussion centres on the concept of intermediate care and the motives for its development. This is followed by a summary of the range of intermediate care services that have been developed, with a discussion of some of the confusion that surrounds the concept. The debate then moves on to centre on older people, discussing first why older people have come to be perceived as one of the main client groups that may benefit from intermediate care, and then how intermediate care could be developed to better serve their needs. An overview of ageing and the uniqueness of older people is then provided, followed by an exploration of some of the challenges faced by older people within society - and how this has extended into the delivery of health and social care.Table of ContentsThe Concept and Context of Intermediate Care. Understanding Ageing and The Older Person in Society and in Health Care. Planning, Developing. Monitoring and Evaluating new Intermediate Care Services. Delivering intermediate Care. Preparing Staff for Delivery.

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Book SynopsisThis book is about older people, and the contribution occupational therapy can make towards the maintenance of their health and the appropriate provision of rehabilitation and care. The aim is to help occupational therapists and those involved in the commissioning of occupational therapy services for older people to target their efforts both sensitively and effectively, and to anticipate the demands which will shape service provision in the future. The entire work is underpinned by current evidence regarding best practice and opinions voiced by older people during several research projects undertaken by the author. The first chapters examine the experience of growing older, from both societal and individual perspectives, the factors contributing towards vulnerability in older age and the provision of services to meet needs. The second part of the book concentrates upon the occupational therapy assessment and treatment processes. The final chapter considers the challenges for occupational therapy.Trade Review"...should be on the shelves of all occupational therapy services addressing the needs of older people..." (British Journal of Occupational Therapy, May 2006)Table of ContentsOlder People in Society. Growing Older. An Individual Experience. Triggers to Vulnerability. Older People and Informal Care. Services to Meet needs. Assessing The Needs of Older People and Their Carers. Occupational therapy Treatment Interventions. Occupational Therapy led Strategies to Help people Stay Put. Occupational Therapy Interventions Within Specific Service settings. Using and Generating Evidence to Underpin Practice. Working With older People. The Challenges for Occupational Therapy.

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Book SynopsisOffers a comprehensive program that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities presented by adult day services and long-term care settings. The program is an intelligible, beginning-to-end implementation guide that covers food selection and presentation, individual resident programming, staff training and support, environmental modifications, and organizational change and program maintenance.

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Book SynopsisRichard Taylor has lived for five years with a diagnosis of dementia probably of the Alzheimer's type. A former psychologist, he is now a champion for individuals with early-stage and early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Richard served on the board of the Houston and Southeast Texas Alzheimer's Association and is now a member of a special committee of the National Alzheimer's Association looking at how to evaluate and provide effective support to individuals in the early stages of the disease. He has started over 50 chat rooms worldwide for people with Alzheimer's disease and their loved ones and he is also the editor of a quarterly newsletter for people with early-onset, early-stage Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. Originally, Richard started writing essays to better understand for himself what was going on inside of him. He now writes to share his experiences with other individuals with the disease and their caregivers. His insights into himself and the disease are always honest, direct, poignant, and sometimes even witty. His essays have been published in ""Alzheimer's Care Quarterly"". Richard lives in Cypress, Texas with his spouse Linda and his Bouvier des Flandres dog, Annie. His son and family live across the street from him. He spends his days playing with his two grandchildren, gardening, and writing.2009 John Mackey Award for Exellence in Dementia Care2009 Carter Williams Legacy Fund2007 Book of the Year (Consumer Health) from American Journal Nursing 2007 National Mature Media (Bronze Award Winner)

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Book SynopsisWhat you do really does matter! This book is a must read for nursing home administrators, directors of nursing, and others in leadership positions in long-term care. It offers practical, commonsense, easy-to-implement approaches that will yield immediate positive results. It also serves as a wake-up call to leaders who doubt their impact and as an affirmation to leaders who struggle daily to do a good job. Let Meeting the Leadership Challenge in Long-Term Care open the door to new possibilities and set your organisation on a better course. Too often long-term care leaders feel overwhelmed by regulatory, financial, and corporate constraints and succumb to the myth that staff turnover is an inevitable cost of doing business. This book debunks this myth, revealing the powerful link between staff satisfaction and successful organisational performance that delivers high quality, high census, good surveys, and a healthy bottom line. Based on extensive on-the-ground experience with implementing and guiding hundreds of nursing homes through successful organisational transformations, the authors offer advice and wisdom that can make your organisation more successful, efficient and stable, whether it is currently struggling or thriving. Just a few of the take-home lessons from your this constructive guide include how to Get and keep the right staff, including how to identify ""triple crown winners"" Reduce staff stress and promote solid teamwork Build a positive chain of leadership that brings out the best in the staff Convert money now spent on turnover into resources to support stability Improve corporate support with an instructive ""Stop Doing List"" Use quality improvement and culture change practices to achieve high performance Increase staff, family, and resident satisfaction Make a meaningful impact as a leader Watch these benefits unfold right before your eyes in one of the most unique features of this book: a journal documenting administrator David Farrell’s experience turning around a nursing home that was by all measures doing poorly. Through his difficulties, triumphs, tragedies, and everyday experiences, see how better outcomes are attainable by focusing on leadership practices that make a difference. Widely recognised as experts in the long-term care field, the authors of Meeting the Leadership Challenge in Long-Term Care combine their years of experience in nursing home leadership and management to create a resource that can transform how long-term care facilities are run.2012 National Mature Media Award (Bronze Award Winner)

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Book SynopsisAs communication skills decline in people with dementia, a supportive environment becomes crucial to a resident’s ability to express needs and desires. But how do you recognise what physical and social changes will help improve functioning, communication, and quality of life? The Environment & Communication Assessment Toolkit (ECAT) for Dementia Care is your answer. This evidence-based toolkit includes the tools you need to assess, intervene, and modify on an individualised basis to ensure the quality of life for people with dementia. Use the validated Assessment Forms, and in three easy-to-follow steps you will be able to assess activity performance with quick yes/no questions; evaluate the environment to identify barriers and problems; and pinpoint individualised recommendations for intervention. ECAT’s developers are researchers and experienced clinicians who have made sure that ECAT integrates effortlessly into evaluation and treatment sessions; helps keep up case load demands with creative solutions; satisfies regulatory requirements; leads to straightforward functional therapeutic interventions; and identifies low-cost, person-centred environmental modifications. ECAT for Dementia Care has more than 300 specific recommendations for interventions and modifications that will reduce typical problems encountered during routine activities of daily living for people with dementia. With the ECAT’s functionally based assessment and intervention system, you will be fully equipped with solutions. Environment & Communication Assessment Toolkit for Dementia Care Toolkit (ECAT) Card Pack contains 25 cards (24 full-colour Sequencing Cue Cards and 1 double-sided single colour card (Gray Scale Contrast Tool and Type Size Reading Test).

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