Ageing: Problem or Privilege

Do you worry about what shape old age will take for you?

Are you aware of the force of ageism in our society? This day will explore how we define age drawing on cultural and social theories from recent research.

This day will explore how we define age drawing on cultural and social theories from recent research. These writers argue that age is losing its power to define and constrain us. There are many preconceptions about ageing that lurk behind the best of our intentions. Perhaps the assumption underlying some of our fears is that old age is synonymous with dependency, ill health and loneliness.
We shall examine this exchange of perspectives, including some of our own experience as we explore what adopting a more favourable view of ageing might mean for individuals, communities and organisations. This will include listening to older people and their narratives as we learn from state of mind in which the average 70- and 80-year-old goes on working if they want to, volunteering, starting their own enterprises and playing competitive sport.
This day is open to people of all age who want to explore the meaning, shape, choices and possibilities of age. The central thesis is that older age can be so much better if we move a lot of goalposts and change the way everything from healthcare to politics to the business world to education is organised. The revolution starts with us and that we shall attempt to do together during this day.
The day will offer resources for individuals to continue the conversation about the nature of age. It will also deepen our understanding of age in self and others.

Contact Alison Ogden for all booking enquiries
aogden@sarum.ac.uk  |  01722 424826  |  01722 424800 (main reception)