Rethinking Old Age

Paul Higgs is Professor of Sociology of the Ageing in the Division of Psychiatry at University College London, UK, and Chris Gilleard is a Visiting Research Fellow in the Division of Psychiatry at University College London, UK. Both are internationally recognised social theorists of ageing and old age whose previous books include Cultures of Ageing (2000), Contexts of Ageing (2005) and Ageing, Corporeality and Embodiment (2013).

• 1. The Idea of a Fourth Age2. The Shadow of Long-term Care3. Demographic and Epidemiological Aspects of the Fourth Age4. Frailty and the Fourth Age5. Abjection and the Fourth Age6. Care and the Moral Identity of the Fourth Age7. Bridges and Barriers between the Third and the Fourth Age8. Fashioning a Future for Fourth Age Studies.

The authors of this interesting new book discuss a new separating out of the final stage before death: The Fourth Age … the authors also discuss the inter-relationship between the old person and his/her nearest, carers and society as a whole … This book rewards readers, young and old, who would understand the moral imperative of displaying humanity by a sense of compassion.