Description:

Understanding Ageing in Northern England: Ageing Selves and Everyday Life in the North of England

Ageing Selves and Everyday Life in the North of England offers a deep and insightful exploration into the lived experiences of older adults in one of England's most culturally rich and diverse regions. This study delves into the complexities of ageing, examining how identity, community, and daily life intersect for those navigating their later years in the North of England.

The Context of Ageing in Northern England

Northern England is a region with a unique cultural identity, shaped by its industrial heritage, strong sense of community, and distinctive social landscape. As the population ages, understanding the experiences of older adults in this context becomes increasingly important. Ageing Selves and Everyday Life in the North of England explores how these cultural and social factors influence the way ageing is perceived and experienced, offering a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by older individuals.

Identity and Ageing

One of the central themes of this study is the concept of identity in later life. As people age, their sense of self can be challenged by physical changes, retirement, and shifts in social roles. This book examines how older adults in Northern England navigate these changes, redefining their identities and finding new ways to assert their place in society. Through personal narratives and in-depth interviews, Ageing Selves and Everyday Life provides a window into the diverse ways in which identity is maintained and transformed in later life.

The Role of Community and Social Networks

Community and social networks play a crucial role in shaping the experiences of older adults. In the North of England, strong community ties and a shared cultural heritage offer both support and a sense of belonging. This study explores how these networks influence the daily lives of older individuals, providing both a source of comfort and a framework for social interaction. The book highlights the importance of community engagement and social support in promoting well-being among the elderly, offering insights into how these connections can be strengthened and maintained.

Everyday Life and the Challenges of Ageing

Ageing Selves and Everyday Life in the North of England also focuses on the practical aspects of ageing, exploring the daily routines, challenges, and adaptations that older adults must navigate. From managing health and mobility issues to dealing with loneliness and social isolation, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the everyday realities of ageing. It also examines the coping strategies employed by older adults to maintain independence and quality of life, offering valuable lessons for policymakers, caregivers, and society at large.

Cultural and Regional Influences

The cultural and regional context of Northern England adds a unique dimension to the experience of ageing. The book explores how local traditions, values, and histories influence the way ageing is understood and experienced in this part of the country. From the role of local dialects and customs to the impact of regional economic changes, Ageing Selves and Everyday Life provides a richly textured account of how place and culture shape the ageing process.

A Comprehensive Study for Scholars and Practitioners

Ageing Selves and Everyday Life in the North of England is an essential resource for scholars, practitioners, and anyone interested in the sociology of ageing. The book's detailed analysis and rich qualitative data offer a deep understanding of the ageing process, making it a valuable tool for researchers, social workers, and policymakers. By focusing on a specific region, the study also provides insights that can inform broader discussions about ageing in different cultural and geographical contexts.

Why Read Ageing Selves and Everyday Life in the North of England?

• Insightful Analysis: A comprehensive exploration of ageing, identity, and daily life in Northern England.
• Cultural Context: Understanding how regional and cultural factors shape the experiences of older adults.
• Personal Narratives: In-depth interviews that provide a human perspective on the ageing process.
• Practical Implications: Lessons for improving the well-being and social inclusion of older adults.
• Scholarly Resource: An essential study for researchers and practitioners in the field of ageing.

Conclusion

Ageing Selves and Everyday Life in the North of England offers a powerful and intimate portrait of what it means to grow older in a region known for its strong community ties and rich cultural heritage. Through its exploration of identity, community, and the everyday realities of ageing, this book provides valuable insights that resonate far beyond the borders of Northern England.

Whether you're a scholar, a practitioner, or someone with a personal interest in the ageing process, this study will deepen your understanding of the complexities of later life and the factors that shape our experiences as we age.

Seeking to explore what it means to grow older in contemporary Britain from the perspective of older people themselves, this richly detailed ethnographic study engages in debates over selfhood and people's relationships with time. Based on research conducted in a former coal mining village in South Yorkshire, England, Cathrine Degnen explores how the category of 'old age' comes to be assigned and experienced in everyday life through multiple registers of interaction, including that of social memory, in a postindustrial context of great social transformation. Challenging both the notion of a homogenous relationship with time across generations and the idea of a universalised middle-aged self, Degnen argues that the complex interplay of social, cultural and physical attributes of ageing means that older people can come to have a different position in relation to time and to the self than younger people, unseating normative conventions about narrative and temporality. -- .