Les vieillissements sous la loupe. Entre mythes et réalités

2018

The aging of the population is often addressed in political and media discourses as a demographic catastrophe, a heavy social or financial burden on society. Aging and old age still frequently carry negative connotations today, persisting as preconceived ideas over time. This work brings together 31 texts that shed light on various persistent myths related to aging. It covers diverse themes such as retirement, older workers, grief, violence, housing, mobility, digital technology, homelessness, sexuality, caregivers, cognitive abilities, volunteering, social or political participation, aging in prison, aging with a disability, and more. To provide an accurate portrayal of older adults, specialists from various fields and disciplines were invited to present a myth and then deconstruct or analyze it in all its nuances. While maintaining scientific rigor, the texts are short and accessible, aiming to enable readers to explore the social issues underlying the myths analyzed. Through this work, the hope is to contribute to a better collective understanding of the challenges and contributions of an aging society. 

This book is the result of a collective project led by the Research Team in Partnership on Aging, Social Exclusion, and Solidarity (VIES) and the Center for Research and Expertise in Social Gerontology (CREGÉS). 

Available from Presses de l’université Laval

• Product sheet
• Read the first few pages
• Check out the informational video series

See also: Book: Getting Wise about Getting Old: Debunking Myths about Aging

Language: French

Theme: Quality of life, Living in society, Palliative and end of life care, Social conditions, Neurocognitive disorders, Caregiving, Interpersonal relationships, Public policy and services, Mistreatment and good treatment, Long-term care, Living spaces, Population diversity, Physical and mental health