A way forward: rethinking gerontology in the 21st century

Abstract

The new millennium has delivered a longer life expectancy and better health for older citizens. With this comes new expectations about the construction of a new 'personhood' in later life, built around the notion of 'successful ageing'. Some older activists are arguing that successful ageing is no longer an oxymoron but can be a reality for them and the next generation of older persons. This paper argues that a new 'gerontology' is required to replace the previous terminology and conceptual frameworks that have focused on the study of disease and disability and gave public credibility to the 'decline' and 'loss' paradigm. How this can be achieved at the 'knowledge' level will be discussed and how the everyday life of older persons can benefit from this will be illustrated by drawing on examples from housing, work and retirement, health promotion, sexuality and gerontechnology.