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The twentieth century saw twin developments in Britain: changes in the pattern of employment, producing the institution of retirement; and demographic changes resulting in an ageing population. In the 1980s, these phenomena stimulated interest and concern in political, professional and academic circles. The growing interest in ageing encouraged the development of social gerontology as a new area of intellectual activity in Britain.

Originally published in 1983, the chapters in Ageing in Modern Society draw attention to the changed circumstances in which ageing takes place, at the subjective level, at the level of care and provision, and at the level of theory. Some challenge prevailing notions about the characteristics, needs and capacity of older people. Others are about the changing perceptions of policy makers and practitioners. The collection as a whole offers a view of social gerontology and illustrates the integration of theory and practice. Taken together, the contributions reflect the view that the contemporary experience of old age needs to be seen against a background of social change and cultural diversity.