Ways of Aging

James A Holstein editor Jaber F Gubrium editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Published:15th Nov '02

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Ways of Aging cover

Written and edited by social gerontologists, and focusing on everyday experiences, these essays draw from original case studies to look at the diverse ways of growing and being older.


  • Collects ten original essays on the aging experience, written by prominent social gerontologists.
  • Highlights diverse ways of growing and being older.
  • Offers detailed portraits of a broad range of experiences, including those of the homeless, the retirement community, sexual nonconformists, and the disabled.
  • Addresses stereotypes of the aging process and provides diverse examples of individual experiences.

‘Ways of Aging is a welcome antidote to deterministic theories of aging. What a treat to read such wonderfully written ethnographic accounts that both illuminate distinctive social worlds and offer provocative insight into the multiple meanings of aging and old age!’ David A. Karp, Professor of Sociology, Boston College

‘Ways of Aging demonstrates that environment is key to unraveling the diversity found among the aged. Gubrium and Holstein are unmistakable: aging is a coat of many colors; variety is the order of the day. A close reading of Ways of Aging will put to rest the very notion that there are ‘norms’ of aging. This book helps us understand how people create the scripts they live by, through narrative accounts.’ Joe Hendricks, Oregon State University

ISBN: 9780631230595

Dimensions: 231mm x 152mm x 18mm

Weight: 363g

240 pages