ABSTRACT
Two decades ago, James Birren made a point that the study of ageing is ‘data rich but theory poor’ (Birren and Bengston 1988: ix). Twenty years on, many social gerontologists would agree that this research endeavour has seen changes for the better, but the restlessness continues. Rather than a problem, this characterization may be viewed as a healthy sign. The meaning and place of ageing in contemporary society, how much such meanings have influenced social policy and vice versa are best understood as evolving processes that vary by time and place. Understanding the contexts of these meanings for different groups and cohorts of older populations will make us more perceptive of their needs and will help to forward knowledge and outcomes to do with the demographic reality of ageing already happening in many parts of the world.
