ABSTRACT
This chapter sketches the theoretical foundations for researching material things which arise from the social and cultural sciences. It offers a brief introduction to material culture studies and science and technology studies and presents approaches toward and findings on material things in gerontology. The chapter sets out how to investigate material objects and look into their meaning for age(ing) and their part in the constitution of age and ageing. To this end, it draws on the analysis of an object within the ethnographic study “TechnoCare”. It reveals how material things co-produce age and ageing in a society which is making increasing use of assistive technology. Finally, the potential of such a focus in studying age and ageing is discussed.
The chapter demonstrates that studying material things can be used to pinpoint the role which objects play in constituting old age. This is possible if things are not merely examined as resources for older adults, or characterized only in terms of their function, but are also seen as participants in socio-material practices. This is precisely how associated societal issues and social implications can be addressed.
