Redefining Ageing Through Non-Fiction Narratives: Local Contributions and Global Debates

Abstract (English)

Historically, older adults have often been portrayed as sources of wisdom and respected figures in the anthropological literature. However, more recently, the view of older adults as bearers of important theoretical and practical knowledge has been challenged by global discourses that frame ageing populations in terms of crisis and decline.

This panel has two primary aims. First, it invites scholars to reflect on the diverse contributions of older adults to society, particularly those that extend beyond commonly highlighted themes in ageing literature, such as volunteerism and grandparenthood. For example, older adults frequently engage in political activist, drawing on decades of experience to advocate for social justice, pension rights and healthcare reforms. Additionally, how might older adults’ deep knowledge of local histories, cultural traditions, and intergenerational storytelling serve as a a means of preserving and revitalizing cultural heritage in rapidly changing societies? Furthermore, how can a lifetime of experience with ecological surroundings provide valuable insights for contemporary discussions on sustainability and climate change. And, in urban settings, older adults can play a crucial role in shaping and maintaining neighborhood networks, sharing knowledge about local resources, advocating for community needs, and contributing to the social fabric of cities. In doing this, contributors situate the lives of older adults within the global discourses of “successful ageing” and “active ageing”, while also critically examining and challenging these narratives, moving beyond the binary framing of ageing as either success or decline.

Second, panel contributors are encouraged to present their work in a more literary format. The goal of this panel is to produce an edited volume of non-fiction short narratives making research on ageing more accessible to a wider audience. How can anthropologists meaningfully engage in global debates about ageing populations? What are the possibilities and limitations of non-traditional academic publishing?