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Rural and urban perspectives on growing old: developing a new research agenda

European Journal of Ageing volume 2, pages 67–75 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

Urban and rural themes have played an important part in European gerontological research. This paper analyses current issues in the field of urban and rural studies as applied to understanding old age. Both dimensions are being affected by population movements of different kinds, driven to a significant degree by globalisation in its various forms. The paper summarises trends underpinning rural and urban living and evidence regarding the impact of change in these areas on daily life in old age. The article considers a number of research agendas which would advance rural and urban studies of ageing, these combining developments in geography and urban studies with those in critical gerontology. The paper argues that a revitalised rural and urban gerontology will bring forward major new themes and issues for social gerontology in the 21st century.

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Notes

  1. This paper focuses entirely on issues facing older people in the context of the European countryside and cities; a focus on how older people are being affected by the rapid urbanisation (and the corresponding depletion of rural populations) in Asia and Africa is urgently required

  2. For a helpful review of the urban–rural distinction, drawing mainly on the US literature, see Golant (2003)

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  1. Centre for Social Gerontology, School of Social Relations, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK

    Chris Phillipson & Thomas Scharf

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  1. Chris Phillipson
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  2. Thomas Scharf
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Correspondence to Chris Phillipson.

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Phillipson, C., Scharf, T. Rural and urban perspectives on growing old: developing a new research agenda. Eur J Ageing 2, 67–75 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10433-005-0024-7

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Keywords

  • Rural gerontology
  • Urban studies
  • Globalisation
  • City life