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Life History of Older People: Social Theories and the Sociology of Ageing

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Understanding Ageing for Nurses and Therapists

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Abstract

The concept of life history is central to understanding how a person’s journey through the life course can shape their experience of growing old. Accounts of our past lives, loves, losses and challenges define us as individuals with different care needs and expectations. This chapter will offer an insight into the nature, benefits and potential applications of a life history approach within health and social care to promote the health and well-being of older people. Theories and concepts arising from the sociology of ageing have made significant contributions to the development of the biographical life history discipline, and these will also be considered.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nursing, School of Health and Social Care, Centre of Excellence in Healthcare Education, Staffordshire University, Shrewsbury, UK

    Susan Thornton

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  1. Susan Thornton
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nursing, School of Health and Social Care, Staffordshire University, Stoke-On-Trent, UK

    Wilfred McSherry

  2. Faculty of Health Studies, VID Specialized University, Bergen, Norway

    Linda Rykkje

  3. Department of Nursing, School of Health and Social Care, Centre of Excellence in Healthcare Education, Staffordshire University, Shrewsbury, UK

    Susan Thornton

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Thornton, S. (2021). Life History of Older People: Social Theories and the Sociology of Ageing. In: McSherry, W., Rykkje, L., Thornton, S. (eds) Understanding Ageing for Nurses and Therapists. Perspectives in Nursing Management and Care for Older Adults. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-40075-0_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-40075-0_3

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-40074-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-40075-0

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