Too old and ugly to be useful? Challenging negative representations of older people

Event details

British Academy Debates

University of Sheffield Students' Union, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TG

Tuesday 25 March 2014, 6pm

Chaired by Professor Mary Beard FBA

Introduction

Has there ever been a golden age of ageing, or is that golden age now?

In the past, representations of older people in literature, art, the media and everyday life have been highly diverse; stressing their positive roles in their families and communities as much as their frailty.

As the numbers of older people grows, how can we promote and celebrate their positive contribution, and challenge the pervasive negative stereotypes of later life?

Speakers

• Professor Pat Thane FBA (King’s College London)

• Dr Lorna Warren (The University of Sheffield)

Discussants

• Professor Tim Parkin (University of Manchester)

• Ilona Haslewood (Joseph Rowntree Foundation)

For more information and to book your free place, visit The British Academy website.