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

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?

The event was part of the British Academy Debates on Ageing.

Speakers:

Professor Pat Thane, King’s College, London
Dr Lorna Warren, University of Sheffield 
Professor Tim Parkin, Professor of Ancient History, University of Manchester
Dr Ilona Haslewood, Joseph Rowntree Foundation

Chaired by Rev. Professor Diarmaid MacCulloch FBA

Read related articles on Prospect's British Academy Debates hub