Open access
Old Age is the Future. Ageing in Research and Social Practice
Franciszek Kampka1
Publication language: Polish
scientific paper
Transformations No. 1(124)2025, Publication date: 31 March 2025
Keywords: old age, ageing, stereotypes, sociology of ageing, older people
Abstract This article presents an interpretative framework for the ageing process and its social implications. The subject of reflection is the myths and beliefs about the elderly in the literature and public debate. The analysis of selected concepts and studies allowed for a general characterisation of the research field of the sociology of ageing and for showing two main ways of understanding and treating old age. From the negative perspective, ageing is associated with rejection, social isolation and loss of values; older people are seen as a burden on the social system. On the other hand, from a positive perspective, old age is treated as a social resource and a period of achieving full personality development. Conclusions from the analysis prove the necessity of further shaping social awareness of the positive perception of old age and eliminating negative stereotypes. In addition, developing an ethic of care, rereading cultural traditions or treating old age from a generative perspective relating to care for younger generations may be beneficial.
Szkoła Główna Gospodarstwa Wiejskiego w Warszawie, Instytut Nauk Socjologicznych i Pedagogiki, Katedra Socjologii, Polska
ORCID: 0000-0002-4564-514X
E-mail: franciszek_kampka@sggw.edu.pl