Growing Old: Something to Fear or Celebrate?

We have just witnessed a long weekend full of remarkable imagery celebrating longevity.   However,  media images of later life normally take two extremes – adverts featuring glowing post-retirement couples enjoying life versus lonely singletons in need of expensive care or support.  Many of us will live to a very ripe old age; in just 30 years since 1980, the numbers of centenarians have risen from 2,500 to over 12,500 and are predicted to rise to 160,000 in another 30 years. Longer lives are the result of improved standards of medical treatment, nutrition, housing and living… but most of us may fear rather than celebrate the prospect.  But what does the evidence say?  Will we grow old disgracefully or experience a sad decline? Join Chris Phillipson, Professor of Applied Social Studies and Social Gerontology, Keele University and Mary Gilhooly, Professor of Gerontology, School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Brunel University as they discuss ‘Growing Old: Something to Fear or Celebrate’.   The event will be chaired by Fi Glover, BBC journalist and presenter and will be held in the British Library Conference Centre from 18.30 – 20.00 (followed by a pay bar) on Tuesday 12th June.

If you want to join in the debate tickets can be booked via our ‘what’s on’ page.