Death and Ageing
A BSA Social Aspects of Death, Dying and Bereavement Study Group Annual Symposium
12 December 2024
School of Law and Social Justice Event Space, University of Liverpool (L69 7ZR)
About the Event
In the 21st century, most people die at a much older age than ever before, having experienced multiple losses in health, social connections, and independent living, among other areas. This demographic trend has profound implications for how we understand and support ageing, dying, and bereavement. The sociology of death however has yet fully touched upon the unique challenges associated with ageing, while the sociology of ageing has historically paid limited attention to issues of death, dying and bereavement.
This symposium seeks to explore the relationships between ageing and dying, encouraging a more integrated approach to these connected life stages within the life course. Presentations will critically engage with these themes, shedding light on the social, economic, institutional, and cultural dimensions at the intersections between ageing, dying, loss and bereavement.
We hope to explore the following topics:
- Bridging the gap between the fields: what theories of ageing and the life-course contribute to an understanding of dying, and vice-versa.
- The sociocultural dimensions of ageing and mortality.
- Comparative studies of ageing and dying across different societies and cultures.
- Innovations and new technologies in health and social care provision for older adults at the end of life.
- Older adults’ lived experiences of loss and approaching the end of life.
- Older adults’ attitudes towards death, assisted dying, care provision and proxy decision-making at the end of life.
- Ethnic, religious, and sexual minority experiences of living towards the end of a long life.
- Disabled and neurodivergent people’s experiences of living towards the end of a long life.
- Paid and unpaid carers’ perspectives on caregiving at the end of a long life.
- Intergenerational, family, and close relationships towards the end of a long life.
- The impact of longevity on patterns of bereavement and the support structures available to bereaved older adults as well as the bereaved of older adults.
- Theoretical and policy perspectives on the ‘good death’ in old age.
Registration
- BSA Member: £20
- BSA Concessionary Member: £15
- Non-Member: £25
Bursaries
A small number of bursaries are available to assist with travel costs for those with limited financial resources. For more information, please contact the study group convenors Diana Teggi, Chao Fang and Natalie Richardson.
Venue Information
The symposium will be held on Thursday, 12 December 2024 in the School of Law and Social Justice Event Space, University of Liverpool (L69 7ZR) - find out more about the venue and travel indications. More details will be released closer to the event.
Find out more about the Social Aspects of Death, Dying and Bereavement Study Group.