Commentary: Aging Places: A Review Essay

Authors

  • Justine McGovern Lehman College, City University of New York

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/aa.2024.491

Abstract

This Commentary reflects on the convergence of social and geographical gerontology as presented in two books addressing place and aging with and without dementia. The two books are expansive in scope, exploring aging and dementia research and care practices globally, with an emphasis on English-language settings and resources. Drawing on my own work that addresses the significance of place and living with dementia (i.e., McGovern 2016) and on personal experiences with the place-making practices of both my parents, this Commentary provides an overview of each text and concludes by stressing the need for deepening understanding of the experience and impact of place and environment as we age.

References

Abdul Kadir, Syazwani, and Mariam Jamaludin. 2013. “Universal Design as a Significant Component for Sustainable Life and Social Development.” Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 85: 179-190. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042813024762

Alzheimer's Association. 2023. “What is Alzheimer's Disease? Symptoms and Causes.” Accessed July 17, 2023. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers.

Alzheimer's Disease International. 2023. "Dementia Friendly Communities." https://www.alzint.org/what-we-do/policy/dementia

McGovern, Justine. 2016. “Capturing the Significance of Place in the Lived Experience of Dementia.” Qualitative Social Work. 16 (5): 664-679. https://doi.org/10.1177/1473325016638424

-----------. 2015. Living Better with Dementia: Strengths-based Social Work Practice and Dementia Care. Social Work in Health Care 54 (5): 408-421. https://doi.org/10.1080/00981389.2015.1029661

Peace, Sheila. 2022. The Environments of Ageing: Space, Place and Materiality. Bristol: Policy Press.

Salleebey, Dennis. 1996. “The Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice: Extensions and Cautions.” Social Work 41 (3): 296-305. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/41.3.296

Ward, Richard, Andrew Clark, and Lyn Phillipson, eds. 2021. Dementia and Place: Practices, Experiences and Connections. Bristol: Policy Press.

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Published

2024-03-26

Issue

Vol. 45 No. 1 (2024)

Section

Commentaries

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Justine McGovern

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