RN01 - Ageing in Europe

With intense and far-reaching changes occurring across the social fabric, it is vital that sociology is equipped to engage with the multifaceted nature of old age and ageing. Profound economic, cultural and demographic changes are currently compounded by the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Ageing and old age will continue to shape, and be shaped by, shifting social conditions at national as well as international level. This is stimulated, not least, by the nature of societal ageing, with the average age in Europe set to continue rising throughout the twenty-first century. It is not just that people are living longer, but that the subjective meanings people attach to their own ageing and intergenerational relationships are also changing. For example, rising longevity and a relatively affluent retirement (for some) are expanding the opportunities of later life and shaping consumption and lifestyle patterns. It is crucial to recognise, however, that population ageing also exacerbates old, and creates new, social inequalities within and between European countries. International and interdisciplinary knowledge-exchange is thus fundamental to the advancement of our understanding of (ageing) societies. Sociology is well placed to evaluate micro, meso and macro dimensions of the impacts of ageing, including how relationships at an interpersonal level are affected by changing economic and cultural contexts. Crucially, how can sociology help to mould a positive future through an improved understanding of ageing and its relationship to these complex social currents?

The Research Network on Ageing in Europe – founded in 2001 – aims to facilitate international collaboration among ageing researchers. To achieve this goal, the Research Network organises highly successful paper sessions at The European Sociological Association’s conferences. We also organise biennial midterm conferences, as well as regular PhD workshops. In addition, we produce a newsletter, maintain a mailing list, and communicate our activities via various social media platforms. Our members are based across a number of disciplines, including sociology, social policy and psychology. We also very much welcome cooperation with other ESA Research Networks.

Please feel free to subscribe to our mailing list, or follow us on Twitter or Facebook.

Email address: ageingineurope[at] gmail.com