Society must change its view of ageing, particularly as its population becomes older, according to the editors of a new book on ageing in Australia.

“Many people, including medical professionals, only see work when they deal with older people, and disregard what older people can offer society,” said Celia Bevan, co-editor of Successful Ageing: Perspectives on Health and Social Construction.

“Successful Ageing presents a stimulating and balanced view on ageing, gathered from 12 specialists located around Australia. They challenge readers to consider their views and perceptions of ageing and to change how they work with older people,” said Ms Bevan, from Charles Sturt University.

The authors have come from many fields: administration, policy, research, training and professional practice. They present a range of viewpoints and case studies on ageing and on older people, from medical and legal to social, political and ethical, while maintaining a common focus on the positive aspects of ageing. They also present alternative ways of overcoming problems brought on by ageing.

“We want to change the culture of practice in age care, emphasising the abilities, rather than disabilities, of older people,” said fellow co-editor at Charles Sturt University, Basseer Jeeawody.

“Successful Ageing addresses various perspectives of gender, race and class and how they influence the ageing process in Australia.”

Three Australian universities have already included Successful Ageing on text book lists for their students. Successful Ageing: Perspectives on Health and Social Construction is produced by educational publisher, Mosby Publishers Australia.

The book will be launched at the Convention Centre on CSU’s Wagga Wagga campus on Monday 31 August, commencing at 11.00 am, and at the OLI Training Room on the University’s Albury-Wodonga campus on Tuesday 1 September, commencing at 3.00 pm.