Introduction: Sense of Purpose, Active Ageing and Age Discrimination

An increasingly significant aspect of the global ageing population is the exponential rise in the oldest old-age group, including centenarians. However, there is a noticeable dearth of recent social science literature focused on this age group. The negative aspects usually associated with ageing seem to have shifted to what is referred as the “fourth age”, which is often described as a time of disengagement and social isolation. Nonetheless, there exists a considerable number of individuals among the oldest who continue to lead active lives, pursuing plans, engaging socially, and thriving well beyond their 80th birthday. Studies on sense of purpose show the relevance of maintaining interests and projects in old age for health and longevity. Research indicates that oldest old adults with a strong sense of purpose in life are less susceptible to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke and myocardial infarction. Therefore, promoting active ageing in the fourth age should be a priority at both personal and institutional policy levels. The concepts of healthy ageing and successful ageing will be critically examined. Describing the involvement of actual octogenarians in various activities, this edited volume endeavours to rewriting ageing and to invent new meanings for ageing, combating ageist prevalent culture. The chapter concludes with an overview of the book’s structure and a preview of individual chapters.