Making the case for redefining middle age

Researchers and policy analysts Patricia and Don Edgar have written a new book showcasing the active and valuable contributions made by older Australians and calling for a rethink on how society understands ageing.

Researchers and policy analysts Patricia and Don Edgar have written a new book showcasing the active and valuable contributions made by older Australians and calling for a rethink on how society understands ageing.

Peak by Patricia and Don Edgar

Peak: Reinventing Middle Age focuses on Australians in the 50 to 75 age bracket and argues the case for the reinvention of the middle years of life as the peak years.

The book includes ten short biographies of Australians who have embraced growing old in a variety of interesting and inspirational ways, defying limits and societal expectations.

“They are thriving and their stories demonstrate imagination, resourcefulness, tenacity, courage, innovation and creativity, for they have reinvented their journeys as pioneers in living longer lives well and appreciate the fact that every day counts,” write Patricia and Don Edgar.

The book examines how society will be changed by the needs and demands of middle-agers and calls for a radical rethink of social policy to respond to the new realities of longevity.

Peak describes the dramatic changes that are affecting workplaces, relationships, education, housing and healthcare as a result of an ageing population.

Dr Don Edgar is an influential social policy commentator and was the foundation director of the Australian Institute of Family Studies. Dr Patricia Edgar is a sociologist, educator, film and television producer and the author of In Praise of Ageing.

Both Patricia and Don are ambassadors for the National Ageing Research Institute.

Peak: Reinventing Middle Age is published by Text Publishing and available from 27 February (RRP $32.99).

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Tags: ageing, ageing-population, books, consumers, don-edgar, nari, non-fiction, patricia-edgar, peak-reinventing-middle-age, reablement, resources, social-policy,

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