Aging Body

This entry focuses on the sociology of the body in the context of older age. It begins with a brief overview of sociological perspectives on the body and why it has become topical of late. This provides the context for understanding some sociological insights about the aging body and the implications of changes in bodily appearance, bodily functioning, and bodily control. The decline of the body has implications for caring practices and providing dignified care. It is argued that the adoption of a social model of disease in health services appears to be more appropriate for the care of people in later life.