Older women and everyday talk about the ageing body

Paulson, S. & Willig, C. (2008). Older women and everyday talk about the ageing body. Journal of Health P, 13(1), pp. 106-120. doi: 10.1177/1359105307084316

Abstract

This discourse analytic study shows how 10 older women, who exercise regularly or attend the University of the Third Age, adjust to the ageing body in their `everyday talk' through taking a dualist position. The part of the body which is discursively constructed as ageing becomes objectified through appealing to a wider cultural discourse of ageing as biological decline. This dualist position is embedded within a wider cultural discourse of personal agency. The individual's control of the ageing body is emphasized, the ability to monitor and manage `ageing body parts' through exerting the `active mind' and the `busy body' in activities, or simply focusing on `looking good'.

Publication Type:	Article
Publisher Keywords:	ageing body parts; biological decline; discursive constructions; dualism; personal agency
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Psychology
Related URLs:	Author