Critical Discourses of Old Age and Telecare Technologies / Edition 1

by Gizdem Akdur

Overview

This book makes an enquiry into policies surrounding old age and telecare. It contextualises telecare within the wider history of health and social care in England to build the case that there are grand narratives of old age embedded in policies.

Divided into four sections, the book covers:

• Connecting old age with telecare

• A general review of old age and telecare

• A critical enquiry into discourses and the identity of old age

• Conclusions and future directions.

The author highlights the manifestation of old age discourses in care policies, how they have been perpetuated yet also transformed in the context of telecare, and what this means about older people. The book will be of interest to students and academics in the fields of gerontology, sociology, old age studies, philosophy, social policy, health and social care policy, information systems, and critical theoreticians

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780367465124
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	07/02/2020
Series:	Routledge Advances in Health and Social Policy
Pages:	156
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Gizdem Akdur is a research fellow at the Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care (CRIPACC) of the University of Hertfordshire, UK. She is currently working on the DACHA study (developing research resources and minimum data set for care homes’ adoption and use), funded by the National Institute for Health Research, which addresses the need to develop robust systems for the benefit of care home residents. Previously, she worked as a teaching fellow in the Department of Digital Humanities at King’s College London, UK. Gizdem completed her PhD at the London School of Economics, under the Information Systems and Innovation Faculty Research Group. Her research interests include health information systems, health services research, ageing studies, policy research, and qualitative methods.

Table of Contents

List of figures. List of Tables. Acknowledgements. 1. Introduction: Connecting Old Age with Telecare. 2. A General Review of Old Age and Telecare. 3. A Critical Enquiry into Discourses and Identity of Old Age. 4. Conclusions and Future Directions. References. Appendices. Index.

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Carole A. Kenner, PhD, RN, FAAN, FNAP, ANEF (The College of New Jersey)
Description: This book highlights the shift from the notion that old age/gerontology represents a natural decline and infirmity to a view that fights ageism and promotes healthy aging. This paradigm shift requires a policy shift from marginalization to one of empowerment of the consumers of care. The book discusses the use of telecare technologies to promote health and independence in old age as well as debates the identity of old age.
Purpose: The purpose is to explore old age and telecare as it relates to health policies as well as the impact on older adults. The author posits that "grand narratives are embedded in policies." These are worthy objectives. They are met through many examples throughout the text. The book is needed as globally the population of older adults is growing.
Audience: According to the book, the intended audience is students and academics interested in gerontology, sociology, old age studies, philosophy, social policy, informatics, health and social care policy, as well as critical theoreticians. I would add health professionals who work with older adults. The book meets the needs of the audience. The author is credible according to credentials and publications.
Features: The book offers a list of figures and tables that can be easily accessed. Each chapter contains notes at the end to enhance understanding of the material. Content moves from creating a historical context of old age to present day changes that support a more vibrant view of aging. Descriptions of use of telecare to empower older adults to monitor their health help the readers to see policy changes as a result of this shift. One chapter is devoted to a description of the National Health Service (NHS), social care services, and telecare policies. Use of Foucauldian Discourse Analysis (FDA) and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) are used for policy analysis and how these policies shape the identity of the older adult. The final chapter outlines areas for further research especially regarding telecare technologies.
Assessment: This book offers a unique view of aging in the U.K. It emphasizes use of telecare technologies as a mechanism for older adults to be empowered to take charge of their health at a time during which the U.K. government cut social services funding but increased telecare expenditures.

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