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Aging and the Body: A Review*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 July 2011

Laura Hurd Clarke*
Affiliation:
School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia
Alexandra Korotchenko
Affiliation:
School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia
*
Correspondence and requests for offprints should be sent to / La correspondance et les demandes de tirés-à-part doivent être adressées à: Laura Hurd Clarke, Ph.D. Associate Professor The University of British Columbia School of Kinesiology 156-1924 West Mall Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2 ([email protected])

Abstract

In this article, we examine the existing sociocultural research and theory concerned with the aging body. In particular, we review the body image and embodiment literatures and discuss what is known about how older adults perceive and experience their aging bodies. We analyse how body image is shaped by age, culture, ethnicity, gender, health status, sexual preference, and social class. Additionally, we critically elucidate the embodiment literature as it pertains to illness experiences, sexuality, the everyday management of the aging body, appearance work, and embodied identity. By outlining the key findings, theoretical debates, and substantive discrepancies within the body image and embodiment research and theory, we identify gaps in the literature and forecast future, much-needed avenues of investigation.

Résumé

Dans cet article, nous examinons les recherches socioculturelles existantes et la théorie concernant le corps vieillissant. En particulier, nous examinons l’image du corps et la littérature de l’incarnation et discutons de ce qui est connu de la façon dont les aînés perçoivent et sentent l’expérience de leur corps vieillissants. Nous analysons comment l’image du corps est influencée par l’âge, la culture, l’origine ethnique, le sexe, l’état de santé, les préferences sexuelles, et la classe sociale. En outre, nous avons élaboré de façon critique la littérature comme mode de réalisation qui a trait aux expériences de la maladie, la sexualité, la gestion quotidienne du corps vieillissante, le travail avec l’apparence et l’identité incarnée. En présentant les principales conclusions, les débats théoriques, et les divergences de fond qui sont présentes dans la recherche et dans la théorie de l’image corporelle et l’incarnation, nous avons identifié les lacunes dans la littérature et avons prévu des axes d’enquête requises à l’avenir.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 2011

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Footnotes

*

The authors are honoured to be a part of this special edition and thank Dr. Herbert Northcott for the invitation to participate. As well, the first author acknowledges the generous support of the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR) and, in particular, the MSFHR Career Scholar Award, which made the writing of this article possible.

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