Description:How can we understand older people as real human beings, value their wisdom, and appreciate that their values and principles both matter in themselves and are affected by those of others? Using a life-course approach, this book claims that the complexity and potential creativity that exists in later life demands a more humanistic vision of older people and ageing. This new approach would allow greater inclusion of older people, stressing the value of 'ties of recognition and concern' which bind all human beings together. At the same time, the book acknowledges the different experiences of older age and the diversity of meanings connected with them. Valuing Older People presents a range of contexts and methodologies through which such meanings can be understood. The book interprets ageing as a process of creating meaning, carried out by older people yet significant for those around them, influencing the norms and values of their societies. It offers a lively and creative response to contemporary challenges of ageing and it promotes a more positive view of ageing and older people, recognizing a respect for wisdom.