Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Publication

Aging and chronic illness in language and sexuality

Abstract
In Western societies and globally, there is an ageing demographic, and public health issues, such as dementias, are often described using hyperbolic metaphors like 'tsunami' and 'time bomb'. This chapter provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding sexualities, ageing, and chronic illness. Specifically, we concentrate on discursive research from various social science disciplines that have contributed to our understanding of the lives and experiences of older LGBTQ individuals. Our review includes research on ageism and chronic conditions that affect older people, such as dementia and type 2 diabetes. We also discuss our own empirical research conducted in these areas, as well as the manifestations of heterosexism and heteronormativity within these contexts. By using illustrative examples that highlight the intersection of language, sexuality, ageing, and chronic illness, we emphasize the importance of this field in language and sexuality scholarship. Furthermore, we suggest future directions for research and the development of studies focusing on these significant topics.
Type
Chapter in Book
Type of thesis
Series
Citation
Date
2018-09
Publisher
Oxford University Press.
Degree
Supervisors
Rights
This is an author’s accepted version of a chapter published in the book: The Oxford Handbook of Language and Sexuality. © 2018 Oxford University Press.