Peak: Reinventing Middle Age

Description

Society is changing faster than policies and attitudes are keeping up with. People are living longer, retiring from work later, and remaining active and valuable contributors to the community well into and beyond their 50s and 60s. Peak- Reinventing Middle Age focuses on Australians in the 50-75 age bracket- their contributions to society and their needs and expectations for their own lives. It is an insightful look at employment, relationships, education, housing, finances, lifestyles, health and aged care, and the need for reinvention both on a personal level and in terms of social policy. It includes ten short biographies of Australians who have embraced their middle age in a variety of interesting and inspirational ways. They are living fulfilled lives, contributing to their communities and, most importantly, not succumbing to outdated notions of winding down or stepping back from life in this exciting stage of life.

Patricia Edgar is a sociologist, educator, film and television producer, writer, researcher and policy analyst. Through a career spanning four decades she has been at the forefront of media for children nationally and internationally, winning multiple awards for her achievements and programs. Don Edgar is one of Australia's best-known authorities on social trends as they affect families, communities and the workplace. He was the Foundation Director of the Australian Institute of Family Studies, which became one of Australia's pre-eminent research institutes in family law, social security, work-family programs, youth and family support services, child protection, child poverty, child care, ageing and the work/family balance.

'Patricia is a sort of centurion in her abilities to kick down doors and push walls over...she gets things done.' Phillip Adams 'With her characteristic passion, Patricia Edgar has exploded the myth that an ageing population is unrelieved bad news for our social and economic future. This book is bursting with intellectual energy: if Edgar's rational arguments don't convince you, her human stories will.' Hugh Mackay on In Praise of Ageing 'Patricia Edgar brilliantly portrays the challenges and, more importantly, the manifold joys of growing older. She dissects the biased and inaccurate attitudes which prevent society from gaining maximum value out of its senior citizens. She highlights the experience, perspective, integrity and wisdom of our elders and introduces us to eight individuals enjoying fulfilling lives towards the end of their journeys-independent, interesting and inspirational people, examples to be emulated. This book is a "must read" for every thinking Australian.' Sir Gus Nossal on In Praise of Ageing 'A robust, persuasive and passionate look at the benefits of an extended life span.' Sun-Herald on In Praise of Ageing 'In Praise of Ageing is a cultural call to arms...The portraits of the elder firebrands are wonderful, painting an image of tireless spirits, keeping old age at bay with their good humour, spirit and sence of purposes.' Weekly Times on In Praise of Ageing 'A breath of fresh air.' Australian Doctor on In Praise of Ageing 'What a fantastic book. [Patricia Edgar] has written the most positive book on ageing that I have read. The book is not cloying, patronising or depressing. Instead, [Edgar] has presented us with an eminently readable and thoroughly researched book on a topic that is very close to many of us.' Law Society Journal on In Praise of Ageing 'A thought-provoking, affirming look at the years ahead, and how society might meaningfully restructure to accommodate ageing Baby Boomers.' Books+Publishing 'With its inspirational case studies and emphasis on new opportunities, Peak is both a handbook for reinvention and an analysis of our changing understanding of this phase of life.' Age 'A thoughtful and challenging study.' GP Speak 'Part pep talk, part revolutionary pamphlet, the Edgars' book is a quick and informative read on a subject that will engross more and more of the population.' Inside Story 'Patricia and Don Edgar bring a lifetime of experience, expertise, and wisdom to this authoritative and thought-provoking book. In the questions it asks and ideas it canvasses about how we lead our lives, this is a book for people of all the ages.' Australian Book Review