For example, a growing expectation of healthy, active or 'successful' ageing is voiced by Western governments and the mass media which anticipate older people engaging with more individualised health regimes as the population lives increasingly longer lives with more time spent in paid employment. However, concerns over population ageing and its effect on national healthcare systems are being increasingly voiced across the globe. 'Apocalyptic demography' (Gee, 2000) is an ideological position that portrays increasing numbers of older people putting an intolerable strain on formal healthcare systems and families. In this context, older people become 'a ticking time bomb' or a 'burden’ on the state and their loved ones.

Sociologically and/or epidemiologically informed contributions are sought for this two day meeting that examines how societies, social care systems and families, together with social and cultural change, influence discourses of health and wellbeing in ageing societies. Submissions focusing on age and health, employment, and wellbeing are welcome, together with papers addressing the social positioning and determinants of health experiences among older people. As in the previous ESHMS Special Interest Meetings we particularly encourage comparative contributions. Apart from theoretical, qualitative and quantitative contributions focusing on Europe we also welcome work comparing European countries with countries in other world regions.

The format of the Meeting will be in-depth discussions of two high quality paper presentations. The workshop is limited to 25 presentations in two parallel working groups. Each paper will have a 40-minute time slot, with 15 minutes for the presenter, 10 minutes for a discussant, and 15 minutes for general audience questions.