Aging Disgracefully: Perspectives on Disability Experience and Activism From Disability Studies and Anthropology
Objective: The objective of this chapter is to introduce the ways in which insights from disability theory and activism intersect with contemporary theories and activism related to aging. Background: This chapter is motivated by the prospect that disability studies, disability social movements, and ethnography may offer valuable perspectives on experiences of aging with disability, aging into disability, and simply aging. Main Ideas: The authors provide a review of relevant theories and methodologies as well as several case studies on topics such as aging in place, age-related cognitive changes, communication access, and activism. Key themes explored include interdependence, supported autonomy, access, pride, community participation, and justice. Principle Conclusions: Occupational therapists and other health professionals must reach beyond interprofessional collaboration to ensure that the goals, wishes, and knowledge of older adults and disabled people are represented and respected in practice and policy. Interdisciplinary scholarly engagement and collaboration with community groups, activists, and experts in the experiences of aging and disability are critically important to client-centered practice.
