Ageing Through a Transitions Lens

Collection editors: Prof. Judith Sixsmith & Dr. Josephine McMurray

In Les rites de passages, originally published in 1909, van Gennep introduced the notion that people’s lives consist of a series of transitions that are characterized by three periods where changes in physical, psychological, emotional or situational events cause them first to separate from their understanding of themselves prior to the change, second to enter a (liminal) period of transition and finally to assimilate the changes into a new conceptualization of themselves (2013). " Ageing Through a Transitions Lens" is a special issue journal collection of articles that explores the everyday experiences and lives of older people and their caregivers. The articles focus on transitions that occur during the ageing process, including changes in health, caring roles, employment, and place. The authors argue that these transitions bring a range of challenges but also offer opportunities for the reconstruction of self-identity, relationships, and communities, and suggest that adopting a transitions approach might lead to a more positive and inclusive view of ageing. This collection of articles reframes ageing as a dynamic and transformative process which impacts everyday life and relationships, as well as the social structures in which they are embedded.