Social gerontology, dementias and service provision: contributions to evidence-based practice

Abstract

With population ageing, Social Gerontology has sought to highlight the central role of the Social in understanding ageing. Advantages and disadvantages accumulated throughout life result from individual and generational processes, making it essential to conceptualize ageing from a life-course perspective, involving gains and losses. Questioning the association between ageing and excessive consumption of health and social resources requires a solid theoretical framework and evidence-based practice. In the context of services designed for people with dementia, it is essential to clarify the fields of action of the Social and Behavioral Sciences and the Health Sciences, enabling gerontology researchers and professionals to contribute to better ageing.