This volume is a collection of studies dealing with age or, rather, ages, mainly from a linguistic viewpoint, but also accommodating inputs from other disciplinary perspectives. It focuses on the linguistic, social, economic and ethical aspects of social groups defined in terms of age - which clearly includes seniors but is, of course, not limited to that. In a global setting where spaces are constantly being redefined, new technologies and phenomena like the COVID-19 pandemic exert a substantial influence on how ages are perceived, seen and constructed. Within such a complex and multi-layered context, the chapters of this book provide attempts at showcasing realities connected with language, ages and, in general, the discourses surrounding them.

Kim Grego is Associate Professor of English Language and Translation at the University of Milan, Italy, where she teaches English Language and Linguistics. Her interests include Translation Studies, ESP (scientific, medical and political discourse), Critical Genre Analysis and Critical Discourse Studies applied to ethically debatable issues. Alessandra Vicentini is Associate Professor of English Language and Translation at the University of Insubria, Italy, where she teaches English Linguistics. Her research interests include ESP (medicine & healthcare and news discourse), Sociolinguistics, Critical Discourse and Genre Analysis. Virpi Ylänne is a Reader in Language and Communication at Cardiff University, Wales, UK. She has published widely on media representations of older adults, and ageing and identity. Her other research interests include institutional discourse and social interaction.