Managing the processes of ageing, both at individual and at societal levels, is seen as a main challenge for the future in many European societies. On the one hand, the ageing of societies is frequently discussed as a major cause for economic and social crises (e.g., for welfare states and families). On the other hand, longevity is debated as a challenge for the performance in relation to social, cultural and professional societal expectations. There is less discussion, however, on the meaning of ageing itself. Questions are arising whether the analysis of current developments relies on, reproduces or challenges current understandings of "being old" (Butler 1975): What is the interconnection between scientific, public and cultural conceptualisations of age and ageing? How can societal images and dynamics such as "anti-ageing" and "ageism" be explained? What consequences do positive approaches and discourses, such as active or successful ageing, have for those who are not easily classified as "productive" or "active"? How do welfare states react to changing notions of old age and ageing? What are options and consequences for both sociology and social work?

Dr. Kai Brauer is Professor for Social Work and Education at the University of Applied Sciences, Hochschule Neubrandenburg. Dr. Harald Künemund is Professor of Empirical Ageing Research and Research Methods at the Institute of Gerontology at the University of Vechta. Dr. Bernhard Weicht is lecturer at the University of Innsbruck and chairman of the research network "Ageing in Europe" of the European Sociological Association.