Abstract

The relationship between societal aging and individual aging is intricate and interlinked. As societies age, people navigate old age in evolving social contexts, influenced by generational dynamics and value judgments that can lead to exclusion mechanisms. These mechanisms encompass various domains, contributing to symbolic exclusion and identity challenges due to ageism and discrimination. The 65+ age group exhibits significant diversity in life paths, complicating the definition of old age. Institutional and normative frameworks shape aging’s standards, impacting resource distribution and intergenerational dynamics. Notions of active and successful aging emphasize independence but can lead to stigma for those who do not conform to them. A holistic approach considers context, agency, and connections in aging experiences, while service providers highlight tensions between policy and reality. Simplified models and lack of unified strategies risk excluding certain older individuals, perpetuating inequality.