Haim Hazan, a specialist on old age in anthropology, focuses on the
reality of the experience of old age as opposed to the stereotyped
image. He argues that the construction of this world by outsiders is
affected by deeply ingrained social attitudes whereby the old are
separated from society and associated with the fear of death. The author
views the subject from a social constructionist perspective, drawing on
ethnographic accounts to produce a sophisticated and original book that
will have a significant impact on a field still dominated by the "social
problems" approach.