As many social gerontologists have pointed out, ageing, and later life in particular, continue to be neglected by social scientists in general. But perhaps the main problem is that research in these domains remains “largely a-theoretical in approach” (Phillipson and Baars, 2007: 83)*. In addition, the elders own accounts of their experiences and perspectives have not been seriously taken into account in the domain of social research and social policy. In the early nineties, Mim Bernard have stated: “It is high time that policy makers, planners and professionals began a proper dialogue with older people concerning their needs and wants… It is no longer sufficient to go on adopting a ‘we know best’ attitude” (Bernard, 1991 12)**. According to several social scientists, this statement continues to be valid, advocating that it is urgent to overcome this reality. We hope that this issue of the JSOD could contribute to it.

*Phillipson, C. and Baars, J. (2007) Social Theory and Social Ageing, in J. Bond, S. Peace, F. Dittmann-Kohli and G. Westerhof (eds) Ageing in Society, 3rd Edition, London: Sage.

José de São José