Geronticide: Killing the Elderly

    By Mike Brogden.

    Jessica Kingsley

    ISBN 1 85302 709 X

    £15.95

    We live in a different world after Harold Shipman. The trial and
    the resulting public anxiety about trust in professionals has meant
    that the deliberate and systematic killing of older people is no
    longer seen as remote or part of other societies. Mike Brogden’s
    overview of the subject starts and finishes with Shipman, but his
    main discussion explores how geronticide has been and continues to
    be a feature of “care” for the aged.

    Brodgen argues that geronticide was prevalent in the past and
    provides evidence in the form of illustrations from religious
    sources, folklore, poetry and literature in confirmation. These are
    drawn globally and over the centuries.

    Contemporary geronticide is presented as death hastening, either
    through rationing of resources or treatment, or through social
    pressures leading to calls for euthanasia or suicide. Long-term
    care is portrayed as a matter of bureaucratic disposal. Private
    provision is singled out for particular criticism. Accounts of poor
    or cruel practices in long-term care at times may be presented
    simplistically and out of context, says Brogden. This contrasts
    with the sophistication of the debate on euthanasia.

    Brogden’s pace and broad coverage, drawing a range of
    gerontological theories, make for a good read. There are plenty of
    big ideas, with keen insights into the vulnerabilities of some
    groups of older people. Numerous accounts are given to suggest that
    the poor and women have fared comparatively worse. They have been
    ignored, mistreated or subject to direct assault or murder in the
    case of women conceived as witches.

    This book, then, is compelling on the level of its sweeping
    themes and illuminating in its often harrowing reports of
    individual abuse and death. It may also encourage further reading
    on this subject. At a time when the National Service Framework has
    made strong calls for anti-ageist values, this book provides
    evidence of the excesses of ageism. However, it has less to say
    about the means to challenge them.

    Jill Manthorpe is senior lecturer, social work
    department, University of Hull.

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