– The purpose of this paper is to outline an approach to understanding later life issues through the conceptual framework of “transitions”.
– The paper draws on a wide ranging review of the literature, supported by two workshop sessions involving key stakeholders and experts in the field.
– An analysis of efficacy or otherwise of the support available for people undergoing some of the major transitions is undertaken and some of the key issues arising from this are presented.
– The study derives its data largely from a review of published literature and therefore lacks the input from older people themselves.
– The analysis provides guidance to policy makers and others interested in the later life agenda with well-researched recommendations for change.
– There are significant social implications in the recommendations and the opportunity for the experiences in later life to be framed in a transitions paradigm.
– This is a very original piece of work as no other review has presented the conceptual framework of transitions alongside a practical analysis of the value of current support arrangements across the major transitions.
