Document Detail


In the vanguard of biomedicine? The curious and contradictory case of anti-ageing medicine.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20003037     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
The rise of anti-ageing medicine is emblematic of the current conditions of American biomedicine. Through in-depth interviews with 31 anti-ageing practitioners, we examine how practitioners strive for-and justify-a model of care that runs counter to what they see as the 'assembly line' insurance-managed industry of healthcare. Their motivation, however, is not merely a reaction to conventional medicine. It is derived from what they see as a set of core beliefs about the role of the physician, the nature of the physician-patient relationship, and the function of biomedicine. We analyse this ideology to underscore how anti-ageing medicine is built on a 'technology of the self', a self in need of constant surveillance, intervention, and maintenance. The ultimate goal is to create an optimal self, not just a self free of illness. A fundamental irony is that, despite their self-presentation and the perception of the public, anti-ageing providers do not use practices that are especially 'high-tech' or unconventional. Instead, the management of ageing bodies rests on providers' perceived knowledge of their patients, tailored treatments, and a collaborative pact between the provider and patient.
Authors:
Jennifer R Fishman; Richard A Settersten; Michael A Flatt
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural     Date:  2009-12-09
Journal Detail:
Title:  Sociology of health & illness     Volume:  32     ISSN:  1467-9566     ISO Abbreviation:  Sociol Health Illn     Publication Date:  2010 Feb 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-04-26     Completed Date:  2011-01-06     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8205036     Medline TA:  Sociol Health Illn     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  197-210     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Social Studies of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada. jennifer.fishman@mcgill.ca
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adult
Aged
Aging*
Biomedical Research
Female
Geriatrics / trends*
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Prejudice*
Preventive Medicine / methods*,  trends
Qualitative Research
Regenerative Medicine / methods*,  trends
Grant Support
ID/Acronym/Agency:
1R01 AG020916-04A1/AG/NIA NIH HHS

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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