CHOOSING NOT TO BE OLD - MASKS, BODIES AND IDENTITY MANAGEMENT IN LATER LIFE

This paper critically assesses an increasing use of mask motifs to exa mine questions of identity in later life. Two approaches are subjected to detailed analysis, both of which propose distinctive answers to th e challenge to identity management emerging from high or post modernit y. First, consideration is given to a postmodern 'mask of ageing' (Fea therstone and Hepworth 1989), key elements of which include consumer c ulture and the ageing body. Secondly, psychodynamic conceptions of mas querade and the use of personae are examined, whereby discussion centr es on expanded personal potential in the second half of life and prote ction against a hostile social environment. A developmental model of s ocial masking is proposed. Whilst there are superficial similarities i n the use of masking, these traditions are shown to have radically dif ferent ideas concerning the core contradictions of al? ageing identity . Implications for identity management and the status of body, midlife style and authenticity in later life, plus the need for subtlety in re search methodology, are drawn out.