International Journal of Ageing and Later Life 2016 10(2): 103-107 - Book Review

Aug 27, 2026

A scholarly book review examines Jason Danely’s Aging and Loss, focusing on how aging experiences are shaped by loss, mourning, abandonment, care, and hope. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork and the cultural reference of Ubasuteyama, the review highlights intergenerational relations, filial duty, ancestor worship, and the changing meanings of care. It evaluates the book as both academic analysis and artful narrative, while commenting on interpretive transparency in spiritual aspects.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

Review Overview

Core Themes and Ethnographic Approach

Cultural References: Ubasuteyama

Loss, Mourning, Abandonment and Care

Hope and Social Context

International Journal of Ageing and Later Life, 2016 10(2): 103􀀂107. \# The Authors Jason Danely (2014). Aging and Loss: Mourning and Maturity in Contemporary Japan. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 246 pp. ISBN 978 0 8135 6516 3 (paperback) REVIEWED by ELS-MARIE ANB¨ACKEN * I have read a lot of literature on Japanese society and aging since the early 1990s. A recurring theme is the issue of care and filial duty in a changing society: Who cares, who should care, and where? Danely has composed a unique tapestry which tells the (hi)story of aging, care and intergenerational relations by using aesthetics and spirituality as tools for analysis. In doing so, new aspects of the experience of aging as experiences of loss are dealt with, in the intersections of aging studies, religion and, perhaps, gerontological social work. The ethnography unfolds, starting out from the choice of site and informants to careful interpretations of conversationsand participant observations. The in-depth stories and analyses of this interweave with theoretical reflections resulted in a rich ‘‘story,’’ which is both an academic study and a piece of fine art. Throughout the ethnography, Danely uses the cultural reference of Ubasuteyama, the mountain where old grannies were taken by their eldest son to die. Danely draws on this tale in a deeply creative way across time to show that it continues to influence the ways old age care is dispensed till this day. Even though eldercare is available, the view of filial duty asan ideal for care appears to linger on, but interwoven with individual * Els-Marie Anba¨cken, School of Health Care and Social Welfare, M¨alardalen University, Eskilstuna, Sweden 103 International Journal of Ageing and Later Life considerations and rooted in feelings of unfulfilled expectations. This theme is interesting to revisit, 15 years after the introduction of the Japanese care insurance to support the independence of elders and their families. The book is divided into four parts that elucidate the core theme, interpreting the aging experiences of Loss, Mourning, Abandonment and Care, and finally Hope. The Introduction underlines the importance of seeing population aging as a transformative power in society, as cultural meanings and social institutions change. While I see this throughout the book, I sometimes wished to see more transparency in how the interpretations are constructed, especially on spiritual matters such as the role of cemeteries and family altars. Nevertheless, ethnographies may uncover aspects which are hidden in the taken-for-granted contexts of one’s own. In this case, ancestor worship can be linked to different levels, such as population aging, changing family structures, and social policy. The depth of meaning in the rituals surrounding death and the care of the ancestors, as well as the worries that the next generation will not continue this care (in the physical sense but also ancestral ‘‘aftercare’’), is clear from Danley’s informants. I was struck by the similarity we found in a recent study (Anb¨acken et al. 2015) . In the first part, Loss, Danely brilliantly interweaves loss, abandonment and aesthetics, and with pregnant words paints a picture of ‘‘The Weight of Loss: Experiencing Aging and Grief.’’ The reader feels this weight. I am reminded of Moustakas’ Loneliness (1961) on the inevitable existential loneliness of human existence. Both beauty and sadness of loss are linked to narratives. Memorialization is described as both ‘‘revealing the structure of loss and its creativity’’ (p. 26) and also adding to ikigai, a sense of purpose of life. Core concepts developed throughout the book are introduced in Part 1, such as ‘‘transience’’ (p. 21) and ‘‘empty space (ma)’’ (p. 23) . I find the section ‘‘Mourning and Materialization: Debt, Change and Return’’ (p. 28) especially worth commenting on, since these three words capture the core theme of life and relationships in Japan: kee

FAQs

What themes does the review say Danely develops in Aging and Loss?

The review highlights Loss, Mourning, Abandonment and Care, concluding with Hope, all framed through aging as an experience of loss.

How does the review describe Danely’s method and use of evidence?

It emphasizes ethnography, from selecting sites and informants to interpreting conversations and participant observations, supported by theoretical reflections.

What role does Ubasuteyama play according to the review?

The review states that Danely uses Ubasuteyama as an analytical and creative lens to show how practices and beliefs around elder care continue to influence care today.

Aug 27, 2026

Upload by Lucas Vance