Review of 'Reeling in the years - Gay men's perspectives on age and ageism'

Abstract

Reviews the book "Reeling in the Years--Gay Men's Perspectives on Age and Ageism," by Tim Bergling (2004). The book adds a welcome perspective, and a critical as well as frank contribution to the slowly, albeit gradually evolving amount of gerontological literature in the area of aging and homosexuality. The author skilfully and occasionally humorously, but always painstakingly honestly, illustrates the gay community's attitudes toward age and the rites of passage associated with certain age groups. The book explores the gay experience through young, middle-aged, and elderly viewpoints, including relationships, dating younger men, dating older men, the internet, sex, drugs, alcohol, HIV/AIDS, fitness, cosmetic surgery, retirement, bereavement, harassment, and discrimination. Overall, the book offers an engaging read, not only about age specifically, but about gay culture in general. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)