This book delves into the intricate landscape of respiratory diseases among older people, shedding light on their biosocial encounters while grappling with chronic breathlessness. While respiratory ailments predominantly afflict older people, often stemming from lifestyle choices like smoking, contemporary factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and escalating air pollution further exacerbate respiratory health challenges. Rooted in ethnographic research conducted in the UK, the narrative captures the quotidian struggles associated with abnormal breathing—an aspect typically overlooked despite its indispensability to life. Through poignant accounts, the book elucidates the profound transformations engendered by medical diagnoses, delving into their ripple effects on personal relationships and social engagements, while also offering insights into coping mechanisms. Chapters traverse the contours of patient identity, societal perceptions, community healthcare dynamics, advocacy endeavours, and the intrinsic link between health and human rights. Notably, the author delves into the pivotal role of support groups such as Breathe Easy, the empowering realm of “self-help”, and the organic formation of communities to address diverse social needs. With its multidisciplinary approach, this book appeals to a broad spectrum of scholars spanning anthropology, sociology, gerontology, and public health, offering a rich tapestry of insights into the complex interplay between health, society, and individual experiences.
By:
Fredrik Nyman
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 234mm,
Width: 156mm,
Weight: 635g
ISBN: 9781032483313
ISBN 10: 1032483318
Series: Routledge Studies in Health and Medical Anthropology
Pages: 250
Publication Date: 07 October 2024
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
1. Making the Invisible Visible; 2. Breathe Easy and the Making of a Support Group Network; 3. The Forms and Functions of Breathe Easy Support Groups; 4. Breathe Easy and Patient Advocacy in Tyneside; 5. Biosociality: A Postmodern Argument; 6. A Pandemic of Breathlessness; 7. Epilogues: Meaning, Importance, Relevance
Fredrik Nyman is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work at Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden, where he specialises in the interconnection between public health and social work. He has a PhD in Anthropology from Durham University, UK and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (Advance HE). This book is based on his doctoral dissertation.
