Читать книгу Critical Questions for Ageing Societies - Carney Gemma - Страница 9

Acknowledgements

Like all creative work, this book is a product of much more than the efforts of its two authors. We would like to thank our families, friends and colleagues who encouraged and supported us throughout the project from inception to completion. We first met through membership of the British Society of Gerontology (BSG) and would like to acknowledge the importance of BSG in providing a supportive community for gerontology nerds like us to hatch plans and work together. We urge anyone interested in pursuing research on ageing, independently or in a formal university setting, to join the BSG.

Gemma M. Carney would like to thank her all of her colleagues at Queen’s University Belfast, but particularly Paula Devine, Leonie Hannan and Dirk Schubotz, for providing support and encouragement throughout. Special thanks are due to Professor Tony Gallagher who, as Head of School, encouraged the writing of a textbook despite the pressures of the REF (Research Excellence Framework) and who allowed the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work to provide financial support for a trip to the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology to work with Paul on the book. Research assistant Callum Briscoe deserves a special mention for compiling Table 1.1 as well as providing expert referencing, scouting out international examples and testing out our review exercises. Thanks to Sarah McKenna, ace gerontology student, for sharing a student perspective on early drafts of key chapters. The image on the cover of the book is kindly provided by visual artist and one in a million friend, Gemma Hodge. Lastly, Gemma Carney would like to thank her husband Neil and sons Ray and Cal without whom all of her life and work would have infinitely less colour and worth.

Paul Nash would like to thank colleagues in both Swansea University, UK, and the University of Southern California, US, as the writing process spanned employment at both. Prof Vanessa Burholt was, and continues to be, an invaluable friend and mentor to Paul, offering much encouragement through the writing process and more widely within academia. Paul would also like to highlight the filial support from mother Kate, sister Sarah and nephew Alex. Despite the geographic distance, all have provided emotional and instrumental support on their many visits to Los Angeles. Their encouragement and unwavering support has made this book possible while juggling many other commitments. The writing process and sacrifices made have illuminated the strength in true friendships and cemented the bonds both personally and professionally around a shared goal.