Prof. Miriam Bernard

Title: Professor of Social Gerontology
Phone: (+44) 01782 734067
Email:
Location: Chancellor’s Building: CBC 0.006
Role: Course Director, MA in Gerontology; Member, School Strategic Planning Group
Contacting me: Email me or knock on my office door.
Bernard_Miriam

I am a ‘Keelite’ through and through having first arrived here as an undergraduate student in the 1970s. I took a Combined Honours degree in English Literature and Geography (with Psychology and Geology subsidiary subjects) and, after a year away, returned to undertake my PhD (in Social/Human Geography). I have lived and worked in the Potteries ever since.

I ended up in ‘ageing’ completely by accident having been appointed on a temporary nine-month contract to manage a small research team at the Beth Johnson Foundation (a voluntary organisation known for its innovative work with older people). I then stayed for six years as the Foundation’s Research Officer where I undertook a variety of projects before returning to Keele in 1988 to help set up the first programmes in Gerontology (Certificate, Diploma and Masters) outside London. I was promoted to Senior Lecturer in October 1995, Reader in September 1997 and, in May 1999, was awarded a personal Chair. At Keele, I have done a variety of jobs including Head of the Department of Applied Social Studies, Head of the School of Social Relations and Founder Director of the Research Institute for Life Course Studies. I am President-Elect (2008-10) and President (2010-12) of the British Society of Gerontology.

Building on a background of innovative participatory action-research with older people in the voluntary sector, my research career has been distinguished by a commitment to inter and multi-disciplinary perspectives. I have long-standing research interests in women’s lives as they age and 25 years’ experience of policy and practice-relevant research. This has included studies of the family life of older people conducted under the ESRC’s ‘Population and Household Change’ programme in the 1990s; of informal care for older adults under the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s ‘Work and Family Life’ programme; and, for the past decade, studies of the development of new retirement villages and the extent to which they facilitate or impede family and intergenerational relations.

I am currently Project Leader for a major interdisciplinary study being conducted with colleagues in the Humanities and partners in the New Vic Theatre Education Department. Entitled ‘Ages and Stages: The Place of Theatre in Representations and Recollections of Ageing’, the project is one of only 12 to secure funding under the final phase of the national cross-council ‘New Dynamics of Ageing’ Programme (www.newdynamics.group.shef.ac.uk).

I am the author/editor of 18 books and monographs, over 70 book chapters and journal articles, and many research reports. I am currently on the Editorial Boards of the Journal of Intergenerational Relationships: programs, policy and research and Policy Press’s Ageing and the Lifecourse series.

I am an experienced and successful supervisor of PhD students and am a member of the Centre for Social Gerontology  and of the Research Institute for Social Sciences .

Selected Publications

  • Bartlam B, Bernard M, Liddle J, Scharf T, Sim J. 2013. Creating home-like places in a purpose-built retirement village in the United Kingdom. In Environmental Gerontology: Making Meaningful Places in Old Age. Rowles GD and Bernard M (Eds.). New York: Springer. link>
  • Liddle J, Scharf T, Bartlam B, Bernard M, Sim J. 2013. Exploring the age-friendliness of purpose-built retirement communities: evidence from England. Ageing and Society. doi>
  • Moore A, Sim J, Bernard M, Jordan K, Richardson J. 2013. FORTHCOMING Older people’s perceptions of remaining physically active while living with chronic pain. Qualitative Health Research.
  • Jordan KP, Sim J, Moore A, Bernard M, Richardson J. 2012. Distinctiveness of long-term pain that does not interfere with life: an observational cohort study. European Journal of Pain, vol. 16(8), 1185-1194. doi> link>
  • Sim J, Liddle J, Bernard M, Scharf T, Bartlam B. 2012. Home from home? A mixed-methods study of relocation within a purpose-built retirement community. Journal of Housing for the Elderly, vol. 26(4), 372-394. doi>

Full Publications List show

Books

  • Ray M, Bernard M, Phillips J. 2008. Critical Issues in Social Work with Older people. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Scharf TS, Bartlam B, Bernard M, Hislop J, Dunning A, Sim J. 2006. Necessities of Life: older people’s experiences of poverty. London: Help the Aged.
  • Bernard M. 2004. "How Do You Know That Intergenerational Practice Works?" - A guide to getting started on evaluating intergenerational practice. The Beth Johnson Foundation, Stoke-on-Trent.
  • Bernard M, Bartlam B, Biggs S, Sim J. 2004. New Lifestyles in Old Age: Health, Identity and Well-being in Berryhill Retirement Village. Policy Press, Bristol University.
  • Bernard M, Phillips J, Machin L, Harding Davies V. 2003. Women Ageing: Changing Identities, Challenging Myths (Korean translation). Kyungmoonsa Publishers, Korea.
  • BERNARD M, Chittenden M, Phillips J. 2002. Juggling Work and Care: The Experiences of Working Carers of Older Adults. The Policy Press and JRF.
  • Phillipson C, Bernard M, Phillips J, Ogg J. 2001. The Family and Community Life of Older People: Social Networks and Social Support in Three Urban Areas. Routledge, London.

Journal Articles

  • Liddle J, Scharf T, Bartlam B, Bernard M, Sim J. 2013. Exploring the age-friendliness of purpose-built retirement communities: evidence from England. Ageing and Society. doi>
  • Moore A, Sim J, Bernard M, Jordan K, Richardson J. 2013. FORTHCOMING Older people’s perceptions of remaining physically active while living with chronic pain. Qualitative Health Research.
  • Jordan KP, Sim J, Moore A, Bernard M, Richardson J. 2012. Distinctiveness of long-term pain that does not interfere with life: an observational cohort study. European Journal of Pain, vol. 16(8), 1185-1194. doi> link>
  • Sim J, Liddle J, Bernard M, Scharf T, Bartlam B. 2012. Home from home? A mixed-methods study of relocation within a purpose-built retirement community. Journal of Housing for the Elderly, vol. 26(4), 372-394. doi>
  • Bernard M, Liddle J, Bartlam B, Scharf T, Sim J. 2012. Then and now: evolving community in the context of a retirement village. Ageing and Society, vol. 32(1), 103-129. doi>
  • Sim J, Bartlam B, Bernard M. 2011. The CASP-19 as a measure of quality of life in old age: evaluation of its use in a retirement community. Qual Life Res, vol. 20(7), 997-1004. link> doi>
  • Bernard M and Melville J. 2011. Intergenerational Shared Sites: Policy and Practice Developments in the UK. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, vol. 9(3), 237-249. doi>
  • Bernard M. 2008. Critical Reflections and Personal Experiences: Key Components of Intergenerational Research, Policy, and Practice. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, vol. 6(4), 389-393. doi>
  • Bernard M. 2008. Aging, Society and the Life Course, 3rd edition. AGEING & SOCIETY, vol. 28, 439-440. link> doi>
  • Bernard M, Bartlam B, Biggs S, Sim J. 2007. Housing and Care for Older People:life in an English purpose-built retirement village. Ageing and Society, vol. 27(4), 555-579. doi>
  • Bernard M and Phillips J. 2007. Working Carers of Older Adults: what helps and what hinders in juggling work and care?'. Community, Work and Family, vol. 10(2), 139-160.
  • BERNARD M. 2006. Research, Policy, Practice and Theory: Interrelated Dimensions of a Developing Field. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships , vol. 4(1), 5-21. doi>
  • Bernard M. 2004. Developing a New Lifestyle in Old Age: Health, Identity and Well-being in Berryhill Retirement Village. Community Care.
  • Bernard M, Phillipson C, Phillips J, Ogg J. 2001. Continuity and change in the family and community life of older people. JOURNAL OF APPLIED GERONTOLOGY, vol. 20(3), 259-278. link>
  • Kingston P, Bernard M, Biggs S, Nettleton H. 2001. Assessing the health impact of age-specific housing. Health Soc Care Community, vol. 9(4), 228-234. link> doi>
  • BERNARD M. 2001. Women Ageing: Old Lives, New Challenges. Education and Ageing, vol. 16(3), 335-352.
  • Kingston P, Bernard M, Biggs S, Nettleton H. 2001. Assessing the health impact of age-specific housing. Health and Social Care in the Community, vol. 9(4), 228-235.
  • Bernard M, Phillipson C, Phillips J, Ogg J. 2001. Continuity and change in the family and community life of older people. Journal of Applied Gerontology, vol. 20(3), 259-279.
  • Biggs S, Bernard M, Kingston P, Nettleton H. 2001. Lifestyles of belief: Narrative and culture in a retirement community. Ageing and Society, vol. 20(4), 649-672. doi>
  • Phillips J, Bernard M, Phillipson C, Ogg J. 2000. Social support in later life: A study of three areas. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WORK, vol. 30(6), 837-853. link> doi>
  • Bernard M and Phillips J. 2000. The challenge of ageing in tomorrow's Britain. AGEING AND SOCIETY, vol. 20, 33-54. link> doi> full text>
  • Phillipson C, Bernard M, Phillips J, Ogg J. 1999. Older people's experiences of community life: patterns of neighbouring in three urban areas. SOCIOLOGICAL REVIEW, vol. 47(4), 715-743. link> doi>
  • Phillipson C, Bernard M, Phillips J, Ogg J. 1999. Inter- and intra-generational ties in the lives of older people. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GERONTOLOGIE UND GERIATRIE, vol. 32(2), 99. link>
  • Kingston P, Biggs S, Nettleton H, Bernard M. 1999. Retiring into a new community. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GERONTOLOGIE UND GERIATRIE, vol. 32(2), 88. link>
  • Phillipson C, Bernard M, Phillips J, Ogg J. 1998. The family and community life of older people: household composition and social networks in three urban areas. AGEING AND SOCIETY, vol. 18, 259-289. link>
  • Bernard M. 1998. Backs to the future? Reflections on women, ageing and nursing. J Adv Nurs, vol. 27(3), 633-640. link> doi>
  • Bernard M. 1995. Social forces and aging: An introduction to social gerontology - Atchley,RC. AGEING AND SOCIETY, vol. 15, 566-569. link> doi>
  • BERNARD M. 1990. GROWING OLD IN THE 20TH-CENTURY - JEFFERYS,M. SOCIOLOGICAL REVIEW, vol. 38(3), 594-597. link>
  • Bernard M. 1989. Research in action: self health care and older people. Hygie, vol. 8(2), 11-16. link>
  • BERNARD M. Critical reflections and personal experiences: Key components of intergenerational research, policy and practice. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships: programs, policy and research, vol. 6(4), 389-393.
  • Sim J, Liddle J, Bernard M, Scharf T, Bartlam B. Home from home? A mixed-methods study of relocation within a purpose-built retirement community. Journal of Housing for the Elderly.

Chapters

  • Bartlam B, Bernard M, Liddle J, Scharf T, Sim J. 2013. Creating home-like places in a purpose-built retirement village in the United Kingdom. In Environmental Gerontology: Making Meaningful Places in Old Age. Rowles GD and Bernard M (Eds.). New York: Springer. link>
  • Phillips J and Bernard M. 2008. Work and Care: blurring the boundaries of space, place, time and distance. In Aging and Caring at the Intersection of Work and Home Life: Blurring the Boundaries. Martin-Matthews A and Phillips J (Eds.). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
  • Bernard M and Ellis SW. 2007. ¿Cómo sabes que la práctica intergeneracional funciona? Guía para iniciarse en la evaluación de la práctica intergeneracional (How Do You Know That Intergenerational Practice Works?. In La Evaluación de los Programas Intergeneracionales. Sánchez Martínez M (Ed.). Madrid: Imerso.
  • BERNARD M and Scharf T. 2007. Critical perspectives on ageing societies. In Critical Perspectives on Ageing Societies. Bernard M and Scharf T (Eds.). Policy Press. link>
  • Bernard M and Scharf T. 2007. Critical Perspectives on Ageing Societies. In Critical Perspectives on Ageing Societies. Bernard M and Scharf T (Eds.). Bristol: Policy Press.
  • Phillipson C, Bernard M, Phillips J, Ogg J. 2007. The Family and Community Life of Older People, England. In Measuring Family Support in Europe. Bonvalet C and Ogg J (Eds.). London/Paris: Institute National d’Études Démographiques/ Southern University Press.
  • Bernard M. 2006. The Social Aspects of Longevity. In Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology. Ritzer G (Ed.). Blackwell.
  • Bernard M and Phillipson C. 2004. Retirement and leisure. In Handbook of Communication and Aging Research (2nd edn). Nussbaum JF and Coupland J (Eds.). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Mahwah, New Jersey.
  • Phillipson C, Bernard M, Phillips J, Ogg J. 2002. Social change, networks and family life. In Understanding Care, Welfare and Community. Bytheway W and William R (Eds.). Routledge, London.
  • Phillips J, Bernard M, Biggs S, Kingston P. 2001. Retirement communities in Britain: A "third way" for the third age?. In Inclusive Housing in An Ageing Society. Peace SE and Holland C (Eds.). The Policy Press, Bristol.
  • Phillipson C, Bernard M, Phillips J, Ogg J. 2001. The local networks of the elderly. In The Contemporary British Society Reader. Abercrombie N and Warde A (Eds.). Blackwell, Oxford.

Other

  • Bernard M, Rickett M, Amigoni D, Munro L, Murray M, Rezzano J. 2011. AGEING UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: IDENTITY AND LATER LIFE WITHIN THE THEATRE. GERONTOLOGIST (vol. 51, p. 360). link>
  • Liddle J, Bartlam B, Bernard M, Scharf T, Sim J. 2011. EVERYDAY LIFE IN A UK PURPOSE-BUILT RETIREMENT COMMUNITY. GERONTOLOGIST (vol. 51, p. 3). link>
  • Richardson J, Moore A, Bernard M, Jordan K, Sim J. 2011. REDUCING INTERFERENCE FROM PAIN IN LATER LIFE: THE ROLE OF LIFESTYLE FACTORS. GERONTOLOGIST (vol. 51, pp. 2-3). link>
  • Bernard M. 2011. Crazy Age: Thoughts on Being Old. link> doi>
  • Sim J, Bartlam B, Bernard M, Liddle J, Scharf TS. 2010. Pourquoi les aȋnés emménagent-ils dans une communauté de retraite?. Les Cahiers de l'Année Gérontologique (vol. 2, pp. 293-294). Springer.
  • Scharf T, Sim J, Bartlam B, Bernard M, Liddle J. 2010. Relocation within an English retirement community: remaking place during a time of change. Gerontologist (vol. 50, p. 230).
  • Bernard M. 2009. Being old is different: person-centred care for old people.
  • BERNARD M. 2009. Sustainable Futures and the Development of New Retirement Villages.
  • Bernard M. 2008. Making Observations: The Potential of Observation Methods for Gerontology. doi>
  • Roberts D, Misca G, Head E, Bernard M. 2008. Experiences of children and young people caring for a parent with a mental health problem. link>
  • Roberts D, Bernard M, Scharf T, Crome P. 2007. Identification of deafblind dual sensory impairment in older people. link>
  • Bernard M, Bartlam B, Biggs S, Sim J. 2003. New Lifestyles in Old Age: Health, identity and well-being in Berryhill Retirement Village - Final report.
  • Bernard M, Bartlam B, Biggs S, Sim J. 2003. New Lifestyles in Old Age: Health, identity and well-being in Berryhill Retirement Village - Technical Report.
  • Biggs S, Bernard M, Bartlam B, Sim J. 2002. Active ageing: Myth or reality. Age Identity and Age Disparity within a Retirement Community: A New Measure.
  • Phillips J, Bernard M, Chittenden M. 2002. The experiences of working carers of older adults.
  • Phillipson C, Bernard M, Phillips J, Ogg J. 2001. Changing patterns of Support for Older People in Urban Communities.
  • Phillips J, Bernard M, Phillipson C, Ogg J. 2001. Continuity or Change? Older People in Three Urban Areas.
  • Phillips, J, Bernard M, Chittenden M. 2001. Evaluating the effectiveness of workplace based support for carers.
  • Bernard M, Biggs S, Kingston P, Bartlam B. 2001. Retirement communities: A third way for the third age?. Quality in Later Life: Rights, Rhetoric and Reality.
  • Bernard M and Philips J. 1999. Living in a 'new 'community. link>
  • Bernard M. 1994. Recreation in old age: an opportunity. J R Soc Health (vol. 114, pp. 323-327). link> doi>
  • Bernard M. Ages and Stages.

For the 2009/10 academic year, I am on (part-time) research leave and doing some teaching on the MA in Gerontology/MSc Geriatric Medicine/European Masters in Gerontology (EuMaG) programmes.