This book investigates the lived experiences, health outcomes, and social circumstances of individuals who have reached the age of ninety. Authors Anthea Holme and Michael Bury utilize a sociological framework to analyze the aging process within the context of the twentieth century. By applying the concept of the 'life course,' the authors synthesize individual biographical data with broader historical shifts to challenge prevailing stereotypes about extreme old age. The work provides a structured examination of how longevity is achieved and maintained in both domestic and institutional settings.

Experts in gerontology recognize this work as a significant contribution to the study of the oldest-old demographic. Readers frequently note the clarity with which the authors bridge individual narratives with academic sociological theory.