Accueil 2007: Senior citizens’ participation in decision-making in the public and private spheres, international symposium held at the Université Paris 5, René Descartes/La Sorbonne, Paris 10 September 2007: The power and influence of a social group in an ageing world The first day of the symposium was devoted to a study of the power relations that affect public policy-making on old age and to an analysis of social movements and seniors. √ Some of the key issues discussed on the first day How can democracies deal with ageing-related interests in the context of social policy reform? Can we talk of intergenerational inequality? Should we fear an imbalance between public policies aimed at younger people and old age policy? To what extent do the tangible and intangible resources of retired and elderly people represent real or imagined power for social and political change? 11 September 2007: Power and social relations: contexts, professional practice and procedures aimed at the frail elderly population The aim of the second day’s work was to assess the current situation and future prospects with regard to professional practices and procedures for involving the frail elderly in decision-making that affects them. √ Some of the key issues discussed on the second day How can we define concepts such as frailty, autonomy and dependence, and how can we assess them? How can frail elderly people continue to be in control of their lives and their life choices? How can public policy and professional practice help individuals participate in the decisions taken at various stages of their frailty? Seventy-five contributors from eight countries took part in the symposium’s four plenary sessions and eleven round tables. As well as poster sessions presenting research results, social gerontology book dedications were organized, with 16 authors presenting 22 works on the sociology of ageing. Exchange forums and debates with professionals were held during buffets attended by 263 people. To consult the papers given at the symposium, click here.