Gerotranscendence: Often Overlooked Virtues of Aging

View Original Article Here: Gerotranscendence: Often Overlooked Virtues of Aging According to the Population Reference Bureau, the number of American seniors projects to at least double by 2060. Although many people resist the changes that occur with every birthday, getting older is a privilege. We often ignore the benefits of maturing, but this “third age” can be one of the most fulfilling times in your life. What Is Gerotranscendence Theory? Gerotranscendence theory was developed by gerontologist Lars Tornstam to dig deeper into the vital components of human elderhood. Tornstam posits that even though many of us view the side effects of getting older as a type of decline, we become more whole in the way that we experience the world. The theory of aging says that we recreate our sense of self in our later years. Just because we look, feel and behave differently when we’re 80 than we did at 50, it doesn’t mean that we’re any less whole. In fact, as we transcend into maturity, we become less preoccupied with our egos and more connected with the world. This transcendence can help us relinquish our fears of death and merge into an idea of communal human existence as we near the end of our lives. While many people see the effects of getting older as problematic, Tornstam explains that the general perspective, not the typical behaviors of older adults, could be the problem. The indicators of health, wellness, and vitality at 20 are different than they are at 50 and 80. ...
Source: Shield My Senior - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Tags: Senior Safety Source Type: blogs