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Second Opinion (Park Ridge, Ill.)
|February 8, 1991
Summary
Many can achieve successful aging through lifestyle control and medical care. However, the humanities offer a richer perspective on finding meaning in later life, even with significant age-related challenges.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Humanities
Background:
- Successful aging is often defined by maintaining independence and health.
- Psychological models offer frameworks for achieving a "successful" old age.
- Traditional views may not encompass the full spectrum of aging experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore diverse perspectives on aging.
- To integrate psychological and humanities-based models of aging.
- To understand how meaning can be found across the aging spectrum.
Main Methods:
- Review of psychological theories on aging.
- Analysis of philosophical and literary perspectives on later life.
- Synthesis of concepts from gerontology and the humanities.
Main Results:
- Lifestyle and medical interventions support "successful" aging.
- Humanities provide essential frameworks for understanding aging with significant impairment.
- Meaning in aging is not solely dependent on physical or cognitive health.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive view of aging requires integrating psychological and humanities insights.
- Meaningful aging can be achieved despite challenges like incontinence and immobility.
- Further research should explore the intersection of well-being and existential perspectives in later life.