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Speculative gerontology revisited: the herd instinct
1Scripps Gerontology Center, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056.
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Humor in gerontology is explored through "Speculative Excursions" sessions. This approach examines the role of humor in understanding aging and the lives of older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
Background:
- The Gerontological Society of America's Annual Scientific Meetings have hosted
- Speculative Excursions into the Everyday Lives of Old People
- sessions, providing a unique venue for exploring unconventional topics in aging research.
Observation:
- These sessions have generated varied reactions from colleagues, including paper rejections.
- The discussions highlight the challenges and potential resistance to integrating humor into formal gerontological discourse.
Findings:
- The article semi-seriously discusses the purposes and reception of humor within gerontology.
- It analyzes the dynamics of presenting and accepting humorous perspectives on aging.
Implications:
- "Speculative Excursion Gerontology" offers a novel lens for studying the everyday lives of older adults.
- Future prospects suggest humor can be a valuable, albeit challenging, tool in gerontological research and practice.