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Beyond appearances: perspectives on identity in later life and some implications for method
1King's College, Frankin-Wilkins Bldg., Waterloo Road, London, SE1 9NH, UK. simon.biggs@kcl.ac.uk
Summary
This study explores identity in later life, questioning if adult priorities change with age and how individuals manage their sense of self. It examines intergenerational dynamics and potential research biases in gerontology.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology of aging
- Psychology of identity
Background:
- Contemporary debates on identity in later life.
- Theorizing the relationship between internal experience and external presentation.
- Acknowledging diversity in life-course patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine controversies surrounding identity in later life.
- To explore the management of self and its relationship with lived experience.
- To revisit issues of uniformity, distinctiveness, and masquerade in intergenerational contexts.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of identity and self-management in aging.
- Examination of states of mind and their influence on intergenerational power dynamics.
- Discussion of agency expression in later life.
Main Results:
- Adults may have differing life priorities based on life stages.
- The management of self involves complex interplay between internal states and external experiences.
- Intergenerational power is influenced by cognitive states and the expression of agency.
Conclusions:
- Understanding identity in later life requires considering age-related shifts and self-management strategies.
- Diversity in life courses necessitates revisiting concepts of uniformity and distinctiveness.
- Awareness of these issues can mitigate research bias in gerontological studies.