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[Ageing and identity development: ways of coping with one's own ageing process]
Amrhein Ludwig1, Gertrud M Backes
1Hochschule Vechta - Universität, Zentrum Altern und Gesellschaft, Driverstr. 22, 49377, Vechta, Deutschland. ludwig.amrhein@uni-vechta.de
Zeitschrift Fur Gerontologie Und Geriatrie
|December 17, 2008
Summary
Older adults develop distinct age identities in response to aging, influenced by social and biographical factors. Four reaction styles—identification, ambivalent acceptance, agelessness, and rebellion—emerge from coping with aging.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Psychology
Context:
- Examines how older individuals perceive and react to their own aging process.
- Investigates the development of age identities in relation to social and biographical influences.
Purpose:
- To identify types of age identities formed as reactions to aging.
- To explore the correlation between these age identities and social/biographical factors.
- To present a theoretical framework based on narrative gerontology and empirical findings.
Summary:
- Discusses biographical identity as a narrative constructed through social experiences.
- Presents qualitative findings on coping mechanisms in old age, identifying four ideal-typical reaction styles: identification with old age, ambivalent acceptance, agelessness, and rebellion against aging.
- Relates these reaction styles to their specific social contexts.
Impact:
- Contributes to understanding the diverse ways older adults navigate and construct their identities amidst aging.
- Offers insights into the interplay between individual experiences, social contexts, and the formation of age-related self-perceptions.
- Provides a nuanced perspective on aging, moving beyond monolithic views to acknowledge varied adaptive strategies.
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