Tornstam's notion of gerotranscendence: re-examining and questioning the theory

Lars Tornstam's attractive theory that there is an ultimate developmental stage that is the perquisite of the very old has caused controversy and generated a large volume of literature. In this article, Tornstam's threefold categorisation of gerotranscendence (cosmic, coherence and solitude) and the relationship of his model with that of disengagement and with Erikson's developmental theory are examined. Consideration is given to the following questions: Is gerotranscendence really age-related, and is it really universal rather than culturally or personality dependent? The overlap of the theory with a multiplicity of other constructs is reviewed. In conclusion, criteria are identified for the creation of a revised and potentially more effective instrument to measure gerotranscendence.