"What Does Gerotranscendence Mean to You?" Older Adults' Lay Perspectives on the Theory

Gerotranscendence, a recent adaptive aging theory developed by Tornstam, postulates a mindset shift in old age from a materialistic viewpoint to a more transcendent one. Gerotranscendence is considered a promising aging model, as it approaches specific developmental challenges in late life. However, knowledge of this theory is still maturing and lacks laypersons' perspectives to further validate its components. This study aimed to explore how older adults perceive gerotranscendence and gain insights of their understanding.

Three focus group discussions were conducted with 18 participants (59-98 years old; mean: 79.5 years). The protocol included open-ended questions on what gerotranscendence, and its dimensions meant (based exclusively on their designations), as well as on the theory's components (after further explanation). The discussions were recorded and transcribed, and a content analysis was performed.

The data were organized into 2 themes: general suppositions and personal perceptions. This second theme was divided into (i) relatable thoughts and experiences and (ii) a different and complementary understanding of the theory.

Despite the lack of knowledge of the meaning of gerotranscendence, older persons presented clear evidence that this topic was meaningful for them and that they experienced aspects of the cosmic, coherence, and solitude dimensions of gerotranscendence. However, at specific points, some participants had distinctive and complementary ideas compared with those espoused by gerotranscendence theory. Obtaining laypersons' perspectives provides a more in-depth understanding of gerotranscendence theory and the cultural aspects it may encompass.