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Gerotranscendence: A Developmental Theory of Positive Aging
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About Gerotranscendence: A Developmental Theory Of
Product Description Given the 2006 GREAT GERONTOLOGY AWARD for outstanding contribution to gerontological research by the Swedish Gerontological Society Received a VALUE GROUND AWARD from the journal Aldreomsorg (Old Age Care) Expanding upon his earlier writings, Dr. Tornstam's latest book explores the need for new theories in gerontology and sets the stage for the development of his theory of gerotranscendence. This theory was developed to address what the author sees as a perpetual mismatch between present theories in social gerontology and existing empirical data. The development towards gerotranscendence can involve some overlooked developmental changes that are related to increased life satisfaction, as self-described by individuals. The gerotranscendent individual typically experiences a redefinition of the Self and of relationships to others and a new understanding of fundamental existential questions: The individual becomes less self-occupied and at the same time more selective in the choice of social and other activities. There is an increased feeling of affinity with past generations and a decreased interest in superfluous social interaction. The individual might also experience a decrease in interest in material things and a greater need for solitary "meditation." Positive solitude becomes more important. There is also often a feeling of cosmic communion with the spirit of the universe, and a redefinition of time, space, life and death. Gerotranscendence does NOT imply any state of withdrawal or disengagement, as sometimes erroneously believed. It is not the old disengagement theory in new disguise. Rather, it is a theory that describes a developmental pattern beyond the old dualism of activity and disengagement. The author supports his theory with insightful qualitative in-depth interviews with older persons and quantitative studies. In addition, Tornstam illustrates the practical implications of the theory of gerotranscendence for professionals working with older adults in care settings. A useful Appendix contains suggestions of how to facilitate personal development toward gerotranscendence. Review "Lars Tornstam's Gerotranscendence demands that we look more deeply at those admirable qualities of character found among those who have lived the whole course of life, people who have attained a level of freedom and spiritual fulfillment that can be a goal for us all...He has set a standard that will inspire both scientific investigation as well as practice in the professions. More questions will undoubtedly be asked as others are inspired by Tornstam's gound-breaking work."--Harry R. Moody, PhD, Director of Academic Affairs, AARP, in The Gerontologist The book therefore provides a record of how a pioneer conceived executed, and defended theory building on the micro to intermediate level in a scientific field of inquiry that James Birren characterised as data-rich and theory-poor.... Gerotranscendence is an important book, a testimony to the continuing need for theory-building that widens our field of vision conceptually and practically. "--Aging and Society "Every baby boomer looking for an alternative paradigm to activity theory's 'energetic aging' in later life and its projected treadmill of trips to the personal trainer and plastic surgeon, sky diving lessons, and updates from the stockbroker, should read this book...Tornstam's book is chock full of fresh insight and substantial evidence, supporting his convincing argument that gerontologists have, for too long, circled their wagons around one theory of aging (activity theory) with too little attention to the 'subjects' of their enquiries-older people themselves-in all their diversity and abundance of unique personal experiences of growing older...Tornstam provides an alternative way to see the world-'a theoretical tool that makes certain parts of reality comprehensible'."-Kip Jones, PhD, MSc, Honorary Research Fellow, Mary Seacole Research
