Gerotranscendence: A Developmental Theory of Positive Aging

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.

Expanding upon his earlier writings, Tornstam begins this book by exploring the need for new theories in gerontology and then sets the stage for the development of his theory of gerotranscendence.

According to Tornstam, an older person's development toward gerotranscendence might include:
 - an increasing feeling of a cosmic communion with the spirit of the universe
 - a redefinition of the perception of time, space, and objects
 - a redefinition of the perception of life and death and a decreaes in the fear of death
 - an increased feeling of affinity with past and coming generations
 - a decrease in the interest in superfluous social interactions
 - a decrease in the interest in material things
 - a decrease in self-centeredness
 - an increase in time spent in "meditation."

The author supports his theory with insightful qualitative in-depth interviews with older persons and quantitative studies. In addition, Tornstam illustrates the practical implication 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.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Susan D. Spooner-Holland, MSN, RN, GNP(Northwestern State University)
Description:This book describes myths regarding aging and provides thought-provoking ideas regarding aging theories.
Purpose:The purpose is to explore developmental patterns of aging. The author begins by discussing current theories and empirical findings together. The qualitative research is discussed as well as practical implications for the theory. The appendix contains exercises to facilitate personal development toward gerotranscendence.
Audience:According to the author, the book was written for all practitioners. Practitioners as well as other readers can derive benefit from reading this book. The author is a nationally known speaker and expert in this field.
Features:The book covers current theories of aging, myths, current research, and the framework for the gerotranscendence theory, a developmental theory of positive aging. I especially appreciate the ease with which one can read and understand the book. The information is delivered in a thought provoking manner and encourages the reader to question ideas they may have about aging.
Assessment:This is a useful tool for the practice of geriatrics. The book provides a basis for further study and encourages readers to grow to understand themselves and older people in a new light.

Lars Tornstam, PhD, is a pioneer of Swedish social gerontology, who wrote the first Swedish doctoral thesis within the field of gerontological sociology back in 1973. At Uppsala University he launched the first Swedish academic courses in gerontology and did the same in Denmark during a five year stay as adjunct professor of social gerontology at the University of Copenhagen. He has also been one of the leaders of a Swedish nation-wide, cross faculty, research program Elderly in society - Past, present and in the future, where he himself focused his research on empirical studies of what today is labeled ageism.

Dr. Tornstam is now holding the first Swedish chair in social gerontology at Uppsala University, where he is the leader of The Social Gerontology Group. The wide range of research activities of this group are described in detail at the award winning web site: www.soc.uu.se/research/gerontology/.