{"product_id":"gerotranscendence-lars-tornstam-9780826131348","title":"Gerotranscendence: A Developmental Theory of Positive Aging","description":"\u003cp\u003eGiven the 2006 \u003cb\u003eGREAT GERONTOLOGY AWARD\u003c\/b\u003e for outstanding contribution to gerontological research by the Swedish Gerontological Society\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReceived a \u003cb\u003eVALUE GROUND AWARD\u003c\/b\u003e from the journal \u003ci\u003eAldreomsorg\u003c\/i\u003e (\u003ci\u003eOld Age Care\u003c\/i\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cbr\u003e 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. \u003cp\u003eThe 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: \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe individual becomes less self-occupied and at the same time more selective in the choice of social and other activities.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e There is an increased feeling of affinity with past generations and a decreased interest in superfluous social interaction.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eThe individual might also experience a decrease in interest in material things and a greater need for solitary \"meditation.\" Positive solitude becomes more important.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e There is also often a feeling of cosmic communion with the spirit of the universe, and a redefinition of time, space, life and death.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003eGerotranscendence 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.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Lars Tornstam\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-10:\u003c\/b\u003e 0826131344\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9780826131348\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Springer Publishing Company\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/b\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 06\/20\/2005\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 224\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.99lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 9.42h x 6.08w x 0.75d","brand":"Lars Tornstam","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":43947372183807,"sku":"9780826131348","price":105.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/2982\/9887\/products\/img_573d23b7-333d-4587-8a6a-817fd4cead69.jpg?v=1681518332","url":"https:\/\/www.whiterainbookhouse.com\/products\/gerotranscendence-lars-tornstam-9780826131348","provider":"WR Book House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}