Discuss the concept of gerotranscendence

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: Erik Erikson’s widow, Joan Erikson, suggested that the attainments of ego differentiation, body transcendence, and ego transcendence in late adulthood actually represent development beyond ego integrity (which requires satisfaction with one’s past life) to an additional psychosocial stage that she calls gerotranscendence—a cosmic and transcendent perspective directed beyond the self to affinity with past and future generations and oneness with the universe. Drawing on her own experience of aging, her observations of her husband’s final years, and the work of others, Joan Erikson speculated that success in attaining gerotranscendence is apparent in heightened inner calm and contentment and additional time spent in quiet reflection. But more research is needed to confirm the existence of a distinct, transcendent late-life stage. Beyond getting older, major negative life events, such as declines in health or financial difficulties, are associated with reports of cosmic, gerotranscendent reflections. This suggests that inner contemplation is one means older adults use to adapt to stressful, unchangeable circumstances. Furthermore, besides focusing more intently on life’s meaning, many of the very old continue to report investments in the real world—strengthening bonds with intimate partners and friends, keeping up with current events, and engaging in leisure, volunteer, and career pursuits.