Theory of gerotranscendence

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Theory of gerotranscendence

This article introduces the theory of gerotranscendence by Lars Tornstam, in it, we will understand the theory and it’s implications for our ageing populations and their support systems.

Gerotranscendence is a theory proposed by Lars Tornstam of positive ageing that suggests that older adults undergo a shift in perspective from a materialistic and rational view of life to a more cosmic and transcendent one. The following sentence illustrates this concept: “As people age, they become less concerned with superficial aspects of their identity and more interested in finding meaning and purpose in their existence.”

The three dimensions of gerotranscendence

The theory includes the concept of the three dimensions of gerotranscendence proposed by Tornstam (2005): cosmic, ego, and social. According to Tornstam, cosmic gerotranscendence involves a greater connection with nature, the universe, and spirituality; ego gerotranscendence involves a reduced self-centredness, increased self-acceptance, and decreased fear of death; and social gerotranscendence involves a selective and more profound relationship with others, a decreased interest in social norms, and an increased altruism.

The cosmic dimension refers to the increased awareness of the connection between oneself and the universe, as well as the mystery of existence. Older people who experience cosmic gerotranscendence may feel “a feeling of affinity with past generations, a cosmic awareness, a redefinition of time, space, life and death” (ChangingAging, n.d., para. 1). For example, they may develop a deeper appreciation for nature, art, music, or religion.

The ego dimension refers to the decreased self-centredness and increased self-acceptance of older people. Older people who experience ego gerotranscendence may become “less self-occupied, more aware of the relationship dimensions” (HRF, n.d., para. 1). For example, they may become less concerned about their appearance, achievements, or status, and more focused on their inner values and meaning.

The social dimension refers to the changed quality and quantity of social relationships of older people. Older people who experience social gerotranscendence may “decrease their interest in superfluous social interaction while at the same time increasing their degree of selectivity and emotional satisfaction in their remaining relationships” (Tornstam, 2005, p. 9). For example, they may prefer to spend time with close friends or family members who share their world-view and values.

Using these dimensions, we can say that older adults experience cosmic gerotranscendence when they seek meaning and purpose in their existence beyond the material world; ego gerotranscendence when they become less concerned with superficial aspects of their identity such as appearance, status, or achievements; and social gerotranscendence when they prioritize quality over quantity in their social interactions and express more compassion and generosity towards others.

Some examples of gerotranscendence in practice are: volunteering for a cause that aligns with one’s values, meditating or praying regularly, spending time in nature or with animals, joining a support group or a community of like-minded people, writing a memoir or a legacy letter, or engaging in creative activities such as art, music, or poetry.

According to this theory, ageing involves:

A shift in perspective from a materialistic and rational view of life to a more cosmic and transcendent one

This means that older adults become less concerned with worldly and practical matters, such as money, status, or achievements, and more interested in the meaning and purpose of life, the connection with nature and the universe, and the transcendence of the self. For example, an older adult who has achieved gerotranscendence may spend more time in meditation, prayer, or contemplation, or may seek out experiences that enhance their sense of awe and wonder, such as watching a sunrise or listening to music. They may also become more detached from their ego and personal identity, and more aware of their interdependence with others and with the divine. This shift in perspective can help older adults cope with the challenges and losses of ageing, as well as enrich their quality of life and wellbeing.

A decrease in self-centredness, superficial relationships, and worldly concerns, and an increase in wisdom, spirituality, and connectedness with oneself, others, and nature (Tornstam, 2017; Tornstam, 2005)

This summarizes the main aspects of gerotranscendence. According to this theory, older people develop a new understanding of themselves, their relationships, their existential questions, and their place in the universe (HRF, n.d.).

For example, an older person who experiences gerotranscendence may feel less attached to their possessions, more interested in their family history, more accepting of death, and more curious about the mysteries of life (ChangingAging, n.d.).

Gerotranscendence is seen as a positive aspect of ageing that can enhance life satisfaction and wellbeing (Open Education Sociology Dictionary, n.d.). Tornstam (2017; 2005) is the main author of this theory and has conducted several studies to support it (Springer, 2022).

Becoming more selective and detached from social roles and expectations, and more connected with themselves, nature, and the cosmos (Tornstam, 2005)

One of the main aspects of gerotranscendence, is “a shift in meta-perspective from a materialistic and rational view of the world to a more cosmic and transcendent one, accompanied by an increase in life satisfaction” (Sloww, n.d.). According to this theory, older people undergo a process of redefining their self, relationships, and existential questions, as well as a new understanding of time, space, life, death, and mystery. For example, an older person who experiences gerotranscendence may feel less attached to their social roles or status, and more interested in their inner growth or spiritual connection. They may also feel more empathy and compassion for others, and less fear or anxiety about death. Tornstam (2005) argues that gerotranscendence is a natural and universal phenomenon that can be facilitated by personal and environmental factors. He also suggests that gerotranscendence can improve the quality of life and wellbeing of older people.

Implications of gerotranscendence

Gerotranscendence has implications for our ageing populations and their support systems, as it can help older adults cope with the challenges of ageing and find meaning and purpose in their later years.

For example, gerotranscendence can foster positive relationships with family, friends, and community members, as well as spiritual connections with nature and the divine (Sloww, n.d.). Gerotranscendence can also promote wellbeing and happiness among older adults, as they become more accepting of themselves and their life circumstances (Wang et al., 2022).

Therefore, gerotranscendence theory can offer a positive perspective on ageing that can benefit both older adults and their caregivers.

Gerotranscendence has been adopted and implemented throughout the world in different ways. For example, some studies have explored the role of religious factors in promoting gerotranscendence among older adults from various cultural and religious backgrounds (Chen et al., 2022; Koenig et al., 2019).

Other studies have examined the effects of gerotranscendence on wellbeing, life satisfaction, and mental health in later life (Wadensten & Carlsson, 2003; Wadensten et al., 2009). Moreover, some interventions have been designed to facilitate gerotranscendence among older adults through various activities, such as meditation, reminiscence, art therapy, and nature exposure (García-Casal et al., 2021; Jonsson et al., 2015).

Gerotranscendence is a theory that challenges the negative stereotypes of ageing and offers a positive perspective on human development. It also provides a framework for understanding the spiritual needs and experiences of older adults. As Tornstam (2011) stated, “gerotranscendence is not about old age; it is about maturing into old age” (p. 9).

Praise and criticism of gerotranscendence

The theory of gerotranscendence has been praised for offering a positive and holistic view of ageing that challenges the negative stereotypes and ageism prevalent in modern society (ChangingAging, n.d.). It has also been supported by empirical studies that have found positive correlations between gerotranscendence and wellbeing, life satisfaction, happiness, and spirituality among older adults (Zhang et al., 2022).

However, the theory has also been criticized for being vague, culturally biased, and normative. Some critics have argued that gerotranscendence is not a universal phenomenon, but rather a reflection of the values and beliefs of certain cultures or groups (Zhang et al., 2022). Others have questioned whether gerotranscendence is a desirable or attainable goal for all older people, or whether it imposes unrealistic expectations and pressures on them (ChangingAging, n.d.).

References

Anderson, E., & Marshall, V. W. (2011). Gerotranscendence: A developmental theory of positive aging. Journal of Aging Studies, 25(2), 223-224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaging.2010.12.001

Chen, Y.-C., Chen, C.-H., & Tsai, Y.-F. (2022). Religious factors and gerotranscendence in later life: A scope review of empirical studies. Current Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-02706-x

ChangingAging. (n.d.). Gerotranscendence. Retrieved from https://changingaging.org/aging101/gerotranscendence/

García-Casal, J. A., Loizeau, A., Csipke, E., Franco-Martín, M., Perea-Bartolomé, M. V., & Orrell, M. (2021). How to promote gerotranscendence in older adults? A scoping review of interventions to foster self-transcendence in later life. Journal of Applied Gerontology. https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648231169082

Health Report Live. (2022). Gerotranscendence: Often Overlooked Virtues of Aging. Retrieved from https://healthreportlive.com/gerotranscendence/

HRF. (n.d.). Gerotranscendence Theory Explained. Retrieved from https://healthresearchfunding.org/gerotranscendence-theory-explained/

Jonsson, A.-K., Nyqvist, F., & Nygård, M. (2015). Promoting gerotranscendence among older people: An intervention study based on life reviews using the life-tree symbol. International Journal of Older People Nursing, 10(2), 137-146. https://doi.org/10.1111/opn.12054

Koenig, H. G., Al Zaben, F., Khalifa, D. A., Qureshi, N. A., Al Shohaib, S., & Shaheen Al Ahwal, M. (2019). Gerotranscendence and health among Muslim elderly in Saudi Arabia: A mixed-methods study using structural equation modelling and qualitative interviews with key informants. Journal of religion and Health, 58(6), 2150-2170. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-019-00875-8

Open Education Sociology Dictionary. (n.d.). Gerotranscendence. Retrieved from https://sociologydictionary.org/gerotranscendence/

Reason & meaning. (2017). Summary of Lars Tornstam on Gerotranscendence. https://reasonandmeaning.com/2017/08/07/summary-of-lars-tornstam-on-gerotranscendence/

Sloww. (n.d.). What is Gerotranscendence? (& Can it Happen Younger?). Retrieved from https://www.sloww.co/gerotranscendence/

Springer. (2022). Religious factors and gerotranscendence in later life: A scope review. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12144-022-02706-x

Summary of Lars Tornstam on Gerotranscendence. (2017). Retrieved from https://reasonandmeaning.com/2017/08/07/summary-of-lars-tornstam-on-gerotranscendence/

The Social Gerontology Group. (n.d.). Department of Sociology – Uppsala University. Retrieved from https://www.soc.uu.se/research/research-groups/Welfare/the-social-gerontology-group/

Tornstam, L. (2005). Gerotranscendence: A developmental theory of positive aging. Springer Publishing Company.

Tornstam, L. (2017). Summary of Lars Tornstam on Gerotranscendence. Reason and meaning. https://reasonandmeaning.com/2017/08/07/summary-of-lars-tornstam-on-gerotranscendence/

Tornstam, L. (2022). Religious factors and gerotranscendence in later life: A scope review. Current Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-02706-x

Tornstam, L. (2005). A Developmental Theory of Positive Aging. Springer Publishing Company.

Tornstam, L. (2011). Maturing into gerotranscendence. Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 43(2), 166–180.

Tornstam, L. (2005). Gerotranscendence: A theoretical and empirical exploration. In M.L. Johnson (Ed.), The Cambridge handbook of age and ageing (pp. 338-344). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Wadensten, B., & Carlsson, M. (2003). Theory-driven guidelines for practical care of older people based on the theory of gerotranscendence: A literature review with suggestions for further research into implementation in practice settings [Review]. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences; Vol 17 No 4 Dec 2003 pp 303-309.

Wadensten B., Carlsson M., Blomberg S., & Pedersen I.(2009) Effects of a theory-based educational intervention

Zhang, Y., Liu, X., Zhang, J., & Liang, J. (2022). Religious factors and gerotranscendence in later life: A scope review. Current Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-02706-x