Gerotranscendence and active aging: the lived experience

How to Promote Gerotranscendence in Older Adults? A Scoping Review of Interventions

Gerotranscendence is a psychosocial theory that proposes older adults experience a mindset shift in multiple dimensions (cosmic, coherence, solitude), associated with different constructs, such as life satisfaction and well-being. Increasing studies are employing gerotranscendence, but the practical aspects of how gerotranscendence can be developed are still underexplored. This review involved an assessment of the size and scope of the existing literature on interventions related to gerotranscendence and their effect on participants' well-being. Six databases were searched, and eight studies were selected: five were observational, while three were randomized control trials. Findings showed that gerotranscendence can be developed through weekly thematic encounters. Moreover, the interventions examined in the selected studies were described as having positively impacted participants' mental health and life satisfaction. Future studies should explore gerotranscendence interventions using a rigorous methodology and long-term follow-up data to add consistency to these findings.

Qualitative Research on Self-Transcendence in Older Adults: A Scoping Review

The current scoping review describes qualitative research on self-transcendence (ST) in older adults. Articles from five databases were independently screened and data were extracted from predetermined categories. Results were compared and consensus reached through discussion. The two leading theorists guiding the chosen studies were Pamela Reed and Lars Tornstam. Experiential language in the studies most often touched on intrapersonal and interpersonal ST. Two main gaps identified in the literature were: (a) limited coverage of transpersonal aspects of ST, and (b) limited inclusion of experiential language of study participants. More qualitative research, phenomenology in particular, can shed light on the topic of ST. A deeper understanding of all aspects of ST, including experiential language used to describe it, can lay a foundation for nursing to advance with theory formation, scale construction, and interventions to better promote spiritual and psychological well-being in older adults. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(9), 43-48.].

Religiosity and social support in Polish older adults: the mediating role of wisdom. Perspectives on Lars Tornstam's theory of gerotranscendence

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine whether wisdom is a mediator in the relationships between religious meaning system and social support among older adults. According to the theory of gerotranscendence, associations of religiousness and social support are complex and suggest the existence of wisdom in their internal structures.Method: The study included 466 persons aged 50-75. Three measures were used: Religious Meaning System Scale (RMSS), Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale (3D-WS) and Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS).Results: The analyses allowed for a partial verification of the hypothesis that wisdom is a mediator in the relationship between the religious meaning system and the multidimensional social support in late adulthood. It was confirmed that wisdom mediates the relationship between the religious meaning system and three out of the five dimensions of social support (perceived available support, actually received support and protective buffering support). Conclusion: These findings suggest that wisdom is an important element of religious meaning system and social support that is used by people as a part of their maturing into gerotranscendence to cope with life's difficulties and challenges.

Discourse of Folk Literature on Healthy Ageing: A Case Study in Sindh, Pakistan during the Pandemic Crisis

Due to COVID-19 and the repeated imposition of lockdowns in Pakistan’s Sindh province, the life of senior citizens has become challenging. Given the scarcity of health care policies targeted at Sindh’s aged persons, the use of folk literature as therapy has increased to support against isolation, depression, and distress caused by COVID-19 and lockdowns. Although research on healthy ageing from medical and health care perspectives has been increasingly conducted in different contexts, there is a need to explore how folk literature can contribute to psychological, spiritual, and social wellbeing. Therefore, this research, conducted by collecting data from 15 aged participants through interviews and conversations, seeks to explore how senior Sindhis have used folk literature such as poetry, proverbs, and tales as therapy for their healing. Findings show that the participants’ use of Sindhi folk literature contributes to their psychological (eudemonic, evaluative, and hedonic) wellbeing, spiritual healing, and social satisfaction.