download:connie_corley_theresa_southam 2018
Positive Aging Perspectives and a New Paradigm: Foray (4A) into Aging
As more evidence shows the capacity for growth
and fulfillment in the later years of life, the concept of
positive aging has value in promoting well-being and
enhancing the image of older adulthood. A paradigm
called Foray (4A) into Aging based on Awareness,
Attitude, Affiliation, and Activity demonstrates how this
new territory of positive aging can be realized.
BY CONNIE CORLE Y, PHD AND THERESA SOUTHAM
For millennia, the elusive “fountain of youth” has
been pursued in Western societies, and no more
furiously than with the contemporary flood of
anti-aging products. Yet an increasingly vocal group of
scholars and advocates promote a very different view
of longevity, one in which opportunities to explore,
serve, create, and contemplate are abundant. In this
essay, a movement called “positive aging” and related
developments are discussed, and a paradigm of aging
called Foray into Aging (4A) presented. The question,
“What’s so positive about positive aging?” is viewed in
light of cultural contexts where the concept of positive
aging might be seen as an oxymoron.
Since the late 1990s, a new movement in psychol-
ogy has emerged called positive psychology. While only
limited attention has been paid specifically to older
adults in this movement, the burgeoning concept of
“positive aging” has spawned an international confer-
ence series and related activities. “It’s been said that
the best way to predict the future is to create it…and
positive aging is the future we want to create,” vision-
ary author and scholar Harry “Rick” Moody noted
(personal communication, February, 2010).
The Emergence of Positive Aging
A widely-cited book called Successful Aging was pub-
lished by two MacArthur Fellows, John Rowe and
Robert Kahn (a physician and a psychologist) in 1998.
Their longitudinal research followed a cohort of men
and women, in their 70s at the start of the study, who
lived in three different East Coast cities in the United
States. Three principles were identified to character-
ize successful aging: avoidance of illness and disability,
high cognitive and physical function, and involvement
in society (Rowe and Kahn, 1998). Although subject
to criticism, the concept of successful aging has sub-
sequently spawned a great deal of research, and is part
of a “sea change” in moving toward positive aging as
described by the late Gene Cohen (2006), a pioneer
in the field of geriatric psychiatry who shifted the
emphasis on the problems of aging to the potential
of older adulthood. Even the concept of positive ag-
ing has been criticized for not fully encompassing
the range of experiences associated with later life.
However, voices from various fields such as visionaries
Mary Gergen and Kenneth Gergen are reinventing
concepts of aging (Gergen and Gergen, 2017).
Cohen (2005) suggests that in the later years of
later life, there is an “Encore” phase where life themes
are restated and reaffirmed, and novel ways to ex-
plore these themes are pursued. This stage has paral-
lels to Erikson’s Psychosocial Stage of “Generativity
vs. Stagnation” (Erikson & Erickson, 1998), which
is more focused on care and concern for future gen-
erations, primarily during middle adulthood, whereas
Cohen’s Encore stage comes much later (age 70 and
beyond). Cohen’s focus on creative aging and cultural
anthropologist Mary Catherine Bateson’s proposed
Adulthood II (Bateson, 2010), where active wisdom
is cultivated and identity re-evaluated, highlight the
growth potential that epitomizes positive aging.
In parallel to successful aging and creative aging,
a conscious aging movement addressing spiritual as-
pects of growing older has a number of dimensions. In
contrast to traditional developmental theories where
older adults stop developing or revert to earlier stages,
gerotranscendence proposes that older adults develop
a form of joy that transcends previous definitions of
success and failure. Although not all adults will fully
engage in gerotranscendence, individuals of any age
may interact with its dimensions: cosmic, self, and
relationships, building toward transcendence as they
age. The theory of gerotranscendence can benefit
caregivers by helping them understand the reality of
older adults whom they support, reducing feelings of
insufficiency and guilt at work, according to the late
Lars Tornstam (2005), a psychologist whose work
has spawned research internationally. For example,
caregivers may attempt to stop an older adult from
withdrawing in contemplation or from being playful,
when in fact quiet contemplation and play are vital to
growth at this stage of life. As spiritual leader Ram
Dass suggests, we are all souls connecting on our mu-
tual paths, rather than being strictly defined by care-
giver/care recipient roles (Dass, 2013).
Although there is no one definition of “positive
aging,” psychiatrist George Vaillant proposes one in
his landmark book, Aging Well: Surprising Guideposts
to a Happier Life. He writes: “Positive aging means to
love, to work, to learn something we did not know
yesterday, and to enjoy the remaining precious mo-
ments with loved ones” (Vaillant, 2002, p. 16).
Foray (4A) Into Aging Paradigm
The confluence of research and engaging in the posi-
tive dimensions of growing older led to the paradigm
called Foray (4A) into Aging. Envisioning “foray” as
a new venture and picturing 4 “A” words like aces in a
card deck, Corley (2011) used the domains of Aware-
ness, Activity, Affiliation, and Attitude to inspire a
program of Lifelong Learning at California State Uni-
versity, Los Angeles. In the following text, each domain
is described and related to the positive aging evidence
base, and a positive aging exemplar noted. The dimen-
sions of Foray Into Aging (4A) encompass the broader
range of experiences beyond the purely “positive” and
“successful” notions of older adulthood, and are inter-
related and additive when considered integratively.
AWARENESS: ACTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS OF
WELL-BEING
One of the three principles Rowe and Kahn (1998)
identify to age successfully is “avoidance of disease
and disability,” and here this is conceptualized more
broadly, including being aware of predisposition to
illness. Various estimates suggest that up to one-third
of aging can be attributed to genetic factors; therefore,
knowing about family history of major causes of death
(e.g., heart disease and cancer) can offer opportunities
to implement lifestyle changes that reduce the likeli-
hood of disability associated with certain diseases.
Awareness of the abundant benefits of exercise,
moderation in alcohol consumption, and the impor-
tance of sleep are examples of seemingly simple and
obvious factors that impact quality of life as one ages.
However, implementing lifestyle changes in these ar-
eas can be challenging. A good place to start is with
a program designed to estimate life expectancy, calcu-
lated on the basis of family background and lifestyle
factors (e.g., Living to 100 Life Expectancy Calcula-
tor: http://www.livingto100.com/ or the Blue Zones
Vitality Compass: https://apps.bluezones.com/en/
vitality). These relatively simple online programs can
identify risk factors, many of which are modifiable,
that impact longevity.
ACTIVITY: ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT IN DAILY LIFE
There is a wide variation in how people adapt their
level of activity as life circumstances change. In some
cases people have more opportunities for exercise, go-
ing to museums and other stimulating activities after
retirement. Others may occupy their time to excess,
avoiding the grief that can accompany leaving a job or
losing a loved one.
As people age, there are many opportunities for
connection, as well as fulfillment, through activities that
are engaging and enlivening. For example, the ground-
breaking work of Cohen (Cohen, 2000; 2005; 2006)
and colleagues highlights the role of the arts in pro-
moting well-being. The National Center for Creative
Arts (NCCA) identifies supporting research as well as
arts programs available nationwide that engage older
adults in active participation (http://creativeaging.org).
High cognitive and physical function is a compo-
nent of successful aging (Rowe and Kahn, 1998), sug-
gesting that activities which engage mind and body
are crucial to midlife and later life wellness. Lifelong
learning programs offer opportunities for adults aged
midlife and older to become intellectually stimulated,
socially engaged, and often physically active. There are
numerous programs nationally, such as those through
OASIS (http://oasisnet.org), Osher Lifelong Learn-
ing Institutes (http://nrc.northwestern.edu) and the
Third Age Network (http://thirdagenetwork.ca/
canadalist.html) in Canada, where classes, events,
and volunteer opportunities are readily available. For
those wishing to contribute to societal well-being,
the Encore movement highlights the contributions
of hundreds of people over age 50 who have started
new ventures to improve communities and the world
Starting a “social portfolio” helps tap into creative
potential in later life (Cohen, 2000) and can be just
as important as a financial portfolio in lifelong plan-
ning. The social portfolio is conceptualized along two
dimensions: individual/group efforts on one axis, and
mobility/energy levels on the other. Where a person
is situated along these dimensions is associated with
different types of activities (e.g., an individual activity
for someone with low mobility and low energy might
be the creation of a “Secret Recipes” family cookbook)
(Cohen, 2000, p. 167).AFFILIATION: ACTIVE CONNECTION WITH
OTHERS
There is a vast body of research affirming the positive
impact of social engagement on well-being. With in-
creasing age, people are more likely to experience cu-
mulative losses such as the death of parents, siblings,
friends, spouses/partners, and others. The dangers of
social isolation and loneliness are receiving increased
attention in research and programs for older adults.
The “Connect2Affect” initiative of the AARP Foun-
dation (https://connect2affect.org) and The Daily Call
Sheet program of the Motion Picture and Television
Fund (Corley, Feldman and Kaiser, 2018), making
daily calls to vulnerable older adults by volunteers, are
examples of organizations seeking creative solutions.
New positives are emerging for midlife and older
adults who are caregivers (and most are or will be
caregivers for one or more older adults). Research in-
creasingly shows the benefits of caregiving, although
much of the focus is still on the burdens and costs.
Affiliation with a like community, such as a support
group for caregivers of persons with dementia or other
debilitating conditions, provides reinforcement for
this crucial role.
By nurturing and encouraging relationships
among generations, many of the needs of all genera-
tions can be met. Intergenerational practices facilitate
relationship-building within families, but they can
also include friends outside of the family, co-workers,
caregivers, and many others.
Preparing for possible social, physical, psycho-
logical, spiritual, and health needs requires awareness
of the resources in the current living environment.
Village to Village is a community-based network of
membership organizations designed to promote aging
in place. The collective of close to 200 organizations
in the U.S. alone coordinates and brokers services for
its members. Volunteers help each other and offer
health and educational programs (http://vtvnetwork.
org). This movement highlights the focus on affilia-
tion and affinity (e.g., through neighborhoods or even
faith-based organizations) that helps older adults stay
integrated in their community.
ATTITUDE: ACTIVE REFLECTION ON LIFE
EXPERIENCES
In the field of gerontology, theories related to spiri-
tuality such as gerotranscendence (Tornstam, 2005)
shed light on the importance of reflection. This rep-
resents a shift in perspective to one more cosmic and
transcendent, from a previously more rational and/or
materialistic one. This shift is usually accompanied
by an increase in life satisfaction. Developmental
psychologist Erik Erikson anticipated this shift when
he posited the psychosocial stage of “ego integrity vs.
despair,” which concerns self-acceptance and finding
meaning in the whole of one’s life. His wife and col-
laborator, Joan Erikson, later added gerotranscedence
as a final stage (Erikson & Erikson, 1998).
Gerotranscendence involves going beyond the
dualism of activity and disengagement in what Joan
Erikson (1998) calls a “major leap above and beyond
the fear of death.” When this happens, caregivers and
family members can misinterpret the resultant play,
activity, joy, and song as a reversion to childhood. In
fact, older adults may be afforded the opportunity to
transcend the universe and time. Joan Erikson coins
the term gerotranscendance, adding another layer to
the theory of gerotranscendence, indicating that this
time in adult development is not only about medita-
tion and contemplation, nor is it simply withdrawal,
but in fact it is about making and doing in a way that
is not attached to the ego and societal norms. Creative
arts are often how this stage of life is expressed.
Activities such as reminiscence, life review, and
autobiography have flourished in the aging field to
help older adults integrate their life experiences and
leave a legacy when possible (Cohen, 2005). Struc-
tured approaches such as Guided Autobiography
(http://guidedautobiography.com) provide a group
experience for reflection and sharing of life experi-
ences and world view, as well as engaging in a creative
process around life themes.
At age 93, in her preface to the extended version of
their book The Life Cycle Completed, Joan Erikson says,
“As we passed through the years of generativity, it had
never felt as though the end of the road were here and
now” (Erikson & Erikson, 1998, p. 4). In fact, positive
aging for older adults may not concern legacies and
materialistic visions, but instead, adults in their 80s
and 90s who still have their health may choose privacy
and solitude so that they may be “deeply involved in
disinvolvement” (p. 125). According to Frank Osta-
seski (2017), cofounder of the Zen Hospice Project,
it is a time when we are called to disown the story we
may hold within us that says we will never die. Osta-
seski is speaking about an element of gerotranscen-
dence when he counsels us to live as if we are dying,
and Ram Dass similarly encourages being conscious
about dying as well as living (Dass, 2013).
Positive Aging Exemplar: Dr. Jan Hively
As a counter to the many negative stereotypes about
older adults, Dr. Jan Hively is a beacon of inspiration
and an active member of the positive aging movement.
Born during the Great Depression era in the U.S.,
in her 60s she earned a Ph.D., in her 70s founded a
network called Shift in Minneapolis (as well as the
Vital Aging Network and the Minneapolis Creative
Arts and Aging Network), and in her 80s co-founded
an international organization called the Pass It On
Network (http://passitonnetwork.org). Dr. Hively
was named a Purpose Prize Fellow as a social entre-
preneur in 2006 (https://encore.org/purpose-prize/
jan-hively).
While these accomplishments emphasize the Ac-
tivity component of the Foray (4A) paradigm, as a
mentor to many, Dr. Hively recognizes the importance
of Affiliation, and through Awareness and Attitude
has maintained her wellness in spite of health chal-
lenges. She continues to envision the world as a place
where generations can thrive working together.
Conclusion
Older age is a time of growth and exploration, with
benefits to individuals and society at large. The Foray
(4A) into Aging paradigm builds on research from
the last three decades to offer a blueprint for a full
and satisfying life in older adulthood. Awareness, At-
titude, Affiliation, and Activity each play an intercon-
necting role to build a richer experience later in life.
The creative aging theme within positive aging
highlights the capacity for productive growth in the
later years. Conscious aging and gerotranscendence
widen the lens to include gaining perspective on loss
and inevitable life changes, and preparation for death.
Successful aging includes health and social dimen-
sions that inform well-being. Caregivers can benefit
from an awareness of shifts in priorities and self-
awareness as their loved ones age.
Redefined possibilities for development in the sec-
ond half of life give hope to those who struggle with
the ageism so prevalent in Western society. Maintain-
ing and expanding social connections and making
meaning in life are paramount. Ultimately, the active
wisdom of an increasingly aging population can help
address many challenges of living in the modern
world. •CSA
Connie Corley, MSW, MA, Ph.D. is professor at
Fielding Graduate University and Professor Emeritus
at California State University, Los Angeles. A Fellow
of the Gerontological Society of America and the
Association for Gerontology in Higher Education, Dr. Corley has
published widely and presented internationally. She co-hosts and
produces a radio program at Pacifica station KPFK-FM in Los
Angeles (Experience Talks). conniecorleyphd@gmail.com Phone:
626-532-7438 Website: http://conniecorleyphd.comTheresa Southam is coordinator of the Teaching and
Learning Institute at Selkirk College and a student
at Fielding Graduate University in the School of
Leadership Studies. By working with the College’s
Learning in Retirement Group while focusing on creativity and
wisdom in aging in her Ph.D. studies she has learned that humans
continue to develop, often with humour and insights that are
provocative and life-changing. tsouth@netidea.com Phone 250-354-
1088. Website: http://theresa-southam.squarespace.com/about/
■ REFERENCES
Bateson, M.C. (2010). Composing a further life: The age of active
wisdom. New York, NY: Knopf.
Cohen, G.D. (2000). The Creative Age: Awakening Human Potential in
the Second Half of Life. New York, NY: Avon Books.
Cohen, G. D. (2005). The mature mind: The positive power of the
aging brain. New York, NY: Basic Books.
Cohen, G. D. (2006). Research on creativity and aging: The positive
impact of the arts on health and illness. Generations, 30(1),
7-15.
Corley, C. (2011). Issues of aging. In L. Wildflower & D. Brennan
(Eds.), The handbook of knowledge-based coaching: From theory
to practice.San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Corley, C., Feldman, M. & Kaiser, S. (2018). The Social Isolation
Impact Project: Motion Picture and Television Fun engages the
industry and community in staying connected. Public Policy &
Aging Report, 27(4), 156-157.
Dass, R. (2013). Polishing the mirror: How to live from your spiritual
self. Boulder, CO: Sounds True.
Erikson, E. H. & Erikson, J. M. (1998). The life cycle completed:
Extended version. New York, NY: W. W. Norton.
Gergen, M. & Gergen, K. (2017). Paths to positive aging: Dog days
with a bone and other essays. Taos, NM: Taos Institute.
Ostaseski, F. (2017). The five invitations: Discovering what death can
teach us about living fully. New York, NY: Flatiron Books.
Rowe, J. & Kahn, R. (1998). Successful aging. New York, NY: Dell.
Tornstam, L. (2005). Gerotranscendence: A developmental theory of
positive aging. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.
Vaillant, G. (2002). Aging well: Surprising guideposts to a happier
life. New York, NY: Little Brown and Company.