Ageing disgracefully, with grace : enjoying growing older / Michael John Lowis.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Lowis, Michael John, author.

Series:

Psychology research progress series.

Psychology Research Progress

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Older people--Psychology.

Older people.

Aging--Psychological aspects.

Aging.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (132 p.)

Place of Publication:

New York, [New York] : Nova Publishers, 2016.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

A doctor was once heard to say that it is a pity we know our own age; otherwise, we could just say that we are as old as we feel. The populations of most countries are ageing, and because of this we can anticipate many years of retirement. We need to make the most of this opportunity, but we are faced with exhortations such as "act your age." Does this mean that older people should not have fun anymore, but should instead conform to conventional stereotypes such as being unproductive, conventional, inflexible, serene, and no longer interested in intimacy? In other words, should people have to grow old gracefully? The answer is no. Instead, we should enjoy ageing while still having fun and living life to the fullest.The author, Dr. Mike Lowis, is a psychologist and theologian who has numerous academic publications to his name, including over sixty articles in peer-reviewed journals, two books and two book chapters. His vast research experience, plus being himself in the 'third age' of life, adequately qualifies him to write on the topic of making the most of the retirement years. He delights in debunking the myths and stereotypes of ageing, and gives many examples of individuals who have achieved great things in later life. The book includes details on several ways that can help older people to cope with life, including making full use of both music and humour. It also reviews biblical texts that refer to the virtues of, and the respect for, older people.This book is written in an accessible style that should also appeal to the interested general reader. The book also includes some simple self-test exercises that readers are invited to complete, the results of which should help those interested to gauge their own levels of progress toward life satisfaction.

Contents:

AGEING DISGRACEFULLY, WITH GRACE ENJOYING GROWING OLDER ; AGEING DISGRACEFULLY, WITH GRACE ENJOYING GROWING OLDER ; Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data; CONTENTS ; FOREWORD ; PREFACE; ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ; Chapter 1 HOW OLD ARE YOU? ; Chapter 2 THERE IS NO SUCH AGE AS OLD ; Theories of Ageing ; Disengagement Theory ; Activity Theory ; Continuity Theory ; Selectivity Theory ; Chapter 3 MYTHS, STEREOTYPES, IMAGES, AND GAINS ; Images of Ageing - The Harris Survey ; Gains in Later Life ; Chapter 4 LIFE SATISFACTION ; Life Satisfaction in the Elderly Index 'A' (LSI 'A')

Life Satisfaction in the Elderly Scale (LSES)Ego Integrity Scale (EIS) ; 1) The Harvard Study ; 2) The Nun Study; 3) The University of Northampton (TUON) Studies ; Reminiscence and Life Review ; Chapter 5 FAITH IN THE THIRD AGE ; Telephone Interviews ; 1) How Did You Come to Develop Strong Spiritual/Religious Beliefs? ; 2) Has Your Faith Ever Been Severely Tested So That It "Wobbled"? ; 3) How Could You Help a Person Who Does Not Have a Strong Faith but Desires One? ; 4) What Might Cause Some People to Be Atheists, and Proud of It? ; SUMMARY OF FINDINGS FROM THIS STUDY

Chapter 6 AGEING IN THE OLD TESTAMENT Life Expectancy ; Biblical Longevity ; Respect for Elders ; Attributes of Elders; Behaviour for a Long Life ; Requests in Psalms ; SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION ; Chapter 7 AGEING IN THE NEW TESTAMENT ; God Sustains and Rewards ; Obey God, Persevere; Respect Parents and Elders ; Death Is Conquered ; SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION ; Chapter 8 HUMOUR . . . ONE OF THE GREATEST COPING METHODS ; Chapter 9 THE POSITIVE EFFECTS OF MUSIC AND THE ARTS ; Chapter 10 CONCLUSION: IS THERE A HAPPINESS FORMULA? ; 1) A Good Meal ; 2) A Nice Holiday; 3) Entertainment

4) Work and Other Activities 5) Health ; 6) Social Relationships ; 7) Meaning in Life; 8) Freedom ; 9) Money ; REFERENCES ; INDEX

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

1-63484-516-1