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time and aging
NEW PERSPECTIVES ON AGING
Pacific Institute Europe wants to help change the dominant perspective on aging by delivering emotional and mental health services to the elderly and by educating and training professionals who work with the elderly.
What Is The Dominant View?
Old Age and aging is regarded as a problem to be avoided. On the biological level, the body is understood to become weaker with many of its functions declining. Also, the body’s appearance does not fit any longer the dominant image of beauty. On the psychological level the dominant view sees the elderly experiencing increased dependency, loss of power and control, loneliness and lack of purpose and status. On the sociological level, the aging population is seen as a financial burden to society who create difficulties for their families and caregivers.
The New Perspective Of Aging.
Pacific Institute Europe promotes a new perspective of aging. It is based on the idea that that Old Age presents a potential gift for our society. Aging is understood as an important contribution both for the individual and for our society. From a biological point of view, this perspective understands the aging body as a chance to become more reflective, focus on values different then effectiveness and success, and acknowledge our interdependency as part of human life. Sociologically, the aging society values a slower pace, emphasizes our need for care as well as the fact that we are also spiritual beings. As we age the body begins to be in service of the spirit – illness, pain, ‘decline’ of physiological functions are understood as challenges for our emotional and spiritual growth.
Also, seeing Old Age as a meaningful part of life helps to decrease our fear of aging.
Challenges
Old Age is a “potential” which requires effort to unfold. For the individual, Old Age may become an ally or an enemy. Old Age becomes an ally in the form of a wise elder who is content with him or herself and continues to be a respected and needed part of family, society and world. Old Age becomes an “enemy” in the form of rigidity, stiffness and a mood characterized by hopelessness and apathy.
Eldership As A Role In Society And World
There is a need to create a different social role for senior adults. As a society we can benefit greatly change from a changed perspective on aging. This new perspective will value reflection, a slower pace of life, work on individual as well as planetary awareness, and values caring for others and our communities.
