Centre for Policy on Ageing
 

 

The story continues: persistence of life themes in old age
Author(s)Peter G Coleman, Christine Ivani-Chalian, Maureen Robinson
Journal titleAgeing and Society, vol 18, part 4, July 1998
Pagespp 389-419
KeywordsLife span ; Memory and Reminiscence ; Family relationships ; Over 70s ; Longitudinal surveys ; United Kingdom.
AnnotationSurvivors of a longitudinal study, the Southampton Ageing Project, over the age of 80 were asked whether they saw their lives in terms of story and whether they agreed with our assessment of its present major themes. Two-thirds of the initial sample of 43 affirmed that their life story was a coherent one in which past and present were connected. Relationships, particularly within the family, were the major source of linkage. One-quarter of the sample, predominantly female members, perceived neither story nor connections but they were not necessarily dissatisfied with their present lives. Detailed case studies were subsequently composed on the identity processes shown by each person, and their conclusions discussed with the 28 remaining participants two or three years later. The most evident continuing life theme for both men and women was one oriented to the family. Maintenance of independence and own home were also emphasised. The application of McAdam's story model of identity is discussed in relationship to two cases. Implications for research and practice are discussed, including opportunities for older people to construct and present the story of their lives to others. (AKM).
Accession NumberCPA-981110405 A
ClassmarkBG6: DB: DS:SJ: BBK: 3J: 8

Data © Centre for Policy on Ageing

...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing.
 

CPA home >> Ageinfo Database >> Last modified: Fri 21 Sep 2018, © CPA 2018 Queries to: webmaster@cpa.org.uk