Showing posts with label Gerontology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gerontology. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

It's not loneliness, it's the lack of meaning and purpose in later life.

Summary Explore the concept of successful aging, emphasizing the importance of meaning, purpose, and contribution in later life. They argue that combating the "loneliness epidemic" requires fostering a sense of usefulness and agency, rather than merely addressing social isolation. Maintaining autonomy and self-determination is highlighted, alongside the power of reframing aging to focus on continued contributions, such as the simple yet significant act of giving attention. The texts draw upon Atul Gawande's Being Mortal and offer strategies for individuals and society to support fulfilling aging experiences.

 

Friday, November 22, 2024

Does Narcissism Fade With Age?


If you’re hoping the narcissist in your life will make sweeping behavioral changes, you are likely to be disappointed, according to a systematic review published in the journal Psychological Bulletin.

For more click here.

Editor's note: As a Licensed Clinical Social Work Psychotherapist with 56 years in the field of mental health I have observed that some people with personality disorders do change in positive directions or at least "mellow" in their older age. However, I also have observed that some people, as this study finds about people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, not only don't change but the symptoms even become worse.

Another sad observation is that people tend to die the way they have lived their lives. The old expression "you make your bed and you lie in it' is pretty accurate. Death bed conversions make great stories and movies but are exceedingly rare that's why they are so valued and appreciated if and when they do occur.

However a good story about end of life change is told in Dr. Irvin Yalom's book; "Love's Executioner: and Other Tales Of Psychotherapy" in the second chapter "If rape were legal..."