Gerotranscendence

The process of living into old age encompasses a general potential towards a shift in meta perspective, from a materialistic and rational vision to a more cosmic and transcendent one, that is frequently followed by an increase in life satisfaction. This shifting is referred to as gerotranscendence. As in Jung's theory of the individuation process, gerotranscendence is regarded as the final stage in a natural process towards maturation and wisdom. It defines a reality that is different from the normal mid-life reality which gerontologists tend to project on old age. Gerotranscendent individuals experience feelings of cosmic communion with the spirit of the universe, a redefinition of time, space, life and death, and a redefinition of the self. They typically experience a decreased interest in material things and a greater need for solitude.