Storying Later Life: Issues, Investigations, and Interventions in Narrative Gerontology

Gary Kenyon · Ernst Bohlmeijer · William L. Randall

12/2010 · Oxford University Press

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In its brief but vigorous history, gerontology has spawned a broadening range of specializations. One of the newest of such specializations is narrative gerontology, so named for its emphasis on the biographical, or inside, dimensions of the experience of aging. Telling stories about our world, our relationships, and ourselves is fundamental to how we make meaning. Everything from our history to our religion and our memories to our emotions is linked to the tales we tell ourselves, and others, about where we have come from and where we are going. They are central to who we are. The biographical side of human life is every bit as critical to fathom as the biological side, if we seek a more balanced, positive, and optimistic perspective on what aging is about; if we would honor the dignity and complexity, the humanity and uniqueness of the lives of older persons, no matter what their health or economic standing. In this respect, a narrative approach is particularly suited to the exploration of such topics as meaning, spirituality, and wisdom, and the connections they share. This volume reflects a selection of new directions and insights, and constitutes a general broadening and deepening of narrative gerontology, exploring its implications for theory and research in the field of aging, and for the quality of life of older adults themselves. Such deepening indicates a greater refinement of thought, method, and intervention. The evolution of narrative gerontology is also evidenced by a significant increase in the number of faculty and graduate students engaged in research in this area, as well as by increasing collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and administrators in applying narrative insights to contexts such as long term care - indeed, healthcare in general. These initiatives have given rise to the phrase, "narrative care as core care".

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Gary Kenyon, Ph.D. is founding Chair and Professor, Gerontology Department, St. Thomas University, New Brunswick, Canada. He is listed in Who's Who in Canada and the United States and is a frequent visiting scholar in Europe. Dr. Kenyon is a co-creator of Narrative Gerontology and the concept of Narrative Care. William L. Randall, EdD, is Associate Professor in the Department of Gerontology at St. Thomas University, where he also serves as Director of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Narrative. He is author or co-author of numerous publications on narrative gerontology and biographical aging. He is also principal organizer of the 2002, 2004, and 2010 international-interdisciplinary conferences entitled Narrative Matters. Ernst Bohlmeijer, Ph.D. is Associate Professor Mental Health Promotion at the University of Twente. He is one of the leading international researchers on reminiscence and life-review. He has a special interest in narrative-based and acceptance-based care. He published over 70 articles and book chapters on these topics.