1st Edition
Positive Ageing An Approach Towards Transcendence
This book presents a kaleidoscopic view of the positive layers of ageing as well as key interventions that can help generate and maintain positivity and well-being among the elderly. It explores the connections of ageing with spirituality, nature and existentialism, and leisure to encourage creativity, individuation, happiness, and emotional detachment. It further examines various interventions such as end-of-life care, mindfulness and yoga, retrospection, life review, and so on, which may improve the overall quality of life by promoting the health of the elderly individual.
The book focuses on authentic ageing, transpersonal gerontology, the concept of the elder child, geriatric interventions, and caregiving, and suggests practical improvements in health and facilities for the elderly. It also covers aspects of the inner life of the prolonged ailing or dying person from a mental health perspective and emphasizes the value of positive ageing. A guide to applied geriatrics and geriatric psychology, with its simple style and clear methods in end-to-end praxis, the book shows how mental well-being can be fostered in the elderly to help them find meaning and purpose in old age.
This book will interest students, teachers, and researchers of psychology, positive psychology, geropsychology and gerontological studies, sociology and social work, public health, medical education, and geriatric nursing. It will also be useful to practitioners including psychologists, counsellors, gerontologists, mental health professionals and NGOs working with the elderly, and the interested reader.
Foreword by Girishwar Misra
Preface
Acknowledgements
Part I: Positive Layers of Ageing: A Kaleidoscopic View
- Ageing and Spirituality: The Entwined Elements in Life Journey
- ‘Authentic Ageing’: Reflections from an Existential Perspective
- A Glimpse into the Transpersonal Gerontological Canvas
- Leisurely Ways of Attaining Positive Ageing
- Positively Empowered Elders with Creative ‘Chisels’ in Hand
- Nature: The Friend and Philosopher of Old Age
- Search for Individuation in Retiree-Identity
- Detachment: The Positive End-Fringe of Elderly Mind
- The Reflective Mind of the Dying Person in Old Age
- Geriatric Interventions: The ‘Eraser’ of Dark Emotionality in Elderly
- End-of-Life Care in Dementia: Geriatric Burden or Elderly Blessing?
- Mindfulness Practices: The Essential Alchemy of Meaningful Ageing
- Life-Story Matrix: The Retrospective Wisdom Forum
- Health Promotion and Well-Being in Ageing
- Reflective Ripples of Geriatric Life
Part II: Intervention-Orientation: Ways to Initiate Positivity in Ageing
Glossary
Index
Biography
Nilanjana Sanyal is former Professor and Head, Department of Psychology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India, and a practising Psychoanalyst. She specializes in gerontology and ageing, psychoanalysis, psychodynamic psychotherapeutics, positive psychology, spiritual psychology, and counselling. She has published numerous books, journal and conference papers, and is the co-creator of an International Assessment Standard. She is associated with various apex bodies and has chaired many international conferences. She is also a columnist in national dailies and magazines and is involved in mass media programmes.
Manisha Dasgupta is Associate Professor, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India. She has interests in gerontology, personality, clinical psychology, and projective psychology, and has several publications. She has been engaged in research and practises therapeutic interventions as a holistic mental health educator and professional. She is a co-developer of the Indian adaptation of an International Assessment Standard.
‘This is an exceptionally well-written book, highly informative, well-articulated and stands on its value of simplicity. With ageing people numbering high in our country, and their care becoming a constant priority for professionals comprising psychologists, social workers, care-givers and family members alike, the book comes at an appropriate juncture to fill the gap for such a work. As a technical-cum-academic volume which will help guide both praxis and research, this is a must-add to libraries of institutions as well as organizations in the fields of gerontology and care-giving. Highly recommended for the interested reader or an individual caring for the aged!’
S. S. Nathawat, Professor Emeritus and Ex-Head, Department of Psychology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur and former Director, Amity Institute of Behavioural & Allied Sciences, Rajasthan, India
‘This book is a landscape of life in the twilight zone. The book infuses one with hope, optimism and positivity by giving snapshots into authentic aging, living with dignity, transpersonal gerontology, unity with nature and ultimate transcendence. The activities prescribed direct one towards positivity and a celebration of life lived well until the very end. The book is not only a treasure trove on ageing; it gives a glimpse of the benefits of contemplation and introspection as tools for meaningfulness.’
Indranee Phookan Borooah, Professor and Head, Guwahati University, Assam, India
‘This book is very interesting and informative. Given the increasing number of elderly people across countries, it is expected that the book will have a good market in India and globally too because of its valuable and relevant contents.’
Sibnath Deb, Professor and Director, Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, India
