[Longevity as a developmental process: life history and individual perspectives].
Longevity research often portrays the image that single characteristics of the past life explain best why some people survive into the second century of their lives, and others not. This paper challenges this approach by arguing that longevity should be seen as a life-long development process that still continues in the present lives of the oldest old. Four specific themes are addressed: First, individual differences can increase or decrease with age, depending on the domain studied. Second, historical events have shaped the individual biography of the oldest old and still have a profound impact on the personality and mental health of this age group. Third, individual events such as the loss of family members and friends are powerful recent experiences that challenge the oldest old to adapt to these recent changes in their lives. Finally, the oldest old seem to have unique time perspectives, realizing that remaining life expectancy is short and that time itself may not be of much importance to their current lives.
Martin
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Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames 50011, USA.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over / Q000523:psychology; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D001293:Attitude to Death; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008016:Life Change Events; D008136:Longevity; D008297:Male; D010553:Personality Development; D012944:Social Support
Langlebigkeit als Entwicklungsprozess: Zeitgeschichtliche und individuelle Perspektiven.