title: Auto-Gerontology: A Personal Odyssey.
abstract: The four leading theories of optimal aging are activity, continuity, successful aging, and selective optimization with adaptation. All tend to support the slogan, "Use it or lose it." I have tried to continue using my abilities in four key areas: professional, volunteer, personal relationships, and physical fitness. Ageism also has become personal for me because I have made it a personal priority to do what I can to reduce ageism. This includes research and writing, developing a list of 45 advantages to aging, avoiding ageist jokes and language, developing positive slogans about aging, maintaining personal fitness, going on birthday adventures, and being proud of my age (85). I close with answers to some questions about auto-gerontology.
authors.affiliation: 1 Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Erdman B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Palmore
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D063506:Ageism / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support
keywords: activity theory; ageism; optimal aging