title: Structural developmental psychology and health promotion in the third age.
abstract: In response to the ever-increasing longevity in Western societies, old age has been divided into two different periods, labelled the third and fourth age. Where the third age, with its onset at retirement, mostly involves positive aspects of growing old, the fourth age involves functional decline and increased morbidity. This article focuses on the entry to the third age and its potential for health promotion initiatives. Well-being is an important factor to emphasize in such health promotion, and this article views the lifestyle of third agers as essential for their well-being. The structural developmental theory of Robert Kegan delineates how a person's way of knowing develops throughout the life course. This theory is an untapped and salient perspective for health promotion initiatives in the third age. This article outlines Kegan's approach as a tool for developing psychologically spacious health promotion, and suggests future directions for research on the topic.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University College of Southeast Norway, Porsgrunn, Norway.
authors.forename: Lars
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bauger
authors.affiliation: Department of Health, Social and Welfare Studies, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University College of Southeast Norway, Porsgrunn, Norway.
authors.forename: Rob
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bongaardt
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D011582:Psychological Theory; D066233:Psychology, Developmental / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life