Subjective Aging and Awareness of Aging: Toward a New Understanding of the Aging Self

Abstract

The objective of this chapter is to provide the overall background and framework for the remainder of the volume. Specifi cally, we will lay the foundation for the subsequent chapters by focusing on four major issues. First, we present a brief historical overview in part not only to pay homage to past contributions and accomplishments but in part also to delineate the reasons why research on subjective aging in the 1980s and for most part of the 1990s went through a period of skepticism and disinterest. Second, we discuss both theoretical as well as empirical reasons why we believe the fi eld is making strides toward integration of new approaches and toward a new understanding of the role of subjective aging experiences. Third, we describe and explain what we see as the main components of this new understanding and how it is different from earlier approaches. Finally, we will discuss future challenges and directions for integrating the new developments with a new understanding of the aging self. In particular, we will advocate for a position that (a) views adult development and aging from a life span developmental perspective and (b) recognizes the bidirectional and dynamic interrelatedness of individual, social, and cultural factors in shaping adults’ awareness and understanding of their own aging.