Loss Of Possibility Research Articles

Loss, Loneliness, and the Question of Subjectivity in Old Age

When a loved one dies, it is common for the bereaved to feel profoundly lonely, disconnected from the world with the sense that they no longer belong. In philosophy, this experience of ‘loss and loneliness’ has been interpreted according to both a loss of possibilities and a loss of the past. But it is unclear how these interpretations apply to the distinctive way in which loss and loneliness manifest in old age. Drawing on the phenomenological analyses of old age given by de Beauvoir and Améry, I consider how the diminishment of the capacity for projection and recollection complicate recent interpretations of loss and loneliness, whilst nevertheless reinforcing the conclusion that in old age subjectivity is necessarily impoverished. Developing a critical stance on de Beauvoir and Améry’s underlying conception of subjectivity, I turn to Levinas in considering whether or not there is a way to reimagine subjectivity such that the estrangement and alienation of older adults might be ameliorated rather than exacerbated. Grounded in the passive body-in-itself rather than the self-transcending capacity of the body-for-itself, I suggest it becomes possible to reconceptualise the experience of loss and loneliness in old age; both in terms of what is lost and what needs to be restored if older adults are to be helped to find themselves at home in the world in the midst of, and indeed because of, manifold loss.

Open house for people facing a chronic disease

“De Kolibrie” (from Dutch to English translated as “the hummingbird”) is literally an open house where people who are facing a chronic disease – as a patient or in their immediate environment – can walk into to find someone to listen to their (life) story. In addition, they are offered the possibility to take part in a range of activities, all witch are organised in function to increase empowerment, improve their quality of life, optimize knowledge about their specific condition, support them through the process of accepting their new found limitations and dealing with the loss of possibilities ( = their personal mourning process). Because we think it is important that this offer is accessible to everyone - regardless of his financial capabilities - are almost all these activities free of charge. These activities (ranging from educational workshops, workshops on healthy nutrition, psychological support, peer support, over -lectures and group sessions to creative workshops) are very approachable, need-driven and person-centred. We operate in the core of society and are meeting all the challenges facing a chronic illness and his/her context. We are also raising awareness towards schools, associations, children ... Dealing with a chronical illness implicates learning how to accept that condition and fitting it into everyday life. Not only is this important at the moment of diagnoses , is a recurring process. We are trying to increase our visitors self-reliance and self-management through good education and customized support. One is not able to influence the fact that a person is ill, therefore many people think that they also can do little to its effects . Patients themselves however, can often achieve more than they think when it comes down to disease or health. The objective also is, to organise twice a year a specific “theme in the spotlight”. This in order to obtain knowledge, understanding and empathy for people who are suffering from a specific condition. One of the subgoals of this approach is the improvement of health literacy. Starting September until December 2016 we covered the dementia theme. This way we were able to reach 93 persons suffering from dementia and/or their family context. We also reached a lot of people who do not live with dementia, but out of interest participate in activities. Spring 2017 is dedicated to the theme of cancer and fall 2017 will be programmed to cover – at the request of the general practitioners - the condition of obesity. In 2018 the attention will go to mental health and non-congenital brain injuries. “ De Kolibrie” opened its doors on February 1st 2016, and has welcomed 2712 visits (counted until December 30th, where many of the guests were referred by doctors and other health care professionals). Since then, 38 volunteers have offered their kindness and knowledge. A total of more than 350 activities took place. Feedback from our guests shows us that we meet our objectives. We are currently performing a measurement to obtain objective data on our social influence.

Engaging Futures 2030: Futures Methods Transforming Governance

During 2000-2015, Queensland Councils emerged from the darkness of 'tokenistic' community consultation processes articulated by Arnstein (1969). The work of community engagement professionals to update Council methods in line with advancing technology and in designing new business models and strategies for the governance of consultations is arguably still in its 'teens'. One way forward is to continue a linear projected future, with a short-term view focused just ahead, which is still the norm. However, in an environment of rapid change, this approach is far too reactive, restrictive, shortsighted and un-consultative, resulting in the loss of possibilities. This article uses Inayatullah's (2008) six futures questions to create alternative community engagement futures to 2030.

The loss of possibility: scientisation of death and the special case of early miscarriage

This paper explores the special nature of bereavement in the case of first trimester miscarriage. It is theoretically informed by the sociological literature concerning death and bereavement and is empirically grounded in interviews with 79 women. We argue that the 'scientisation of death' in modern societies contributes to the uncertainty and isolation which distinguish early miscarriage as a unique form of loss. In the absence of clear cultural scripts to draw upon, many women interviewed gave meaning to their loss as 'what might have been' or what we call 'the loss of possibility'. Some women juxtaposed the failure of their pregnancy with that of modern medicine either to prevent the loss or provide a credible explanation for their miscarriage. Little research has been conducted in this area, since the pioneering work of Lovell (1983) and Cecil (1984). Our research draws on one of the largest and most systematic bodies of data ever collected on early miscarriage, and provides continued evidence of the traumas of miscarriage. The strategies employed by women to make sense of, and come to terms with, their experience of miscarriage are explored, employing a typology of pre-modern, modern and postmodern responses.