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Successful Aging-Utopia or the Result of Lifelong Learning? Meaning and Representations of Ageing in Romanian Elderly

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Abstract

Latest statistics show that the number of elderly individuals has increased in Romania but little is known about their perceptions of ageing and their strategies in coping with this issue. The present study set out to explore representations, experiences and perceptions of aging in Romanian elders. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 men and 11 women, aged 65 to 90 years old. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants had predominantly negative representations of old age, associating it with illness, loneliness, disability and lack of purpose in life and needing a high amount of social support. However, elders talked about how one could be happy in old age by undergoing a continuous learning process, planning for a future and accepting one’s past and present. Findings show that the elderly have a negative view of ageing and old age but also have representations of how to age well. Results can inform interventions for promoting health assets for successful aging.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Babes Bolyai University, Cluj Napoca, Str. Republicii, 37, cod 400015, Romania

    Catrinel Craciun

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  1. Catrinel Craciun
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Correspondence to Catrinel Craciun.

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Craciun, C. Successful Aging-Utopia or the Result of Lifelong Learning? Meaning and Representations of Ageing in Romanian Elderly. Ageing Int 37, 373–385 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12126-011-9131-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12126-011-9131-2

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