Personhood and aging: Exploring the written narratives of older adults as articulations of personhood in later life

• Published in: Journal of aging studies Vol. 62; p. 101040
• Main Authors: Jaggers, Kaitlyn, Gillett, James, Kuperman, Victor, Kyröläinen, Aki-Juhani, Sonnadara, Ranil
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01-09-2022
• Subjects: Active aging; Coherence; Dementia; Narrative; Personhood; Successful aging; Successful aging; Narrative; Active aging; Coherence; Personhood; Dementia
• ISSN: 0890-4065; 1879-193X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2022.101040

Personhood is a complex concept in gerontological research. It is often used to explore the maintenance or reconstruction of self-identity. Narrative analysis has commonly explored how the stories that older individuals living with cognitive impairment(s) produce preserve the personhood that is perceived to be threatened by cognitive decline. This article moves beyond this exploration by focusing on the experiences of aging more generally to better understand how non-cognitively impaired older adults construct personhood through narrative writing. This article uses thematic narrative analysis and argues that older adults articulate personhood through written narratives by creating coherent constructions of self. Importantly, it demonstrates that older adults are concerned with maintaining a sense of self rather than embracing changed aspects of identity in accordance with popularized conceptualizations of personhood as well as ideals of coherence and consistency promoted in successful and active aging discourses.
•Personhood is called into question for all older adults.•Older adults can articulate their personhood through narrative writing.•Older adults are likely to articulate coherent versions of self through narratives.•It is unlikely for older adults to discuss age-related changes in their narratives.