Elderlys experiences 2001

In 1995 a cross-sectional study of the Swedish population between the ages of 20 and 85 was carried out. In this study, three dimensions of gerotranscendence were approximated and operationalized in three measures: cosmic transcendence, coherence and need for solitude. The general purpose of the 2001 study was to obtain a better understanding of the gerotranscendence patterns when the unlimited age span 65+ is studied in detail.
As in the previous 1995 study, a series of questions/statements were framed in accordance with dimensions of gerotranscendence. Statements measuring the cosmic transcendence included: 'I feel connected with the entire universe', 'I feel that I am part of everything alive', 'I can feel a strong presence of people who are elsewhere', 'Sometimes I feel like I live in the past and present simultaneously', and 'I feel a strong connection with earlier generations'. Coherence was measured by the respondent's attitude to following statements: 'My life feels chaotic and disrupted' and 'The life I have lived has coherence and meaning'. Statements measuring solitude included: 'I like to be myself better than being with others', 'I like meetings with new people', and 'Being at peace and philosophizing by myself is important for my well-being'.
The respondents were also asked if their view on life and existence had changed compared to when they were 50 years old. Respondents were also asked to read a list of common diseases and mark the diseases they suffered from. In the same vein, the respondents were asked if they, during the past two years, had experienced something they regarded as a life crises. Furthermore the respondents were asked how often they: a) participated in activities outside the home (organizational activities, church, cinema, theatre, etc.), b) receive visitors at home (friends, neighbors, children, other relatives), c) themselves visit friends,neighbors, children or other relatives. Response alternatives were: daily, weekly, monthly, every six months, less often.

Purpose:

The general purpose of the 2001 study was to obtain a better understanding of the gerotranscendence patterns when the unlimited age span 65+ is studied in detail

The response rate declined with age from 76 percent in the lowest age category to 53 percent in the highest.