I define 'elderhood' as the developmental stage encompassing later life.
There are two primary reasons why I think the term 'elderhood' is
essential. First, we believe that to be 'successful' at aging, we need
to maintain roles and interests associated with adulthood. I disagree. I
believe that roles and contributions in elderhood evolve and can look
and feel different. Sometimes the contribution is active engagement, but
sometimes it is a quiet reflection that is more personal. [emphasis mine] Both are
developmentally healthy and appropriate. 'Elderhood' accounts for the
nuances where the term 'older adult' or 'old age' does not.-- Tracey Gendron
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Dr. Tracey Gendron is chair of the Department of Gerontology at Virginia Commonwealth University and the author of Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It.
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