Creativity in Old Age

Lee, Ho Young

Abstract

Geriatric Psychiatry has a potential to develop as a subspecialty as Child Psychiatry, for the period of old age encompasses unique developmental tasks. For the future development of Geriatric Psychiatry, a sound theory of Geriatrics is essential; a new perspective beyond biological views on aging which the health care professionals are deeply embedded. Such prejudice, old people are bound to become deteriorated physically and mentally after a long period of degenerative process, has been enhanced by biological and sociological views of discrimination and isolation. A few sociological theories on Geriatrics that have developed along with social changes are reviewed here. The Modernization Theory, Discrimination Theory, Conflict Theory, and Activity Theories are a few discussed. The current view is to see the period of old age a stage of Self Transformation when elderly people have different perception of time and become eager to rediscover themselves with a new meaning in life. They not only seek unrecognized potentials in themselves to actualize but to reach out beyond their limits, a world unknown to them. This meaning-making process and self transformation characterize old age as an important phase of life to be creative. Geriatric Psychiatry must be based on the developmental view on aging; understand elderly people who are proactive. A disorder oriented, categorical, and symptom removal practice with drugs are the stereotypes that should be minimized when it comes to the care of elderly.