Older adults are increasingly confronting the philosophical question of identity and personal essence as they age [1, 2].
This existential reflection matters because the search for a core identity in later life has direct consequences for a person's wellbeing and their practical daily decisions [1, 2].
The inquiry focuses on the question "who am I" and how that identity persists or changes as a person faces the physical and mental shifts of aging [1, 2]. For many, the process of aging involves a perceived fading of the person, which brings the question of their underlying essence to the forefront [1].
These identity questions are not merely academic exercises. They influence how individuals navigate their final years and how they interact with caregivers, and family members [1, 2]. When an individual struggles to define their essence, it can affect their autonomy and the way they approach end-of-life planning [1].
In Melbourne, Australia, recent discourse published in The Age suggests that acknowledging these existential struggles is vital for holistic care [1]. The intersection of philosophy and geriatric health highlights a need for support systems that address the mind and spirit, not just the body [1, 2].
Addressing these questions allows older adults to maintain a sense of continuity. By exploring what remains constant in their character, they may find greater stability amidst the transitions of old age [1, 2].
“The philosophical question 'who am I' has practical consequences for older adults.”
This shift toward recognizing the philosophical needs of the elderly suggests a move toward integrated care. By treating identity and 'essence' as factors in health, medical and social services may better support the psychological resilience of aging populations, moving beyond purely clinical models of geriatric care.
