Understanding Aging in a Retirement Community
Author Information
Author(s): Crampton Alexandra
Primary Institution: Marquette University
Hypothesis
How do professional definitions of older adults align with the lived experiences of those aged 80 and above?
Conclusion
Residents in an affluent retirement community face stigma associated with aging, despite having access to resources.
Supporting Evidence
- Residents faced stigma related to aging despite their privileged circumstances.
- Qualitative data provided insights that numbers alone could not capture.
- Some residents coped with aging in ways that defied typical expectations.
Takeaway
This study looks at how older people in a nice retirement community feel about getting old and how they deal with it.
Methodology
Data were collected through participant observation and semi-structured interviews over several periods.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported experiences and perceptions of aging.
Limitations
The study is limited to a specific affluent retirement community and may not represent broader populations.
Participant Demographics
Residents of an affluent Midwestern retirement community, average age 85.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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