Later adults' cultural life scripts of middle and later adulthood. Issue 3 (4th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Grysman, Azriel; Dimakis, Sarah
• Is Part Of: Aging, neuropsychology, and cognition. Volume 25:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 406
• Page End: 426
• Publication Date: 2018-05-04
• Subjects: Cultural life script -- semantic memory -- well-being -- positivity -- transitions; Aging -- Periodicals; Cognition in old age -- Periodicals; Cognition disorders in old age -- Periodicals; Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; Aging -- periodicals; Neuropsychology -- periodicals; Cognition -- periodicals; Mental Disorders -- periodicals; Gerontology -- periodicals; Mental Health -- periodicals; 155.67
• DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2017.1319458
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1382-5585

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The cultural life script (CLS) refers to expected prototypical life events, often including life transitions overwhelmingly occurring at ages 11-30. This study outlined CLS events at ages after the majority of these events typically occur. Participants, age 38-76, nominated events they expected a person of their age to experience in the future. Participants rated each event's valence, importance, prevalence, and expected age of occurrence. Events were coded into three categories: the normative CLS for events listed by previous CLS studies, offspring's CLS for experiencing CLS events of offspring, and later adulthood CLS for other events nominated by at least 4% of participants. Results suggest scripted events highlighting positivity and change. Offspring's CLS was more positive and occurred earlier than others. Correlations emerged between event characteristics and well-being. Results affirm the prominence of transitions in memory, and suggest ways that older adults maintain well-being despite a cultural narrative that emphasizes decline.