As in Jung's theory of the individuation process, gerotranscendence is regarded as the final stage in a natural progression towards maturation and wisdom. According to the theory, the individual moving towards gerotranscendence may experience a series of changes. The gerotranscendent individual typically experiences a redefinition of Self and of relationships to others and a new understanding of fundamental existential questions. The individual becomes, for example, less self occupied and at the same time more selective in the choice of social and other activities. There is an increased feeling of affinity with past generations and a decrease in interest in superfluous social interaction.
Positive solitude becomes more important.
There is also often a feeling of cosmic communion with the spirit of the universe, and a redefinition of time, space, life and death. Greenwood Publishing Group. The Contemplative Dimension of Aging , Journal of Aging Studies , forthcoming.