The Role of Transcendence in a Holistic View of Successful Aging

Background: Although successful aging is most often defined by the absence of disease and disability, older adults consistently report aging successfully even in the presence of chronic illness and functional limitations. A more holistic way of looking at old age suggests transcendence may be an important missing criterion for successful aging. Aim: Transcendence, a late life developmental process, appears to have a profound effect within the spiritual domain but is an abstract, complex, and unfamiliar concept. A clear understanding of the meaning of transcendence is necessary to explore the concept’s usefulness as a potential basis for future interventions to increase successful aging. Method: Walker and Avant’s method of concept analysis was adapted to analyze literature from philosophy, theology, developmental psychology, sociology, psychiatry, and nursing in order to gain a thorough understanding of transcendence. Results: Antecedents, attributes, referents, and consequences of transcendence were identified and then displayed in a conceptual model. A definition of transcendence in relation to successful aging was synthesized from the analysis. Conclusion: The concept analysis suggested transcendence may provide a theoretical foundation for development of potentially cost-effective, efficacious interventions to foster a sense of meaning in life, well-being, and life satisfaction. The model under development may prove useful in planning potential interventions.