A culturally-relevant theoretical framework for the study of successful ageing

TLDR

Cross‑cultural gerontology remains atheoretical due to a lack of culturally relevant theoretical frameworks. This article adapts Kluckhohn’s value‑orientation model to address that gap in studying ageing‑related concepts. The adapted model is applied to the concept of successful ageing, illustrating its potential uses. The proposed framework may resolve the current atheoretical state of cross‑cultural gerontology.

Abstract

In spite of the many studies conducted over the past decades, the field of inquiry known as cross-cultural gerontology remains atheoretical. This is because of its shortcomings in generating culturally-relevant theoretical frameworks of its own. In this article, I address this failure and adapt Kluckhohn's model of value orientations for use in the study of ageing-related concepts. I discuss possible applications of the adapted model and, in particular, its application to one of the most frequently debated concepts in gerontology, successful ageing. In the light of this discussion, I conclude that the culturally-relevant theoretical framework hereby proposed could lead to the rectification of the current atheoretical predicament of cross-cultural gerontology.