The acceptance of senility in old age – research on the literature of personal documents

Abstract

In the article the biographical method was used to look at the experience of senility. The research question was: how is old age perceived by the elderly? A qualitative analysis of 24 interviews (with 11 women and 13 men) aged 75-97 years, published in the book of Justyna Dąbrowska: Miłość jest warta starania – rozmowy z mistrzami(Love is Worth the Effort – Talks with the Masters) was conducted by the author of the article. Acceptance, as a common and important category in the description of the experience, was distinguished by the researcher. The author, in the methological reflection on the literature, shows the pedagogical importance of personal documents (memories, diaries, conversations, correspondence). According to the confession of the masters – interlocutors of Justyna Dąbrowska – old age must be learned. The literature of personal documents can suport the person in life long process of learning specific social roles related to their achieved age.