Reconsidering Chance and Continuity in Later Life: Toward an Innovation Theory of Successful Aging

This article examines the patterns & meanings of innovation in the activities of a group of retirees with an eye toward understanding the place & value of innovation in the aging process. Starting with a consideration of continuity theory, as a perspective that simply describes typical patterns of activity, & activity theory that prescribes expansion of activities as a key to well-being, this article highlights the characteristics, meanings & perceived benefits of a wide variety of innovative activities. The study utilized in-depth semistructured interviews with a purposive sample of 20 male & female retirees involved in a "Learning & Retirement" program. Innovations that both preserve a sense of self (internal continuity) as well as those that allow one to strike out in entirely new direction are described, &, using a process of constant comparison, their motivational dynamics are explored. Given previous arguments that activity can be indiscriminate & disintegrative in some circumstances, we nevertheless suggest that innovation can be growth producing & liberating, even in later life, while at the same time generally protecting a sense of internal continuity. Tables, References. Adapted from the source document.