Philosophy of Aging

Abstract: The article offers a multi-perspective analysis of old age as the longest and most content-rich period of human life and the possibilities of education at the old age. The cultural, social, philosophical and even linguistic aspects are brought together to understand the interrelation of aging and time, and identify the possible interpretations of aging within various concepts of time. The author also offers some prognosis on the possibilities of changing perceptions of aging and the actual age brackets for the old age in different models of civilizations of the future. A working definition of aging is provided as well as a comprehensive catalogue of models of aging in the modern society and typologies of aging in terms of gender and relatedness to the actual chronological old age. The abstract concepts and typologies are then applied to the experience gained through the Silver University – an institution catering to the educational needs of the elderly in Moscow. The experience contributes to the understanding of the role of education in a meaningful and self-fulfilled aging.

Key words: longevity; immortality; aging-related and non-aging related old age; ontology of aging; the Silver University; aging pedagogics

JEL code: Z13