GERONTOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF SOMATIC DISEASES: OVERVIEW OF THE CURRENT STATE OF RESEARCH

Abstract

This article is devoted to a review of theoretical and empirical data on the current state of gerontological researches in the field of somatic diseases. Presented the main models and theories of aging, revealed their basic idea and understanding of the causes and processes of aging. Considered the concept of gerotranscendence as a resource for optimal aging. Gerotranscendence examines the aging process from both biological and psychological points of view (an integrated approach). It is noted that there are no studies of optimal aging and gerotranscendence under conditions of somatic disease (only conditionally healthy respondents were studied). Three groups of somatic diseases are listed, which, according to UN statistics, are the main causes of mortality in the world (malignant neoplasms, stroke, heart disease). Presented the results of the empirical studies about the effect of somatic diseases on the psychological characteristics of elderly people (emotions, psychological well-being, attitudes towards illness, etc.). In order to more fully and comprehensively study the aging process, to understand the mechanisms of overcoming the disease, which will help to form the optimal level of psychological well-being of the elderly and, therefore, optimal aging, it is relevant to study the phenomenon of gerotranscendence in elderly people in conditions of severe somatic or lifethreatening disease.