Dancing Vital Involvement: A Creative Old Age

Gerontological theorists describe both involvement and disinvolvement as part of developmental success in old age, and they identify both potentials and deficits as accompanying this final period of life. Community theorists cite society's need for elders' civic engagement, while acknowledging obstacles to such engagement. Arts advocates emphasize the unique value of high-quality arts participation in later life. This case study uses the construct of vital involvement as a framework for integrating these diverse perspectives, to consider and learn from the unique story of 90-year-old master dancer Yuriko. The study suggests practical, general applications of the clarity provided by the vital involvement construct and the life of this extraordinary elder role model.