Aging as a Scientific and Value-Laden Field of Inquiry

Old age, death, and the nature of aging processes have been subjects of speculation throughout history. People have continously sought to provide explanations regarding the phenomenon of growing older and the eventuality of death. Early cultural and religious beliefs regarding longevity served to alleviate some of the anxieties about aging. Then, a scientific shift advocated a focus on improving conditions of later life. Mobilized research efforts have generated numerous views on aging including the ability of the individual to adapt and the importance of maximizing the functioning of individuals in order to improve life in the later years. An important challenge which may best be broached by religious institutions thus calls upon churches to help individuals set goals which will enhance aging by enabling individuals to find meanings (metaphors) that facilitate the process of adapting to aging.