How Does Getting Older Change Us?

Full Course: Are we who we've always been? How does getting older change us?

Aging is an inevitable part of the human experience. We are all, always, getting older. But, how we navigate this process can vary greatly. We will explore the complex relationship between aging, personal identity, and transformation from a philosophical and intersectional perspective. As we journey through life, we face the inevitability of aging, and the changes that come with it. We will consider questions such as: How does aging impact personal identity? Is our sense of self fixed, or does it evolve as we age? What role do our experiences, choices, and memories play in shaping our identity as we grow older?

Through thought-provoking readings, films and facilitated discussions, we will delve into the complexities of aging and personal identity, and explore the ways in which different individuals navigate this process. By examining the intersections of age, race, class, and gender, we will gain a deeper understanding of the impact that societal norms and expectations can have on our experiences of aging. Through this exploration, we will develop a greater appreciation for the unique journey that is aging, and gain insights into how we can navigate this process with grace and wisdom.

Drawing on a diverse selection of texts, including Kieran Setiya's "Midlife: A Philosophical Guide," Simone de Beauvoir's "The Coming of Age," Audre Lorde's "Age, Race, Class, and Sex: Women Redefining Difference," excerpts from Ursula K. Le Guin's "The Wave in the Mind," and the short story "The Immortal" by Jorge Luis Borges, we will examine the ways in which our sense of self evolves or remains constant as we age, and consider how our experiences, choices, and memories contribute to this ongoing process.

At the heart of our exploration is the essential question: Are we who we've always been? How does aging change us? Through facilitated class discussions, we will delve into this central question, exploring questions such as:

• How does aging affect our sense of self, and what role do societal attitudes and expectations play in this process?
• What can we learn from diverse perspectives on the experience of aging, and how can we use this knowledge to enrich our own lives and relationships
• How can we cultivate resilience and growth in the face of aging and life transitions, and what role do memory, personal growth, and societal expectations play in this process?
• What can we learn from philosophical and literary perspectives on aging, and how can these insights inform our own experiences and choices?
• How can we work towards a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of the complex issues surrounding aging and identity, particularly about the intersections of race, gender, class, and sexual orientation?