Seminar on Conscious Ageing (coming soon)

Why do we age over such a long lifespan, beyond the phase in which we are still capable of reproduction? No science has yet provided a truly satisfactory answer as to why humans can live for so many years after this phase of life and what significance this may have for the evolution of human consciousness.

From my many years of research on the development of consciousness in old age and dementia in particular, there is much to suggest that ageing has an evolutionary potential linked to the phenomenon of the dissolution of the (personal) self. Life develops not only for the purpose of reproduction (which would be a classic Darwinian view), but also, among other things, so that humans become more self-aware, which corresponds to a perspective of evolutionary consciousness development. I think, research, and teach in this tradition.

I see old age as a distinct phase of consciousness development in which the individual potential in each of us can reach full maturity and completion—without denying the possibility of increasing frailty, illness, pain, and the approaching end of this physical existence. I see these factors, such as the general slowing down in (old) age, more as a “cosmic brake” that causes us to look more and more inward and search for the meaning of this existence, both our own and that of the whole.

I see it as a crucial task in ageing to consciously detach from one's personal identity and move towards a transpersonal dimension of being human. Self-centeredness dissolves more and more, opening up space to further develop our previously hidden potential for society and humanity as a whole, beyond selfish pursuits.

This seminar is intended as a kind of introductory course, providing an initial insight into the various aspects of aging and suggestions for further reflection. Given the great complexity of human ageing, it must remain somewhat superficial and can only highlight individual aspects. However, simply becoming aware of the complexity of this fascinating process in the last stage of our lives already holds the potential for the development of consciousness—for conscious ageing.

The seminar is based on an evolutionary understanding of consciousness and ageing, and uses the Integral Model of Ageing to examine some aspects of our individual and collective ageing:

• the inner experience of the ageing process, such as mental health, emotions, values, spirituality
• physical ageing and changes in skills and capabilities
• Ageing in our relationships and communities and questions about the (trans-)generational responsibility of our own generation
• Ageing in the systemic conditions that shape our lives
• Some developmental models that relate to ageing
• Experiences of states that may be significant for ageing
• Typologies of human existence, illustrated by the Gene Keys

There will be theoretical input and exchange on the seminar evenings, as well as impulses for further discussion in small groups in the meantime. Supplementary material will be made available on an online platform (evolutionary-samgah.org).

My own models of consciousness development in old age deepen the integral understanding with a transpersonal developmental perspective that reveals the spectrum of consciousness in ageing, ranging from dementia on the one hand to spiritually very mature embodiments of human existence on the other.

• What knowledge and skills have I accumulated, and which of these still want to be brought into the world?
• Which life themes or tasks have already been fulfilled and want to be released or even dissolved?
• What symptoms of this dissolution process am I experiencing physically, mentally, and spiritually, and what is an appropriate way to deal with them?
• What kind of self emerges when the personal self is disappearing

• Nine online events, each lasting three hours (eight events every two weeks, one follow-up meeting)
• Self-organized small group discussions between seminar evenings
• Opportunity for exchange and situation-specific accompanying material via an online platform
• A one-on-one conversation with me on individual topics.

The seminar is open to people aged 55 and over.

Participants need to be willing to familiarize themselves with the online platform through which our course communication takes place.

The cost of the seminar is (to be announced).

A certificate of further training can be issued for regular attendance.

The seminar series starts on (April or May, details to be announced).

As a gerontologist (ageing scientist) and educationalist, I have spent many years teaching, supervising, consulting and researching ageing and dementia, and in doing so have undergone a radical transformation process that has broadened and deepened my understanding of ageing from a transpersonal perspective. The insights gained from this process about Conscious Ageing and Transcending Dementia, together with my specialist knowledge and professional expertise from almost 30 years of working in training, further and acedemic education, and supervision in the field of ageing in general and in geropsychiatric care in particular, form the basis of this seminar. I also teach at universities, support caregivers of people with dementia, and conduct research on dementia and consciousness. For more information about me, see Vita and Nothingness.