Fall 2026 OLLI Digital Catalog

AGING AND FLOURISHING: CONTEMPORARY THEORIES (Q202)

Q – Health and Wellness

This course focuses on the psychological, social and cultural dimensions of aging, with particular attention to resilience, well-being, and flourishing in later life. We explore contemporary humanistic theories and research and address how older adults navigate transitions, losses, hopes, fears, and evolving identities. We learn how personal choices are shaped by the desire for “hoped-for selves” and an avoidance of “feared selves” and how to pursue greater meaning, joy, creativity, and life satisfaction.

This offering meets for a total of 5 session(s).

INSTRUCTOR: Jasmin McConatha

TAHMASEB-McCONATHA, JASMIN — B.S., sociology, B.A., psychology, University of Utah; M.S., psychology, University of Alabama; Ph.D., gerontology, human development, psychology, University of Georgia. Professor emerita of psychology, West Chester University, who has taught and conducted research on personal, social and cultural factors that impact well-being across adulthood, emphasizing aging and coping with later life transitions. Written and published more than 100 research articles, four books, and other venues including the Philadelphia Inquirer, New York Times, Psychology Today blog and other publications.

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