Apply the Protean Lifestyle to Enliven Old Age

Adopt different identities later in life to ensure more diverse experiences

I have been looking for a conception of selfhood that might apply to the unique challenges of being an emergent elder. Old age presents unusual circumstances that call for new accommodations not found in earlier life.

There is the unpredictability of future physical and mental well-being and of the ever-present prospects of losses that must be accommodated.

Protean Man

For a long time, I have been fascinated by the concept of the protean man and its applications to my life. As we will see, proteanism is about changing your identity over time. It draws strength from variety and disorder.

Its source of strength is its ability to stay on the move between partial and incomplete identities while still maintaining a steady core of identity.

Robert J. Lifton’s book, The Protean Self: Human Resilience in an Age of Fragmentation, is a compelling exploration of the psychological adaptations people make in response to the rapid changes of modern life.

Lifton claims that the self is not a fixed entity; It can change often over time and adapt in numerous ways in response to different challenges and circumstances.

He calls this the protean self, after the Greek god Proteus, who could change his shape at will.

During my adult career of mixed identities as a teacher, coach, consultant, and salesperson, I have come to identify my career as one that exemplifies a protean lifestyle.

I have learned to adapt to different job requirements, learn new skills, and develop new competencies both in and outside the job world. I took on new roles, while monetary rewards remained modest.

Proteanism in Action

Lifton draws on his research on survivors of war, political violence, and cults to illustrate his theory. He also uses his firsthand experiences and observations, to illustrate proteanism in action.

He demonstrates that often in modern life, people create new identities and beliefs, but then discard them only to take on a new one. They change by taking on new creative endeavors yet maintaining a core sense of integrity.

Opportunities in Later Life

The retirement years offer many the freedom to take on new identities. For example, I have taken on the roles of a tennis player, choral singer, cook, and grandfather since retirement from the workforce.

An alternative sideline has centered on personal development projects inspired by the inner drive to correct early personality deficits. These weaknesses undermined self-confidence and self-trust. Now I have the time and freedom to do this personal work.

Retirement offers opportunities for this kind of work. I welcomed it, and a redemptive narrative has guided my efforts towards more health and well-being.

In short, senior living offers an excellent opportunity for a protean lifestyle. Change can be constant and welcome so long as physical capacities remain at a sufficient level.

Old age offers protean diversity, a chance to investigate diverse ways of life, new identities, and beliefs. Indeed, this perspective is superior to the usual doom and gloom point of view typified by my neighbor who claims: ‘Old age sucks.’

So, after reading over this essay, what do I conclude about my life of change, of discarding one identity and creating another, of constant change, of waning interests only to move on to something else?

Yes, I like change, especially with advanced age. It’s nice to have Lipton’s support. Protean life means variety. There may be little accomplishment in some areas, but diverse experiences make up for this.

Sum

The essay explores the concept of selfhood in the context of aging and the unique challenges elders face. I draw inspiration from Robert J. Lifton’s book, which suggests that the self is not fixed and can evolve in response to life’s challenges.

The essay suggests that senior living provides an ideal environment for a protean lifestyle, where change is constant and if physical capabilities allow. I contrast this perspective with a more negative outlook on old age and conclude a more positive mindset that can embody a protean spirit, embracing change, and valuing the diversity of experiences that come with it.