Humour: A Way to Transcendence in Later Life?

SUMMARY This paper outlines connections between humour and self-transcendence in later life. Self-transcendence is described as a spiritual task of ageing. Material illustrating transcendence of disabilities and energy lack is drawn from in-depth interviews of older people, living independently and in residential aged care. The journey to spiritual integrity is proposed as a spiritual process that older people may engage in and humour is suggested as a means to that process. Connections are made between disability and loss and the capacity for self-transcendence in later life.