CONSCIOUSNESS IN THE THIRD AGE

Abstract

I report and analyse, in first and third person perspectives, the conscious process in the socalled “Third Age”, which begins at 60 years of age. The scientific foundation adopted is Gerald Edelman’s “Neuronal Groups Selection Theory”, which is combined with the testimony of personal experiences. One can propose, if it has not already been done, the concepto f mental space for the elderly, characterized by a long period of prior learning and accumulation of
experiences, combined with a reduction in life expectancy, implying na increase in the density of alternatives, possible actions to be taken in a reduced period compared to previous life stages, which, in turn, results in na existential compression in the decision-making process.