The Aging of Aquarius: The Hippies of the 60s in Their 60s and Beyond

The hippies, who represented 1960s counterculture, are now a significant part of the older population in the United States. This book explores the aging experience of older hippies by examining aspects related to identity, generativity, daily activities, spirituality, community, end-of-life care, and wellbeing. Insights into the subculture of aging hippies and their keys to wellbeing are shared based on 40 in-depth interviews with lifelong, returning, and past residents of The Farm, an intentional community in Tennessee.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The hippies, the iconic representatives of 1960s counterculture, emerged as a vibrant and unconventional group of young individuals who defied mainstream societal norms. With their long hair, colorful attire, and unwavering commitment to love, peace, and authenticity, they sought a more meaningful and fulfilling existence. Today, these flower children, now in their sixties, constitute a significant portion of the older population in the United States. While some hippies have embraced the mainstream, others have remained steadfast in their hippie ideology and lifestyle. This groundbreaking book delves into the unique aging experience of older hippies, exploring various aspects related to identity, generativity, daily activities, spirituality, community, end-of-life care, and overall well-being. Through 40 in-depth interviews with lifelong, returning, and past residents of The Farm, an intentional community in Tennessee established in 1971 and still thriving today, valuable insights are revealed into the subculture of aging hippies and their secrets to flourishing.

The hippies, a symbol of 1960s counterculture, stood out as a vibrant and unconventional cohort of young individuals who challenged prevailing societal norms. Their long hair, colorful attire, and unwavering pursuit of love, peace, and authenticity defined their existence. Today, these flower children, now in their sixties, constitute a significant portion of the older population in the United States. While some hippies have integrated into mainstream society, others have remained steadfast in their hippie ideology and lifestyle. This groundbreaking book delves into the distinct aging experience of older hippies, exploring various aspects related to identity, generativity, daily activities, spirituality, community, end-of-life care, and overall well-being. Through 40 in-depth interviews with lifelong, returning, and past residents of The Farm, an intentional community in Tennessee established in 1971 and still thriving today, valuable insights are revealed into the subculture of aging hippies and their secrets to flourishing.

The hippies, emblematic of the 1960s counterculture, emerged as a vibrant and unconventional group of young individuals who defied mainstream societal conventions. With their long hair, colorful attire, and unwavering commitment to love, peace, and authenticity, they sought a more meaningful and fulfilling existence. Today, these flower children, now in their sixties, constitute a significant portion of the older population in the United States. While some hippies have embraced the mainstream, others have remained steadfast in their hippie ideology and lifestyle. This groundbreaking book delves into the unique aging experience of older hippies, exploring various aspects related to identity, generativity, daily activities, spirituality, community, end-of-life care, and overall well-being. Through 40 in-depth interviews with lifelong, returning, and past residents of The Farm, an intentional community in Tennessee established in 1971 and still thriving today, valuable insights are revealed into the subculture of aging hippies and their secrets to flourishing.

ISBN-13: 9781009304085