Creativity of Literary Artists and Successful Ageing

Abstract

Theoretical foundations: The purpose of the study was to find out if literary artists, once they achieve a high chronological age over 75 years, are still creative and what influence creativity has on their lifestyle, social convoy and successful ageing. The research subject has a philosophical value foundation, based on the conviction that literary artists do not cease to create with age. Methods: We used qualitative research methods. With a half - structured interview, we studied the life stories of two literary artists, Ciril Zlobec and Tone Partlji?.Results: The interviewees did not cease with literary creativity. They are not lonely. Their lifestyle and social convoy do not change enough to significantly influence the quality of life. The circle of closest friends is shrinking due to deaths, but the circle of incidental acquaintances, forming weak connections, is expanding.Discussion: Creativity of literary artists continues through age. Tone Partlji? wishes to create his biggest literary success before his death. He creates with the same tempo, but more freely. Both interviewees enjoy creating. Their social convoy maintains firm family ties, and at the same time they are constantly interacting with incidental acquaintances and significant others. They maintain the literary artistic role they've had in their lives in the past, their lifestyle and their habits. If they are healthy, they are also satisfied with life in old age. The biggest issue for them is the decline in physical abilities, due to which they feel endangered (Ciril Zlobec). Social status enables them to age successfully.