Beyond the biological decline of aging: From phenomenology to 4E cognitive science.
Int Psychogeriatr April 21, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.inpsyc.2026.100215 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThis paper argues that aging should not be understood solely as biological decline, proposing instead a phenomenological and 4E (embodied, embedded, enacted, extended) cognitive science perspective. The authors contend that aging is a lived experience shaped by the body's relationship with the world, and that this view offers a richer understanding of aging beyond mere physical deterioration. They propose that integrating phenomenology with 4E cognitive science can illuminate how aging is enacted and experienced, potentially reshaping gerontology and care practices.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that aging is better understood through phenomenological and 4E cognitive science perspectives than through a purely biological model of decline. |
Abstract
Beyond the biological decline of aging: From phenomenology to 4E cognitive science.