Abstract

This paper explores aging and dementia through a critical phenomenological lens, emphasizing the lived experience, ethical considerations, and social justice implications. By integrating phenomenology with critical theory, it challenges dominant narratives of decline and dependency that marginalize older adults and individuals with dementia. The analysis highlights how aging and dementia disrupt traditional notions of selfhood, embodiment, and temporality while underscoring the need for a relational and dignity-centered approach to care. This framework situates aging and dementia within broader sociopolitical and ethical contexts, addressing structural inequalities and advocating for justice. The paper concludes with practical applications in caregiving, policy, and advocacy, aiming to foster equity, inclusivity, and the recognition of personhood for aging populations.

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