Xinyi Lin

On the Water Shed of Becoming Old

Introduction

On the water shed of becoming old. Examine work, rhythm, and life course among elderly members of a Kyoto rice paddy collective. Discover their understanding of aging and the role of work reminiscence in retirement.

Abstract

Abstract   This paper is about the relations between work, rhythm and life course among a group of elderly members of a rice paddy collective in Kyoto, Japan. Through the stories of people’s professional work, personal lives and recreational activities, I portray and discuss their understanding of aging and elderhood. Also, by illustrating the rhythms of two elderly people on their retirement and in their post-work activities, I argue that underlying the particular changes of their rhythms is their reminiscences of their working lives.   Key words: rhythm, aging, life course, professional work

Review

The paper, "On the Water Shed of Becoming Old," presents a compelling qualitative study into the lived experiences of aging among elderly members of a rice paddy collective in Kyoto, Japan. The abstract clearly articulates the paper's scope, focusing on the intricate relations between work, personal rhythm, and the life course. By gathering stories about professional work, personal lives, and recreational activities, the research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of how individuals in this specific cultural and occupational context perceive and navigate elderhood, promising a rich ethnographic contribution to gerontological studies. A key strength of this work lies in its innovative use of "rhythm" as an analytical lens. The paper proposes to illustrate the rhythms of two elderly individuals post-retirement, arguing that underlying changes in these rhythms are deeply rooted in their reminiscences of their working lives. This hypothesis offers a powerful framework for exploring the psychological and social adjustments to elderhood, moving beyond superficial descriptions to provide a deeper interpretive analysis of how past experiences shape present realities. The specific focus on a Japanese rice paddy collective further ensures that the findings will offer culturally specific insights, enriching global discussions on aging and work transitions. While the abstract is concise and effectively conveys the paper's core arguments, a brief elaboration on the conceptualization of "rhythm" could further strengthen its clarity. Specifying whether this refers to daily routines, seasonal cycles, or embodied experiences would enhance readers' understanding of its application. Additionally, the evocative title "On the Water Shed of Becoming Old" suggests a rich metaphorical framework that is not explicitly linked back to the paper's arguments in the abstract. Articulating how this "water shed" concept informs the analysis of work, rhythm, and life course transitions would provide a more holistic preview of the paper's conceptual depth. Overall, this paper appears to be a timely and significant contribution, offering valuable insights into the multi-faceted nature of aging in a distinct cultural setting.

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