The meaning of growing old: A lifeworld hermeneutic study on existential matters during the third age of life

Abstract

Dalheim-Englund aThis study investigates existential matters in the third age of life, which encompasses the years after retirement and ends when extensive support needs emerge in the fourth age. As the theoretical starting point in a lifeworld hermeneutic approach, 18 healthy older adults were interviewed about what it means for them to grow old. The interviews were interpreted according to Gadamer's principles of openness and Ricoeur's proposal to provide suggestions on how meaning can be explained. The findings are presented in three interpreted themes: Feeling free, Becoming vulnerable, and Existing in closeness to death. The themes are further interpreted, and a comprehensive understanding is reached with theoretical support from Jean-Paul Sartre's idea of factuality and project. The meaning of growing old is discussed in terms of positive factors, such as healthy aging, transition and gerotranscendence, but also in respect to concerns over future suffering in relation to illness and dependence. It is concluded that the freedom of the third age is greatly appreciated for a healthy life, but also threatened by increased risks of ill health. It is not morbidity in itself that worries most, but the risk of being dependent on care and support from others. This is important to consider when planning and performing care in order to promote a healthy aging.

Insider/outsider researcher positionality impact: lessons from researching the social construction of HIV stigma and sexual health-seeking behaviour within black sub-Sahara African communities

“…Researchers have extensively explored issues around shared identities from a wide range of traditions and perspectives including ethnicity and feminism-based research, sometimes referred to as the insider/outsider perspective (Aiello & Nero, 2019). Palmér, et al (2019) observed that it is difficult to avoid the existential fact that we are part of the world that we study. This has led to the subsequent development of what has come to be known as researcher reflectivity (Aiello & Nero, 2019) which recommends working towards better understanding of the role of the researcher and the impact of the research processes on the research findings.…”

The intertwining of reconciliation and displacement: a lifeworld hermeneutic study of older adults’ perceptions of the finality of life

“…Although it seems reasonable to believe that life for individuals during old age is just as diverse as for those of younger age, the finality of life may be neglected earlier in life. Generally, one acknowledges the finality of life by being part of a generation that successively disappears (se for example Dalheim-Englund et al., 2018 ; Palmér et al, 2018 ).…”

“…The older we become, the closer death is, but, according to Van Orden et al ( 2014 ), there is no reason to believe that older adults generally think about death and dying. Palmér et al ( 2018 ) found that older adults who reflect on the last part of life during in-depth interviews talk freely about how to reach a worthy end of life and, in particular, how to avoid dying with extreme suffering. Such thinking about a worthy end of life entails acknowledging death.…”

“…The current study is part of a Swedish project based on a lifeworld approach to healthy older adults’ life situations. Previous research has explored life after retirement (Dalheim-Englund et al, 2018 ) and the meaning of growing old (Palmér et al, 2018 ). Dalheim-Englund et al ( 2018 ) found that freedom after retirement is highly valued but also threatened by an increased risk of ill health.…”

“…Dalheim-Englund et al ( 2018 ) found that freedom after retirement is highly valued but also threatened by an increased risk of ill health. Palmér et al ( 2018 ) found that the fact of being close to the end of life raises questions about a meaningful final stage of life.…”