The Phenomenology of the Body After 85 Years

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the phenomenology of the body after 85 years, addressing the following question: What is the experience of the body at this age? Within the paradigm of existential phenomenology, this study was philosophically and methodologically underpinned by embodiment theory, positioning the body as the starting point for the exploration of lived experience. In-depth interviews with 20 purposively selected individuals were analyzed using van Manen’s context-sensitive phenomenological orientation. Findings indicated that the body was experienced primarily in negative terms, as compromising engagement in meaningful activity, independence, safety, vitality, dignity, and identity. Participants coped with bodily changes through adaptation, humor, and acceptance. In addition, participants viewed their unreliable and at times unfamiliar body, as distinct from their sense of self. This research addresses the current lack of subjective accounts of bodily and embodied experiences in this group, combating assumptive views and contributing insightful understanding.

Fragility and Resilience: Stories of Recovering From Hip Fractures in the Oldest-Old Age

“…However, in several stories, the incidents seemed to occur in the wake of slightly declining health conditions. Their falls – Kristin’s in the bathroom, Elisabeth’s in her living room and Paul’s while bending down in the shop – may all indicate experiences of bodies as ‘compromising safety’ or bodies that cannot be trusted to the same extent as previously (van Rhyn et al, 2021). However, the overall impression is that when their falls occurred, the participants were still maintaining their independence and important qualities of life.…”

“…The study emphasized that age, pre-fracture conditions, and personal goals should be recognised as important factors in hip fracture patients’ recovery. The fact that most research of hip fractures combines all age brackets from 65+ in one group emphasises the need for firsthand accounts of the lived experiences of this oldest-old age group (van Rhyn et al, 2021).…”