Title: | Meaning in life and the experience of older people. |
Author(s): | Derkx, P.H.J.M. ; Bos, P. ; Laceulle, H. ; Machielse, J.E.M. |
Publication year: | 2019 |
Source: | International Journal of Ageing and Later Life, (2019) |
Number of Pages: | 30 p. |
ISSN: | 1652-8670 |
DOI: | http://dx.doi.org/10.3384/ijal.1652-8670.19467 |
DOAI: | http://doai.io/10.3384/ijal.1652-8670.19467 |
Annotation: | 19 -2 06-1 |
Publication type: | Article / Letter to editor |
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item : https://hdl.handle.net/11439/3532 ![]() |
|
Display more details |
|
Subject: | A meaningful life in a just and caring society 2018 tm 2021 Researchprogram Humanism and Philosophy 2014 t/m 2017 Een zinvol leven in een rechtvaardige en zorgzame samenleving 2018 tm 2021 Onderzoeksprogramma H&F Humanisme en Filosofie 2014 t/m 2017 |
Organization: | UVH Humanisme en Filosofie (H&F) UVH Wetenschapstheorie Methodologie en Onderzoeksleer (WMO) |
Journal title: | International Journal of Ageing and Later Life |
Abstract: |
In this article, we introduce a general theory about meaning in life developed
by our first author, and apply it to the context of ageing. The seven components
of meaning distinguished by this theory – purpose, moral worth, selfworth,
control, coherence, excitement and connectedness
– are discussed
in
turn. After presenting the theory, we confront the seven components with
extensive life narratives of two older men – in a first empirical qualitative
exploration of how meaning dimensions appear in the life experiences of
older people. This dialogue between theory and narrative is used to provide
concretisation and clarification of the seven components, thereby enhancing
the understanding of the theory, while at the same time suggesting
possible refinements and directions for future exploration of meaning in
life in the context of ageing.
Keywords: meaning in life, life course, narrative, lived experience, older
people, ageing well.
|