Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.5559/di.35.4.06
Life Experiences in the Construction of Meaning in Life in Old Age: Results of a Qualitative Study
Neala Ambrosi-Randić
; Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Faculty of Humanities, Pula, Croatia
*
Ivana Tucak Junaković
; University of Zadar, Department of Psychology, Zadar, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Meaning in life is defined as a subjective sense that one's existence is significant, purposeful, and coherent. Unlike earlier life stages, in old age the meaning in life is no longer based on achievements or career development, but on the internal integration of lived experiences and adaptation to new life roles. Structured interviews were conducted on a convenience sample of older adults (N = 51) aged 61 to 92 years (M = 74.8; SD = 7.59) in order to examine turning life points, the most difficult life events and ways of coping with them, the most pleasant life events, as well as participants' assessments of whether the meaning of their past life is based more on difficult or pleasant experiences. Transcripts of interviews were subjected to thematic analysis, and key themes were identified for the most important, most difficult, and most pleasant life events, as well as for coping strategies in dealing with difficult events. Participants' responses indicate that, for some individuals, positive life experiences play a greater role in constructing meaning in life, for others difficult experiences are more important, while one third of older adults integrate both types of life events into a meaningful life
whole. Understanding what constitutes purpose in later life, as well as gaining insight into ways of integrating life events, may help in designing activities aimed at maintaining, enhancing, or even reintroducing a sense of meaning, with the goal of improving older adults' quality of life.
Keywords
life events; meaning in life; older adults; qualitative analysis
Hrčak ID:
352975
URI
Publication date:
4.11.2026.
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