The Meaning of Life and Happiness in the Elderly: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

This research aims to explore the experiences of the elderly in meaning of life and building happiness in the old age phase. This study is important because the aging of the population not only presents physical health problems, but also demands a psychosocial understanding of life goals, self-acceptance, social relationships, and spirituality. Unlike prior studies that have generally examined the meaning of life and happiness of the elderly as separate constructs or have focused primarily on institutionalised elderly populations, this study addresses the gap by exploring how both constructs are subjectively interconnected among elderly individuals who live within family and community settings, thereby offering a more contextually grounded phenomenological account. The study used a phenomenological qualitative approach with semi-structured in-depth interviews with 10 elderly people aged 60 years and above who were selected purposively. Data were analyzed through the stages of transcription, repeated reading, meaningful code, thematic grouping, and synthesis of the essence of the experience, guided by the thematic-phenomenological analysis technique of Braun and Clarke. The results of the analysis show four main themes, namely: (1) the meaning of life as a sustainability of the role in the family; (2) happiness as a sense of self-sufficiency, gratitude, and inner peace; (3) social relations and spirituality as a source of psychological resilience; and (4) acceptance of physical limitations as a process of self-reconciliation. These findings show that the happiness of the elderly is not solely determined by material conditions, but is more strongly supported by the quality of relationships, the ability to accept change, and the feeling of still being useful to others. This study recommends strengthening elderly-friendly community programs, family psychosocial assistance, and social participation spaces that allow the elderly to continue to experience life as something meaningful.