Two Studies on the Meaning of Life and Aspirations from the Perspective of the Elderly

Objective: The present research, conducted in two complementary studies, aimed to explore the meaning of life and aspirations among the elderly.Methods: The first study adopted a qualitative phenomenological approach, and the second a quantitative descriptive-survey method. Participants were elderly residents of Rasht in ۲۰۲۴. In the qualitative phase, ۱۰ individuals were selected purposefully based on theoretical data saturation and interviewed through semi-structured questions. In the quantitative phase, ۱۰۰ participants were selected through convenience sampling and completed the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) and Aspiration Index (AI). Data in the first study were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method.Findings: Three main themes emerged: safety, self-transcendence, and love and affection. Safety included subthemes of physical health, recreation and vitality, peace, and financial independence. Self-transcendence comprised satisfaction and personal growth, while love and affection included constructive interaction with others and wishing happiness for them. The quantitative results supported the qualitative findings, indicating that elderly individuals tend toward intrinsic aspirations such as maintaining health, spiritual connection, and social cooperation. No significant gender differences were found in meaning of life and aspirations (P > ۰.۰۵).Conclusion: As age increases, inner satisfaction, spirituality, and concern for others’ well-being become central to the meaning of life and aspirations in old age.

کلیدواژه ها:

Aspirations ، Elderly ، Meaning of life