Perception of Purpose in Life among Elderly in Urban Areas
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Abstract
Objective: This qualitative descriptive research aimed to explore the purpose in life among the elderly living in urban areas of Hatyai, Songkhla. Ten informants, aged 60 years or older, were recruited. Method: Data were collected using demographic questionnaires and in-depth interviews about the perception of purpose in life. Demographic data were analyzed using frequency and mean statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: The study found that the elderly living in the urban area defined the purpose in life in three categories; 1) having a healthy body and mind to be a self-dependent person, 2) witnessing the success of their younger generation, and 3) living to benefit others. Informants employed four ways to reach their purpose in life including 1) committing to taking good care of themselves and not getting sick, 2) managing careers and financial reservations, 3) being in the present with no carelessness and accepting life as it is, and 4) keeping life simple, be sufficient, and no attachment. Conclusion: The result can be helpful for healthcare professionals in guiding the development of a health-promoting program to promote the health of elderly persons living in urban areas. This is expected to help older people maintain their self-dependence with an increase in the quality of self-care and life and become active ageing people.
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