Aging and meaning in life: examining the concept.

ABSTRACT

To make sense of their existence in the face of adversity and chaos or during times of relative calm, human beings seek meaning. Meaning has been identified as a significant factor in health and well-being in later years. Engaging in an intensive literature search about meaning in later life constituted the beginning step for a qualitative research study. By studying how older people experience meaning in their lives, we may learn more about the human experiences of joy and hope and their capacity to respond to opportunities and manage problems in their lives.