Aging Enjoyment: A Grounded Theory Study

The aim of this study was to investigate the factors contributing to enjoyment in old age.

To this end, this research used a qualitative exploratory research design known as grounded-theory research. Seventeen elderly participants (aged 65-85 years), comprising 11 men and 6 women, were selected using purposive sampling. A semi-structured interview was used as the data collection instrument. The method proposed by Corbin and Strauss was employed to design the interview questions. In this study, data analysis was interpretive using phenomenological analysis, which was done through open, axial, and selective coding.

The results indicated that the new emergent construct – ageing enjoyment – consisted of five categories and 19 subcategories. These categories include present moment awareness, liberating past, psychosocial safety, ultimate purpose for being, and self-peace. Subcategories include: Vitality, Family solidarity and intimacy, Occupational Adequacy, Economic wisdom, Social Acceptability, Healthy society, Talent flourish, productive experiences, Physical well-being, Willingness to develop, Mindfulness, satisfaction, Moralization, Adaptability, Benevolence, Acceptance, Desire to live, Meaningfulness, Religiosity.

These categories suggest that present moment awareness, liberating past, as well as having psychosocial safety help the elderly experience ageing enjoyment. Hence, they are likely to reach self-peace through an ultimate purpose for being as they deal with challenging life issues. Practical implications of the findings are further discussed.