The meaning of the future for the oldest old.
The aim of the study was to highlight the oldest old people's view of their future from a perspective of philosophy of life. Data was collected by means of life story interviews with 15 persons. The analysis was performed by utilizing a phenomenological hermeneutic method and the interpretation was guided by the conceptual framework of philosophy of life as designated by Jeffner (1988). The following themes emerged: future seen as everyday life; future-oriented values; and thoughts about life and death. The oldest old were found to view their future in ways that ranged from a tangible positive approach via a wait-and-see policy to a negative approach. Their perception of their future implied two different time perspectives, their immediate future and a more long-term perspective of the future. Furthermore, the future was experienced on three different levels, the individual level, the intergenerational level, and the metaphysical level.
Nilsson
Margareta
M
Department of Health Sciences, Ersta & Sköndal University College, Stockholm, Sweden. margareta.nilsson@neurotec.ki.se
Sarvimäki
Anneli
A
Ekman
Sirkka-Liisa
SL
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over / Q000523:psychology*; D001290:Attitude; D001293:Attitude to Death; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016901:Intergenerational Relations; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D012067:Religion; D012945:Social Values; D013548:Sweden