| This study addresses the research question "Can the older adult living in the United States discover specific indicators of meaning by telling his or her life story?" Life span development theorists suggest a life task for older adults is to discover meaning. As the average age of the population increases, the search for meaning could become a quest for a large portion of the population. Telling one's life story can lead to finding meaning. Studies that examine the potential for older adults to find meaning through telling life stories are limited and narrowly focused. This study adds depth to previous studies.; Four Euro-American males and four females, age range 66--85, participated in the study. Participants were recruited from an independent living facility. Using Seidman's (1998) Three-Interview Model, the researcher conducted collaborative interviews. The participants (1) discussed meaning and told life stories chronologically, (2) told thematic details of life stories, (3) reviewed findings and reflected if telling life stories helped identify meaning. Interviews were audio-taped and transcribed. Qualitative data analysis drew primarily upon the work of Miles and Huberman (1994).; Prior to telling life stories, participants explained meaning as being something special, important, resulting from goal achievement, and contributing to self-worth and joy. They expressed a need to find meaning. After telling life stories, 12 indicators of meaning emerged. Nine indicators are supported by previous research: (1) Accomplishment, (2) Contributing to world, (3) Family, (4) Friends, (5) Health, (6) Peace, (7) Livelihood, (8) Partner, (9) Self-worth. Three indicators are unique to this study: (1) Creativity in the form of everyday creativity such as writing, cooking, decorating, and gardening, (2) Formal education engendering empowerment and opportunity, (3) Pets providing companionship, love, and comfort.; Possible limitations of this research are (1) it may be self-fulfilling, (2) participants may have rationalized meaning, and/or (3) may have tried to please the researcher. Nonetheless, this research indicates that by telling life stories, older adults can discover specific meaning. It demonstrates that life stories can serve as an interpretive lens that helps older adults focus on who they were, who they are, and that which is meaningful. |
