Limson, Rits Angelique and Noriño, Janeth. and Roma, Cleo Gail. (2011) Roles and meaning systems in life among selected elderlies: Implications to their quality of life. Undergraduate thesis, De La Salle University-Dasmarinas.

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Abstract

This study sought to determine the roles and meaning systems in life among selected elderlies and its implication to their quality of life. There were a total ten (10) elderlies who participated in the study. Methodology: The respondents were selected through a non-probability sampling procedure known as purposive sampling. In this procedure, the researchers selected the participants to be included in the sample on the basis of expert judgment. The data were obtained from the interview of each respondent. Their answers were categorized accordingly to each research objectives. Also, the answers were transcribed and interpreted. Major Findings: 1.) 2 out of 10 participants are in their middle adulthood or aged 50-65 and 8 out of 10 participants are in their late adulthood aged 66 and older (Erik Erikson‟s stages of development). 2.) All of them admitted that their family, husband/wife, job, religion and belief in God are the one who are responsible in giving them a meaningful life. 3.) They also admitted that role transitions do not made them feel lonesome for they positively sees it as a given time for them to have more free time to spend for their family and grandchildrens. For older men, loss for work role often results in expanded activity in other ongoing roles (husband, grandfather, and so on.) Richard Kalish (1975) suggests that retirement and a general disengagement from previous career and social responsibilities for the husband in particular allow older men to maintain family activities as long as possible. This does not mean that men during their working years necessarily ignore family roles and responsibilities. It does mean that they will now have more time to dedicate to exclusive family roles. As quoted by William Hazlit, “the only retirement is that of the heart, the only true leisure is the repose of the passions. To such persons it makes little difference whether they are young or old; and they die as they lived, with graceful resignation.” 4.) Most of the respondents had a positive parent-children relationship, which helps them increase their psychological and physical well-being. Older parents who have close relationships with their adult children are less likely than those who don‟t to be depressed or lonely. They have higher morale and higher life satisfaction (Dean, Kolody, and Wood, 1990). 5.) Researchers also observed the excellent relationship of the grandparents towards their grandchildrens. Kivett (1985), said that when a parents and grandparents are close, the children see their grandparents more often and feel greater emotional closeness to them than when there is distance. In fact, when family ties are strong, grandmothers‟ feelings for their granddaughters are often indistinguishable from their feelings for their daughters (Thompson and Walker, 1987). Conclusion The following conclusions made are based on the findings the researchers had gathered Conclusion .Based on the abovementioned results, the researchers conclude: 1.) That all of the respondents had difficulty accepting role transitions in their lives, but as they aged, they eventually realized how important it is to experience lifes transitions. 2.) Married couples who are aging see each other as a lover and companion at the same time. They act as friends and appreciate each other‟s company. 3.) Marriage life among aging couples is the relation between man and woman in which the independence is equal, the dependence mutual, and the obligation reciprocal. 4.) While unmarried participants never choose to be in a second marriage, for their chosen lifestyle is to be with their son/daughter, and grandchildren‟s. Besides, older widows were less likely to express unhappiness over the loss of sexual activities with marital partner, they instead substituted it with other activities, like kissing or hugging their grandchildren and children, caring for a pet, working, enjoying nice clothes, or praying that in some way met their needs for affection and companionship. 5.) Participants also showed an active participation in religious organizations, like for instance attending to church and joining private activities like praying. For them religion provides comfort and support. In addition, studies also show that older adults‟ mental health suggest that religious beliefs have a positive effect on wellbeing. Those who frequently attended religious services had higher life satisfaction and lower levels of depression than those who did not (Levin, Markides, and Ray, 1996). Recommendation The following are the recommendations the researchers has come up: 1. For Future Researchers. They may use various psychological tests that may measure the respondent‟s work satisfaction, individual‟s satisfaction with his/her relationship, or the life satisfaction of the participants and others. They may also want to dig deeper about the impact of religious involvement in aging. 2. For Psychology Professors. They can apply here their knowledge about positive psychology and its effect on elderly‟s quality of life, especially those who teach in developmental psychology. 3. For Family Members. The family and its members are strongly influential to the kind of lifestyle the elderly family member has. This means that the family members should not isolate the elders from the preparation of a family activity and the activity itself. Instead, they should organize more bonding moments to strengthen the relationship between the elders and the family members. It is more advisable for the elderly to remain inside the care of his or her family. 4. For Religious Sectors. From the results raised by our study, it is evident that religion is one of the factors that make the lives of senior citizens more meaningful. With this in mind, the religious institutions should start programs that don‟t just involve the elders but also their families. The religious sectors should also extend their influence towards the elders who are religiously inactive. 5. For Homes for the Aged Institution. It is known that most senior citizens under this institution are left by their families. This fact often brings feelings of sadness and worthlessness to the elders. Expressing more love and affection towards the senior citizens is also necessary to avoid the negative feelings mentioned earlier. It is also preferable if the staff of the institution provide more activities for the elders for them to have more active lifestyles. 6. For Community Leaders. Communities play a huge role to the sense of belonging felt by any individual. Since most senior citizens lose their sense of belonging, it is necessary for the leaders of the community to include the older generations in their projects and activities.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Additional Information:	PSY 1008 2011
Keywords:	Subjects: Older people; Older people -- Attitudes; Quality of life.
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Depositing User:	Users 4 not found.
Date Deposited:	12 Aug 2015 06:10
Last Modified:	08 Jun 2021 00:51
URI:	https://thesis.dlsud.edu.ph/id/eprint/1315

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