Abstract
Losses of later life can prove overwhelming to older adults. Some elderly persons seem to cope with these losses with a spirit of acceptance and serenity. The purpose of this study was to identify qualities in selected nursing home residents that allow them to transcend difficulties and continue living with some degree of contentment and satisfaction. Qualitative data were obtained in taped interviews from 95 functionally impaired residents (mean age 82.16 years). Content analysis resulted in several themes supporting the spiritual perspective of Reed's theory of self-transcendence: generativity, introjectivity, temporal integration, body-transcendence, and relationship with self, others, and a higher being.
Meaning in life as a central theme allows persons to make sense of their existence. Some elderly persons seem to cope with inevitable changes of later life with a spirit of acceptance and serenity. They continue to live with a positive outlook, involved in their own lives and the lives of those around them. Unfortunately, losses of later life can prove to be overwhelming for many older adults. Alienation from family and familiar community supports may diminish meaning in life, resulting in perceived feelings of broken connections and powerlessness, depression, and even suicide. Older persons who recognize the importance of life-enhancing behaviors may regain hope and improve quality of life in spite of limitations, resulting in newfound meaning in life. 1-3 The purpose of this study was to identify qualities in selected nursing home residents that allow them to rise above or transcend the difficulties faced and continue to live with some degree of contentment and satisfaction.