Abstract
As individuals age, they encounter a series of transitions that shape their physical health, sense of purpose, identity, and perceptions of the world around them. These transitions, which include retirement, bereavement, relocation, and declining physical health, are pivotal moments in the lives of older adults. This article explores these potentially life-altering transitions and investigates their influence on concepts such as purpose, meaning, and identity in later life, employing creative nonfiction presented within a composite vignette. We explored the experiences of a diverse group of older adults, offering a compelling and shared narrative that sheds light on the complexities of later-life transitions. This study provides a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of transitions in later life by offering a story of lived experiences through these pivotal life events and their repercussions on the well-being of older adults. This study serves as a valuable resource for academics, health-care professionals, and policy makers seeking to enhance the quality of life for older adults. Through narrative storytelling, this article provides insight into key lived experiences that define the journey into later life, ultimately contributing to the broader topic of aging, identity, and well-being.
Recommended Citation
Waters, Taylor; Mackintosh, Kelly A.; McNarry, Melitta A.; and Hudson, Joanne
(2024)
"A Composite Vignette of Older Adults’ Transitions into Old Age: Purpose, Meaning, and Identity in Later Life,"
Storytelling, Self, Society: Vol. 19:
Iss.
1, Article 6.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/storytelling/vol19/iss1/6