Symposium 6th World Congress on Positive Psychology 2019

The Twofold Role Of Strengths In Late Adulthood: Pathways To Coping With Existential Concerns And Means Of Meaningful Aging (#426)

Pninit Russo-Netzer 1 , Hadassah Littman-Ovadia 2
  1. University of Haifa, Haifa
  2. Ariel University, Ariel

The global phenomenon of population aging raises important questions regarding successful, positive and meaningful aging. Given that aging is often characterized by increased risk for social isolation and depression, and given that the concept of well-being in old age is both elusive and complex, the present study aimed at exploring how aging is experienced through a 'bottom-up' open-ended approach. 31 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 60 years old and older in order to explore the two sides of aging – that of what older adults are concerned with in their day-to-day life, and what it means to them to live a full and fulfilling life in this life stage, as well as what role character strengths play in managing these two sides of aging. The findings illuminated four prominent themes: (1) Central existential concerns described by the participants in their current life stage; (2) Self-transcendence as an overarching facilitator for a full and meaningful life in older age; (3) Strategies employed by the participants to cope with concerns and to live a meaningful life in old age; and (4) Character strengths identified to facilitate coping strategies as well as to allow thriving.