The aging experiences of English speaking older white woman in central South Africa

[摘要] English: The aim of this study was to explore the aging experiences of older white English speakingwomen in central South Africa. The initial motivation for this study came from aconversation I had with my study supervisor and mentor regarding the disparity between themanner in which older people were portrayed in society and the way in which they view theirown aging experiences. Six women, aged 65 years and older, within the Bloemfontein area(the capital of the Free State Province in South Africa) were recruited to take part in thisstudy.A qualitative research approach is used to explore the stories the women shared of their agingexperiences in in-depth interviews. An interpretive sociological approach, which incorporatesphenomenology, existential sociology, and reflexive sociology, is chosen for the purpose ofthis study. The narrative accounts of their stories are constructed in terms of themes thatemerged, linking it with the literature. Role changes during their life course are found toinfluence who they have become. The dissertation starts off by introducing aging as aphenomenon before reviewing the concept of aging and components such as, society's viewof aging, retirement, social relationships, living arrangements and spirituality. Identity andthe changing roles during the life course of a women is conceptualized as means of furtherunderstanding of the aging process before introducing the ontological and epistemologicalfoundation on which the investigative process is based.The narratives of the older women in the study portray a holistic picture of aging. Contrary toolder women being portrayed as frail, dependent individuals in society, the analysis revealsthat they view aging as a positive process. They have clear ideas and expectations of whatthey want from life. It affords them the freedom to utilize their time in a manner that pleasesthem without having the responsibility of having to take a spouse into consideration, or to care for children. Despite living on a marginal financial budget, they construct themselves aswomen having close links with family and friends, being active members in their churchesand societies, and as independent women who enjoy the freedom of living life on their ownterms and within their means. Being older brings with it, for them, confidence, selfawareness,and the freedom to make their own choices.

[发布机构] University of the Free State