THE INTERPRETATION OF LIFE AND DEATH FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF ELDERLY PEOPLE WHO CONTINUE TO WORK AFTER RETIREMENT: AN ANALYSIS THROUGH BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY AND NON-ESSENTIALISM

Abstract

     This qualitative research aims to study life and death from the perspective of elderly individuals who continue to work after retirement, utilizing philosophical concepts as a framework for analysis and interpretation, specifically the concepts of Non-essentialism and Buddhist Philosophy, which emphasize the principles of impermanence and freedom from attachment. The researcher selected 7 elderly individuals who continue to work after retirement in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region, using Purposive Sampling and collecting data through In-depth Interviews, along with a review of relevant documents.

The study findings reveal that:

     The life view of the elderly reflects the notion that work constitutes value and pride. Work is not merely a source of income, but also serves as self-affirmation, meaning-making, and a path toward self-reliance, preventing them from becoming a burden on their families. The perspectives of the elderly regarding death and the afterlife predominantly express calmness and letting go (non-attachment), viewing death as an inevitable part of life that should not be feared. They do not cling to or expect definitive rewards from the afterlife but focus on doing good deeds and accumulating merit in the present life.

     These perspectives are consistent with the philosophical doctrine of non-essentialism, which rejects the belief that entities possess a fixed and immutable essence. Instead, it posits that all phenomena are fluid, subject to change, and socially and culturally constructed within human contexts. Moreover, this viewpoint clearly aligns with key principles in Buddhist philosophy particularly the concepts of Anatta (non-self/non-attachment to identity), Anicca (acceptance of uncertainty and change), and Dukkha (viewing death as a natural occurrence). These principles enable the elderly to live peacefully and happily in the present, without worrying about things they cannot control in the future. Thus, the perspectives of these elderly individuals represent a concrete application of Non-essentialism and Buddhist Philosophy in managing the changes encountered during the latter stages of life.