Life and Death from the Perspective of Elderly Living Alone: A Philosophical analysis

Abstract

This study adopts a philosophical perspective to investigate the perspective of elderly people living alone regarding life and death. It employs qualitative research and purposive sampling to identify six key informants who are aged 60 years and above and reside in urban (Bangkok and Pathum Thani) and rural (Nong Bua Lam Phu provinces) areas of Thailand. Semi-structured in-depth interviews are utilized to collect data on the participants' experiences. The findings indicate that the elderly conceive of life as a struggle shaped by destiny. They acknowledge death as an inevitable facet of existence that must be confronted and cannot be avoided. In the afterlife, most of them express a desire for a family, one that is prosperous and surrounded by loved ones during their final days. For some, achieving true inner peace comes in the form of ordination and pursuing the study of Dharma. Despite the challenges of living alone, the elderly continue to struggle and overcome the limitations to determine their own path. This is in line with Jean-Paul Sartre's philosophy of existentialism, which asserts that human is free to determine their own life and awareness of one's own mortality can facilitate a deeper understanding of the meaning of life.