A phenomenological study of meaning in life in suicidal older adults

The purpose of this hermeneutical phenomenological study was to explore how older adults who were suicidal experienced meaning in their lives. Eleven older persons between the ages of 64 and 92 years were interviewed about their subjective experiences of feeling suicidal. Data were analysed using van Manen's (1990) method of hermeneutical analysis. Three main themes evolved as characteristic of the fundamental thematic structure of the participants' experiences of meaning. These themes were conceptualized under a broader theme of alienation, a theme which was characterized by broken connections with individuals and meaningful activities. The question of meaning in life for these older persons was reflected not only from the perspective of meaningfulness, but also from the viewpoint of meaninglessness. Their narratives contribute to a deepened understanding of what it is like to be old, suicidal, and to feel like life has no meaning and purpose.