THE REPRESENTATION OF LIFE WAY OF WOMEN AT LATE ADULTHOOD

Abstract

Introduction: the role of life path research is connected with the problem of inculturation, ensuring the transfer of spiritual values and traditions from generation to generation, ensuring the development of society. In contrast to the period of youth, late adulthood is rarely the subject of scientific research on the problem of life course. But the study of the specifics of this age is important for determining the mechanisms of personality formation, analysis of the possibilities of its potential development, clarification of sources and mechanisms of self-development. The growth of scientific interest in the semantic aspects of older people's ideas is useful for the prevention of ageism. Materials and methods: the purpose of the first stage of the study is to determine the content of the life path in the representation of women in late adulthood. We used the semi-structured interview method. The data is processed using the categorization method. 15 women from 55 to 90 years took part in it. The purpose of the second stage of the study was to identify gender and age-specific perception of life in late adulthood. We used the method of "life Line"and the method of MLO. The data obtained were processed using a single-factor analysis of variance and correlation. The respondents were 70 women and 30 men aged 55 to 90 years. Results: we have established that ideas about the way of life have event and semantic content. The past is the most intense period. The time perspective of the future is narrowed at this age. The period of the present is filled with existential themes. Gender perceptions on the lives of identified age-related problems. We have revealed a tendency to increase the number of negative events with age. We found that with age, older people are more likely to focus on childhood memories and the current state. Discussion and Conclusions: in part, the results are consistent with the theoretical facts about the period of late adulthood in personality psychology. They form the basis for psychological support of elderly women, which will be based on the principles of optimization of psychological wellbeing, non-traumatic understanding of life events, strengthening intergenerational solidarity.

Keywords

• life path
• late adulthood
• gender
• events
• life line