文章基本信息

标题：The Fascination of Love Never Fades – How Do the Elderly describe Their Experiences of Falling in Love?
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作者：Kaarina Määttä
期刊名称：International Review of Social Sciences and Humanities
印刷版ISSN：2250-0715
电子版ISSN：2248-9010
出版年度：2011
卷号：2
期号：1
页码：14-25
出版社：International Review of Social Sciences and Humanities
摘要：Love in old age causes prejudices and paradoxical feelings even though emotions and the ability to love do not disappear along aging. The research on love has concentrated on adolescence; and thus, senior citizens’ love has remained in the shadow. The aim of this article is to describe how the old people (aged between 50 and 91) describe their experiences of falling in love. What kind of feelings and thoughts does falling in love arouse among them and how does it reflect in their behavior? The data was collected through informal letters (N= 117) where the elderly revealed their thoughts and experiences in an open manner. The data was analyzed by content analysis. The seniors’ stories show how significant love and intimacy are for their self-esteem. The fact that one is accepted and loved without conditions as oneself is of unquestionable value especially along aging. Two equals to more, even in old age. Intimate relationships, family, and love predict successful aging.
关键词：falling in love; love; the elderly; senior; old people; aging.