| This phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of 7 women caregivers, who were between the ages of 45 and 75. The research question was, "What is the lived experience of women between age 45 and 75 who feel eudaimonic purpose as caregivers?" Eudaimonic well-being is the satisfaction or gratification that comes from personal development, or participating in meaningful, important work. Lack of attention to the virtuous and positive dimensions of caregiving seriously skews perceptions of the caregiver experience and limits the ability to enhance theories of caregiver adaptation. Five common themes emerged that capture the experience of eudaimonic purpose in middle-aged women caregivers: family, dedication, and commitment; autonomy and purpose; self-acceptance and self-care; care and compassion for others; and positive self-identity and lower subjective age. A central theme of mindfulness emerged during the final interview as it related to their future endeavors. |
