A phenomenological exploration of what love means to older adults in Scotland

Abstract

This study explores the meaning of love to older adults in Scotland. The study has been conducted through semi-structured interviews with participants over the age of 45 (n-5) who had been in a long-term romantic relationship. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was then used to analyse the data, according to guidelines set out by Smith and Osborn (2004). Sternberg's (1986) triangular theory has been used a lens through which to explore these subjective experiences and explain the meaning of them. The results were that older adults had a variety of ways they have experienced love, both in healthy and unhealthy relationships. They believed that the key to a successful, loving relationship is based on open communication and making an effort for each other. This supports Sternberg's (1986) theory in that it highlights the important of communication as one of the main predictors of a happy relationship and additionally that the components of love need to be expressed through action.