Abstract

• A long life is the desire of many people. The purpose of this study was to describe the thoughts that are held by elderly people about long life as the elderly are approaching the end of life. The research was conducted using an ethnographic method to add understanding to this subject. The field work for this study was done from July, 1991 to August, 1993 in third phases in Chun Buk province. The results of the present study show the following: The thoughts of the elderly about chang su showed three important concepts; In Myoung Sae Chun(lived as life), Su Cheuk Dah Yok(long life is a disgrace), and Transcendence of life. In Myoung Sae Chun showed the thought of limitation of man's life and realistic thought about the life through free oneself from death and life. Su Cheuk Dah Yok meant experience of physical difficulty, experience of sons and daughter's death ahead one's own self. Senility was the most afraid problem for the elderly. Transcendence of life showed pursuit of a continuing life through connected with sons and the family. The conditions promoting chang su were described as clear water, fresh air, adequate eating, deep sleeping, gender (female). In addition it showed that ecological and environmental conditions (heavy work, starvation, vegetable food, physical environmet, respection for the elderly). These results showed that the elderly was recognized one's own self as living being rather than adhered to the life, and will promote understanding the elderly's desire for long life. Also, suggested to nursing practice that should maintain self-esteem and respect for the elderly. Therefore, these results can be used nursing practice for the elderly.

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