“I’ve Lived My Life to the Fullest:” Life Satisfaction among Childfree Older Women

Abstract

ABSTRACT The primary purpose of this study was to understand the life satisfaction experienced by childfree women over the age of 65, considering some assumption in society that parenthood is the best path to fulfillment. This study used a qualitative-dominant approach to look at the life satisfaction experiences of 14 childfree women over the age of 65 using semi-structured interview questions while furthering results with the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS). Participants included women gathered through community agencies in South Florida. A thematic analysis was used to analyze data from the interviews while basic SPSS calculations were used to calculate measures of central tendency. 13 of the 14 women reported life satisfaction in interviews, which was consistent with their scores on the SWLS. This study updates the literature that examines the life fulfillment of those who do not have children. Most specifically, it furthers the understanding of how those who have remained childfree feel in the final stages of their lives.