THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF AGING IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING ELDERS IN VALENCIA, SPAIN - A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore the live d experience of aging in community-dwelling elders in Valencia, Spain. A bilingual, bicultural endeavor, this research was a collaborative p roject conducted by nurse educators in New York City and Valencia. Par se's theory of human becoming guided the research, and van Kaam's phen omenological method of analysis was used to identify common elements a nd major themes of experience. Findings revealed the meaning of aging to be confirming triumphs through the forceful enlivening of bridled p otency. These findings were conceptually consistent with Parse's major themes of meaning, rhythmicity, and cotranscendence. Implications for practice and research are discussed.