Abstract
The aim of this paper is to highlight the significance of symbolic resources for people in later life in retirement as a transition process. They learn to build resilience by seeking meaning and purpose in life and become resourceful practitioners of life as they experience the transitions of change and ruptures necessitated by retirement. The study draws on a theoretical framework consisting of sociocultural theory and related perspectives. This framework enables me to capture the dynamic ways in which people in later life learn to take control and overcome adversities and life challenges, in which they seek a new meaning of life, identify the life purpose, master new skills and creatively use social support. As an illustrative example I present a single-case interview-based study of a person in retirement. A thematic analysis of the interviews shows how she uses symbolic resources and draws on relational agency to meet her current needs, pursues new-found passions and achieves life goals. Lastly, I address theoretical implications for furthering the project on learning in later life.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 100463 |
| Journal | Learning, Culture and Social Interaction |
| Volume | 28 |
| Early online date | 8 Oct 2020 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Mar 2021 |
Funding
This article has been supported by an EARLI E-CIR grant, called AGILE (Ages for learning and growth: Sociocultural perspectives), enabling us to meet for three years. I would like to thank the reviewers of the journal as well as the members of AGILE for insightful discussions and constructive feedback.
Keywords
- Learning in later life
- Relational agency
- Resilience
- Retirement
- Symbolic resources
- Transition
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Education