高齡者歷經同伴動物死亡後對老化經驗的影響

本研究旨在探討高齡者經歷同伴動物死亡後，面對哀傷經驗之因應與調適方式，並探討高齡者經過悲傷調適歷程後，對自身老化經驗的感知，以及對個人生命的省思與賦予的意義，同時呈現同伴動物在高齡者生命中扮演的多元角色與特殊意義。本研究以Elder等人的「生命歷程理論」（life course）以及Tornstam的「超越老化」（gerotranscendence）為理論依據，採用半結構式深度訪談，以立意取樣方式蒐集了四位60-70歲有同伴動物死亡經驗的高齡者的受訪資料，並依主題予以整理、歸納與分析。本研究得出研究結論如下：（一）不在乎同伴動物死後的儀式和紀念：對高齡者來說，保有回憶和心靈的連結就夠了，不需具象儀式和物品來延續同伴動物的「存在」。（二）影響悲傷程度的主因是「高齡者個人的過往經驗」：影響悲傷程度的原因有三，分別是同伴動物的死亡方式、依附關係以及個人的過往經驗，而前兩者的悲傷程度皆受後者影響。（三）多次經歷死亡事件並從中學習，更珍惜此時此刻：經歷多次親人和同伴動物死亡後，學習到要活在此時此刻，全力以赴不留遺憾。（四）能從宗教和靈性中，找到悲傷的因應方式：高齡者會尋求自己熟悉的宗教或在靈性層次的世界觀裡，找到適合自己的解答。（五）同伴動物讓高齡者樂意談「愛」，激發正向情緒：同伴動物能讓高齡者安心的表露情感，激發正向情緒，提升高齡者主觀的幸福感。（六）能透過同伴動物修復過去創傷、重建自我認同，喜歡現在老年的自己：高齡者能更宏觀地審視自己的生命歷程，正面看待過去和現在的生命事件，為自己賦予正向的生命意義。根據上述結果，本研究最後針對專業助人者、政府相關單位、寵物生命事業人士及後續研究者提出具體建議供參考。關鍵字：高齡者、同伴動物死亡、寵物死亡、生命歷程、超越老化、老化

關鍵字

高齡者；同伴動物死亡；寵物死亡；生命歷程；超越老化；老化

並列摘要

This study aimed to explore how older adults coped and adapted to grief experiences following the death of companion animals, and how the grieving process influenced their reflections on life and the meaning they ascribed to it. Based on Elder's "life course" theory and Tornstam's "gerotranscendence" theory, this study interviewed four older adults aged 60-70 who had experienced the death of companion animals. The findings are as follows: (1) Disinterest in Rituals and Memorials: For older adults, preserving memories and maintaining a spiritual connection is sufficient without the need for concrete rituals or objects to continue the bond. (2) Primary Influence on Grief Intensity is "Personal Past Experience": The manner of the companion animal's death, the attachment relationship, and personal past experiences all affect grief intensity, with the latter influencing the grief intensity of the first two factors. (3) Learning from Multiple Deaths and Valuing the Present: After experiencing multiple deaths of family members and companion animals, older adults learn to live in the present moment, fully commit themselves, and avoid regrets. (4) Finding Coping Methods through Religion and Spirituality: Older adults seek answers that suit them within their familiar religions or spiritualities. (5) Companion Animals Encourage Talking about "Love" and Stimulate Positive Emotions: Companion animals allow older adults to comfortably express emotions, stimulate positive emotions, and enhance their subjective well-being. (6) Healing Past Traumas and Rebuilding Self-Identity through Companion Animals: Older adults take a broader view of their life course, positively regard past and present life events, and assign positive meaning to their lives. They come to appreciate their current elderly selves. Finally, based on the above results, there are suggestions for professional helpers, relevant government agencies, pet funeral service providers, and future researchers. Keywords: Older Adults, Companion Animal Death, Pet Loss, Life Course, Gerotranscendence, Aging