AB141. Beyond parenthood: lived experiences of single and childfree senior citizens

Background: In the Philippines, aging without children is often perceived as unfortunate due to strong cultural expectations that emphasize marriage and parenthood as essential life milestones and primary sources of support in later life. These norms reinforce traditional family structures and may marginalize individuals who remain single and childfree. While international literature on voluntary childlessness is increasing, studies that explore the lived experiences of single and childfree senior citizens within the Philippine context remain scarce. This study aimed to explore and describe the lived experiences of single and childfree senior citizens residing in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Methods: This study employed a descriptive phenomenological design. Eight purposively selected senior citizens who were single and without children participated in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face unstructured interviews guided by the central question: “How are your experiences living as a single and childfree senior citizen?” Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review committee, and bracketing was observed to minimize researcher bias. Data saturation was achieved, and Colaizzi’s method was utilized for data analysis. The final manuscript underwent plagiarism screening to ensure academic integrity.

Results: Four major themes emerged from the analysis: (I) “Roads Not Taken”, which described reasons for remaining single and childfree, including prioritizing family responsibilities, valuing independence, and past relationship experiences; (II) “Life in the Quiet Lane”, which reflected both emotional challenges and a sense of inner peace associated with aging alone; (III) “A Safety Net of Support”, highlighting reliance on extended family, friendships, and financial preparedness; and (IV) “Redefining Happiness”, illustrating how faith, purposeful living, and personal interests contribute to life satisfaction.

Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that aging without traditional family roles involves both challenges and opportunities. Single and childfree senior citizens develop resilience and meaning through nontraditional life paths. These insights underscore the need for inclusive aging policies and community-based support systems that recognize diverse life choices and promote well-being among older adults.

Keywords: Aging; elderly population; family structures; resilience