A Context-Informed Evolutionary Concept Analysis of Ikigai in Later Life: Evidence Relevant to Older People in Korea

초록

Aims and Objectives To clarify how Ikigai and closely related meaning constructs are described in literature relevant to older people in Korea and to propose a provisional, context-informed conceptual framework for gerontological nursing.Background Ikigai, often glossed as "a life worth living," has been associated with well-being in later life, yet its meaning and operationalisation vary across settings. Greater conceptual clarity is needed to support culturally responsive nursing assessment and care planning.Methods Rodgers' evolutionary method of concept analysis (Rodgers, 2000) was used to examine contemporary scholarly use of Ikigai and related concepts in 13 peer-reviewed studies (published 2002-2024; searched January 2000-June 2025), of which 10 were conducted outside Korea and three in Korea. Data were analysed to identify defining attributes, antecedent contexts, consequences and related concepts.Results Six defining attributes were identified: psychological equanimity, purposefulness in life, self-worth and personal value, social connectedness, cultural belonging, and reflective wisdom and self-integration. Four antecedent contexts were identified: family and intergenerational change, cultural and value transformation, health and functional challenges, and existential and social disconnection. Four consequence domains were identified: emotional stability and psychological balance, active health orientation and functional preservation, life fulfilment and satisfaction, and community integration and social engagement. In literature relevant to older people in Korea, Ikigai was not presented simply as a list of valued sources, but was provisionally interpreted as a process through which relational sources such as family roles, intergenerational continuity and everyday responsibilities may be internalised as an enduring sense of life's worth.Conclusions Ikigai may be understood as a dynamic and context-dependent meaning process in later life that includes both valued sources of worth and a sense of life's worth. This review offers a provisional conceptual framework for gerontological nursing and supports further qualitative and measurement research in Korea.Implications for Practice This framework can support gerontological nurses in assessing meaning, dignity, purpose and relational continuity alongside physical and functional indicators. Nurses may use open-ended questions and observable indicators to identify valued roles, relationships and routines that sustain older people's sense that life is worth living. Meaning-centred and culturally responsive care planning may help support participation, autonomy and continuity during later-life transitions.

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