Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand and explore the essence of the self-care experiences of middle-aged one-person households considering their individual circumstances and situational context. In this study, 10 middle-aged people in one-person households were interviewed. The interview data were analyzed using the phenomenological analysis. In result, middle-aged one-person households considered self-care as ‘ means to protect themselves’, ‘preparation for the old age on their own’, and ‘behavior to feel present gratitude and happiness.’ Their motives for the self-care were ‘awareness of the body aging and possible disease’, ‘threat of their safety’, ‘ crisis of their livings’, ‘absence of a person who can take care of them’, ‘maintenance of their psychological health’, ‘being burned out by busy working schedules’, and ‘lessening their own and their family’s worries and anxiety.’ Their specific ways of self-care were ‘physical health care’, ‘private activities for emotional care’, and ‘meeting with people.’ Consequently, middle-aged people’s self-care had a great influence on their lives. Their self-care had a positive impact on their jobs and relationships, lessened their sense of isolation, and became comforts for their lives. Based on the results of the study, this study proposed its implications, limitations, and suggestions for further research.