Unfinalisability and the authorship of life - Narratives of young-old women from Taiwan

- Society and cultural values shape an individual's aging experience and how women make sense of their lives.
- Taiwanese young-olds find ways to resist cultural norms to forge their unique personal identities.
- Taiwanese young-olds still pursue their dreams.
- Interdependence and the relational aspect are unique characteristics of Taiwanese culture.
- Women's life cannot be finalised.

This study investigates and presents the narratives of Taiwanese women who have reached the young-old stage. The narrative interview method was used for data collection from 12 Taiwanese women. After analysing the recurring themes emerging from the women's life histories, it is found that the meanings of these Taiwanese women's narratives could not be finalised according to traditional Confucian norms. These women rebelled, resisted, and resumed authorship to make changes to their lives in a patriarchal society. The women were reflexive, and had constant struggles. The findings also reveal a prominent characteristic of Taiwanese culture that emphasises relationships. The women were able to pursue their dreams to involve themselves in self-care, leisure, aesthetic activities, and classes for their personal growth and pleasure.