Selarikah Makna Kepuasan Hidup daripada Perspektif Wanita Pertengahan Usia Bekerjaya di Hulu Langat dengan Perspektif Islam?

Middle-aged women are likely to experience empty nest syndrome, menopause, health problem, sleep disturbance, lethargy, weight gain and attention deficit. Overwhelming workload, multiple roles at home, elderly care giving and so forth have worsened the situation. These factors may influence their emotional well-being and life satisfaction. Women are frequently reported to have lower life satisfaction compare to men. They are also at higher risk of developing depression, burn out and loneliness. The study employed qualitative method based on phenomenological approach. This approach was adopted to explore and understand the real experiences and the feelings of the participants. The objective of the study is to explore the meaning of life satisfaction from the perspectives of middle-aged working women. A set of semi-structured questions was adhered to gain the data from nine middle aged working women in Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia. The result of the study showed that life satisfaction has been defined in four themes, which are: 1) success/achievement, 2) tranquility of soul and mind, 3) life comfort, and 4) acceptance and gratitude. These four (4) themes are discussed from the perspectives of emotional well-being and life satisfaction. Middleaged women review their life satisfaction by considering more on the internal and spiritual aspects. They attempt to build a more meaningful, more peaceful and blessed life. The research finding offers significant input to the planning of program to uplift life satisfaction of middle-aged career women. It can also facilitate counselors, social workers, and researchers to better understand the need and life perspective of middle aged career women.