"Like Every Normal Person?!" The Paradoxical Effect of Aging With Schizophrenia. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mushkin, Peli; Band-Winterstein, Tova; Avieli, Hila
• Is Part Of: Qualitative health research. Volume 28:Number 6(2018)
• Page Start: 977
• Page End: 986
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: schizophrenia -- aging -- well-being -- reflective life-world methodology -- Middile East; Health -- Periodicals; Health behavior -- Periodicals; Health -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Health behavior -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; 610.7205
• DOI: 10.1177/1049732318764389
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-7323

Abstract

Studies on aging with schizophrenia have focused mainly on the adversities of aging with mental illness. The present study, however, examined the subjective experience of well-being among individuals with schizophrenia. Taking a phenomenological reflective life-world approach, in-depth, semistructured interviews with 18 aging individuals with schizophrenia were thematically analyzed. Four main themes emerged: (a) "I love the pills . . . they are very helpful": A balanced course of the illness as a basis for well-being in old age; (b) "I'm going to have my own exhibition at the museum": Self-fulfillment as promoting well-being; (c) "It's just like a family here": Experiencing a sense of belonging; and (d) "I live like everyone else": Aging as an opportunity for normalization. Alongside hardship, the participants perceived old age as a "window of opportunity, " enabling the fulfillment of lifelong desires for a social life, acceptance, and a satisfying occupation. Implications regarding interventions with this unique population are discussed.