Older people living at home: experiences of healthy ageing. (4th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fjell, Astrid; Eriksen, Kristin Ådnøy; Hermann, Monica; Boström, Anne-Marie; Cronfalk, Seiger Berit
• Is Part Of: Primary health care research & development. Volume 22(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03-04
• Subjects: age-friendly environment, -- content analysis, -- focus group, -- healthy ageing, -- public health, -- social support; Family medicine -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Primary care (Medicine) -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 362.1094105
• DOI: 10.1017/S1463423621000049
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1463-4236

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate how old persons perceived their life to be, how they viewed the ageing process and their need of health care and societal support. Background: The purpose of WHO's Healthy Ageing strategy and development of age-friendly environments is to support physiological and psychosocial changes in old persons by facilitating basic needs. Interventions to operationalize these needs in older people living at home are often developed from a professional perspective and to a small extent involves the perceptions, experience and expectations of the older persons. Method: This qualitative study has an explorative design using focus group discussions to collect data. In all, 34 persons between 69 and 93 years of age participated in seven group discussions. The interviews were analyzed using inductive manifest content analysis. Findings: The main results suggest that most old persons enjoyed life and wished it to continue for as long as possible. Important was to sustain networks and to feel useful. Unexpected changes were described as threats and the need to use health care services was associated with illness and being dependent. The result is presented in three categories with sub-categories: 'Embracing life', 'Dealing with challenges' and 'Considering the future'.