scholarly journals Perspectives of older adults with a chronic condition on functioning, social participation and health: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leen De Coninck ◽  
Anja Declercq ◽  
Leen Bouckaert ◽  
Mieke Vermandere ◽  
Maud J. L. Graff ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Problems with mobility, functioning and social participation make living independently difficult for frail older adults. To continue living independently, therapy adherence is a prerequisite. The causes for non-adherence among older adults are multiple and complex, which is why insight into older adults’ perspectives regarding their functioning is an essential factor to increase therapy adherence. This study investigates the perspectives of older adults on their functioning, social participation and health, and the factors influencing these elements. Methods We conducted a qualitative study on the older adult’s perceived functioning, social participation and health. Fourteen home-dwelling older adults suffering from chronic health issues were purposively selected. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with open-ended questions. Data were analysed following the Basic Logical Model of Abduction and Creswell’s coding method. Results Assistive devices, the older adult’s dwelling and living environment, professional and informal support, and medication are perceived as important determinants for retaining functioning and social participation. Attitude, social influence and personal effectiveness were found to influence whether a person performs or participates in an activity. A person’s attitude is related to the significance the activity has to that person, the activity’s importance, personal wellbeing, the person’s values, and their desire for autonomy. Peers and children have a social influence on the level of activity of the older person. Traditions, in particular religious activities, along with personal effectiveness are motivating factors determining whether a person performs or participates in an activity. Personal effectiveness is linked to the person’s belief in their personal competencies and to the relationship between effort and result. Finally, it appears that the type of coping strategy the older adult adopts, has an influence on their behavior. The participating older adults often used remarkable problem-focused strategies, which had a positive effect on their level of autonomy. Conclusions Older adults have identified barriers and facilitators that influence their level of functioning and social participation. These findings help to create a framework for maintaining and increasing therapy adherence, which may be helpful in facilitating occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals to detect determinants of therapy adherence.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leen De Coninck ◽  
Anja Declercq ◽  
Leen Bouckaert ◽  
Mieke Vermandere ◽  
Maud J.L. Graff ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundProblems with mobility, functioning and social participation makes living independently difficult for frail older adults. Treatment adherence is a prerequisite for successfully continuing to live independently. The cause of non-compliance among older adults are multiple and complex. Insight into older adults’ perspectives regarding their functioning is essential and an important factor for treatment adherence.Objectives This study investigates the perspectives of older adults on their functioning, social participation and health, and the factors influencing these components.Method We conducted a qualitative study about the older adult’s perceived functioning, social participation and health. Fourteen home dwelling older adults suffering from chronic health issues were purposively selected. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with open-ended questions. Data were analysed following the Basic Logical Model of Abduction and the coding method of Creswell.ResultsAssistive devices, their dwelling and living environment, professional and informal support, and medication are perceived as important determinants. Attitude, social influence and personal effectiveness were found to be of influence whether or not a person will perform an activity, or choose to participate. A person’s attitude is related to the significance the activity has to that person, the importance of the activity, personal wellbeing, their values and the desire for autonomy. Peers and children have a social influence on the level of activity of the older person. Traditions and in particular, religious activities, along with personal effectiveness are motivating factors for whether or not to perform an activity or to participate. Personal effectiveness is linked to the belief in their personal competencies and to the relationship between effort and result.Finally, it appears that the type of coping strategy the older adult adopts, has an influence on his or her behavior. The older adults often used remarkable problem-focused strategies, which had a positive effect on their level of autonomy.ConclusionOlder adults have identified barriers and facilitators that influence their level of functioning and social participation. These findings help to create a framework for maintaining and increasing treatment adherence. This conceptual framework may be helpful in facilitating occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals to detect determinants of treatment adherence.


Salmand ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-187
Author(s):  
Raziyeh Amini ◽  
◽  
Farahnaz Mohammadi Shahboulaghi ◽  
Kian Norouzi Tabrizi ◽  
Amene Setareh Forouzan ◽  
...  

Objectives: Social participation in older adults is one of the key pillars of active aging. Social participation is influenced by multiple underlying factors. The present study aims to explore the facilitators and barriers to social participation in community-dwelling older adults in Iran. Methods & Materials: This is a qualitative study using the grounded theory approach. The study population consisted of community-dwelling older adults. Fifteen samples were selected using a purposive sampling method. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews. Information were collected until data saturation. Each interview lasted for 45-60 minutes. Analysis was done using the method of Corbin and Strauss (2015). Results: Three main categories and 11 sub-categories were found based on data analysis which were: Participatory elderly (with 5 sub-categories), participatory family (with 2 sub-categories), and community capacity for social participation (with 4 sub-categories). Conclusion: Facilitating social participation of community-dwelling older adults in Iran is associated by individual, family and community. Proper planning should be done in these areas. Providing facilitators for the development of social participation in the elderly can facilitate movement towards active aging.


2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (9) ◽  
pp. 1791-1816 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARY O'MALLEY ◽  
ANTHEA INNES ◽  
SARAH MUIR ◽  
JAN M. WIENER

ABSTRACTEnvironments need to be designed such that they support successful orientation for older adults and those with dementia who often experience marked difficulties in their orientation abilities. To better understand how environments can compensate for decreasing orientation skills, voice should be given directly to those experiencing dementia to describe how they find their way and to understand their design preferences. This study explored the navigational experiences and design preferences of older adults with memory difficulties living in a retirement development. In-depth semi-structured interviews with 13 older adults experiencing memory difficulties were conducted. All participants were residents of one retirement development in the United Kingdom. Questions began broadly, for example, to describe their experiences of navigating in their living environment, before discussing any specific navigation difficulties in detail. Thematic analysis identified three main themes: highlighting environmental design that causes disorientation, strategies to overcome disorientation, and residents’ suggestions to improve the design. The design suggestions were particularly informative, heavily focusing on the importance of having memorable and meaningful spaces which were favoured more than signage as an orientation aid. The findings demonstrate the need to consider environmental design to support orientation for those with memory difficulties. Of particular importance is the use of meaningful and relevant landmarks as orientation aids which can additionally stimulate conversation and increase wellbeing. Given the range of suggestions in dementia-friendly design guidelines aimed to support orientation, it is crucial to speak directly to those living in different environments to learn how they find their way around and what design works in their environment.


2021 ◽  
pp. 073346482110125
Author(s):  
Haley B. Gallo ◽  
Lia W. Marshall ◽  
Lené Levy-Storms ◽  
Kathleen H. Wilber ◽  
Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris

Mobility and technology can facilitate in-person and virtual social participation to help reduce social isolation, but issues exist regarding older adults’ access, feasibility, and motivation to use various forms of mobility and technology. This qualitative study explores how a diverse group of low-income, urban-living older adults use mobility and technology for social participation. We conducted six focus groups ( N = 48), two each in English, Spanish, and Korean at a Los Angeles senior center. Three major themes emerged from thematic analysis: using technology for mobility; links between mobility and social participation; and technology-mediated social participation. Cost, perceived safety, (dis)ability, and support from family and friends were related to mobility and technology use. This study demonstrates the range of mobility and technology uses among older adults and associated barriers. The findings can help establish a pre-COVID-19 baseline on how to make mobility and technology more accessible for older adults at risk of isolation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 2235042X2098119
Author(s):  
Jenny Ploeg ◽  
Anna Garnett ◽  
Kimberly D Fraser ◽  
Lisa Garland Baird ◽  
Sharon Kaasalainen ◽  
...  

Background: Older adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) rely heavily on caregivers for assistance with care. However, we know little about their psychosocial experiences and their needs for support in managing MCC. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of caregivers of older adults living in the community with MCC. Methods: This qualitative study was a secondary analysis of previously collected data from caregivers in Ontario and Alberta, Canada. Participants included caregivers of older adults (65 years and older) with three or more chronic conditions. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Interview transcripts were coded and analyzed using Thorne’s interpretive description approach. Results: Most of the 47 caregiver participants were female (76.6%), aged 65 years of age or older (61.7%), married (87.2%) and were spouses to the care recipient (68.1%). Caregivers’ experiences of caring for community-living older adults with MCC were complex and included: (a) dealing with the demands of caregiving; (b) prioritizing chronic conditions; (c) living with my own health limitations; (d) feeling socially isolated and constrained; (e) remaining committed to caring; and (f) reaping the rewards of caregiving. Conclusions: Healthcare providers can play key roles in supporting caregivers of older adults with MCC by providing education and support on managing MCC, actively engaging them in goal setting and care planning, and linking them to appropriate community health and social support services. Communities can create environments that support caregivers in areas such as social participation, social inclusion, and community support and health services.


2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 509-518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fayron Epps ◽  
Ishan C. Williams

This study was a post hoc analysis of a larger qualitative descriptive study exploring family involvement in health promotion activities for African Americans living with dementia where participants identified religious practices as meaningful health promotion activities. The purpose of this study was to explore ways in which religiosity may influence the well-being of older adults living with dementia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among a sample of 22 family caregivers and 15 older adults living with dementia ( N = 37). Three themes emerged: Engagement, Promotion of Faith and Spiritual Connectedness, and Maintenance of Religious Practices. It is imperative for family caregivers to understand the important contributions of religious activities and beliefs to the well-being of their family member. This information might be of use for faith communities, policy makers, and health care providers in the provision of optimal person-centered care and the promotion of quality of life for persons living with dementia.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinxia Zhang ◽  
Esmé Eggink ◽  
Xiaoyu Zhang ◽  
Xingming Li ◽  
Bin Jiang ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND China is expected to face among the largest increase of people with dementia worldwide in the coming decades, seriously challenging the Chinese healthcare system. Approximately 40% of all dementia cases might be attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors, suggesting the potential to delay or prevent dementia when targeting these risk factors. Mobile health (mHealth) may improve the accessibility of such dementia prevention strategies in China, given the wide and increasing use of smartphones by the entire Chinese population, including older adults. OBJECTIVE The aim of this qualitative study is to explore the needs and views of Chinese older adults regarding healthy lifestyles to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) and dementia through mHealth, facilitating development and cultural adaptation of a coach-supported mHealth platform for the Prevention of Dementia using Mobile Phone Applications (PRODEMOS) study. METHODS We performed semi-structured interviews with older adults, aged 55 and over, from Beijing and Tai’an, China, with an increased dementia risk without a diagnosis of dementia, who possess a smartphone. Participants were recruited through seven hospitals that participate in the PRODEMOS study, and were purposively sampled on age, sex, living situation, and history of CVD and diabetes. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Between February and December 2019 we performed 26 interviews with participants aged 55-86 years. Three main themes were identified: valuing a healthy lifestyle, sociocultural expectations, and need for guidance. First, following a healthy lifestyle was generally deemed important. In addition to generic healthy behaviours, participants regarded certain specific Chinese behaviours as important to prevent disease. Second, the sociocultural context played a crucial role, as an important motive to avoid disease was to limit the burden put on family members. However, time-consuming family and other social obligations could also impede healthy behaviours, such as regular physical activity and a healthy diet. Finally, there seemed to be a need for reliable and personalised lifestyle advice and for guidance from a health professional. CONCLUSIONS In spite of their clear appreciation of healthy lifestyles, Chinese older adults express a need for personalised lifestyle support in order to adopt healthy behaviours. Potentially, the PRODEMOS mHealth intervention can meet these needs through blended lifestyle support to improve risk factors for CVD and dementia.


Author(s):  
Nafiseh Hekmati Pour ◽  
Gholam Reza Mahmoodi-Shan ◽  
Abbas Ebadi ◽  
Nasser Behnampour

AbstractObjectivesOne of the existential questions during adolescence is about the ambiguity in spiritual realms. Adolescents at this age not only have the spiritual, psychological, and unique needs, but also have spiritual needs that help them to relax and solve problems. Therefore, this qualitative study aimed to understand the concept of spiritual self-care in Iranian adolescents in 2019.MethodsThis qualitative study with content analysis approach was conducted on 14 adolescents with the age range of 14–20 years, who had been selected by purposeful sampling method. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews which were carried out between 4 March 2019 and 20 August 2019.ResultsThe interviews were transcribed immediately after the recording, and then were analyzed using direct content analysis. A total of 252 primary codes related to the adolescents’ spiritual self-care were extracted from the analysis, which determined 4 main aspects of spiritual self-care (spiritual belief, spiritual experience, social-religious activities, and spiritual growth).ConclusionsThe findings of this study showed that, spiritual self-care is a form of self-care by which a person uses his or her spiritual beliefs, teachings, and experiences as a source of control over stress and crises, and will be able to cope with problems.


2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 164-176
Author(s):  
Honghui Pan ◽  
Sarah Dury ◽  
Daan Duppen ◽  
Vilhelmiina Lehto ◽  
Renfeng Wang ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 531-531
Author(s):  
Anna Wanka

Abstract Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the immediate living environment has significantly gained importance - particularly for people framed as ‘risk-groups’, such as older adults. Effects of contact restrictions to contain the spread of the virus have affected inequalities, uncertainties and loneliness in later life differently depending on the intergenerational relations, informal infrastructures of provisioning and networks of solidarity given in a certain neighborhood. The paper presents findings from a recent mixed-methods study in Frankfurt, Germany, combining a quantitative survey (n=1.000) with a longitudinal qualitative study (n=60). Results show how intergenerational neighborhood relations can play a crucial role in mediating risks of pandemic precariousness in later life, but also how older adults themselves significantly contributing to neighborhood networks of provisioning. Strengthening such very local relations is key to protecting all age groups from the effects of crises beyond the pandemic, and, in conclusion, ways to do so are being discussed.


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