Effects of Perceptions regarding Purpose in Life and Good Death on Caring Behaviors of Formal Caregivers of Community-dwelling Older Adults with Dementia

Background: Aging represents a time of significant challenges as well as opportunities for growth. Resilience helps older adults adjust to ongoing demands of aging. Little is known, however, about individual factors that bolster resilience. This study examines the potential contribution of psychological wellbeing in building resilience in older adults.Methods: A sample of 150 community-dwelling older adults was recruited from elder clubs in Alexandria, Egypt. Participant interviews included measures of resilience, psychological wellbeing, as well as measures of physical and psycho-social functioning.Results: Psychological wellbeing and resilience were positively and strongly correlated (r = .70, p < .001). Resilience was significantly associated with five dimensions of psychological wellbeing: mastery of environment (r = .54, p < .001), self-acceptance (r = .53, p < .001), personal growth, and purpose in life (both r = .49, p < .001), and autonomy (r = .36, p < .001). A weak, but significant association was found with the sixth dimension, positive relationship with others (r = .29, p < .001). Adjusting for potential confounding variables, psychological wellbeing remained significantly associated with resilience (β = .59, p < .001). Mastery of environment (β = .23, p < .01), autonomy (β = .20, p < .01), personal growth (β = .19, p < .01), and purpose in life (β = .18, p < .01), were independently influenced resilience among older adults.Conclusions: The findings highlight the adaptive function of psychological wellbeing in boosting resilience among older adults. Nursing strategies to optimize resilience and psychological wellbeing among older adults are delineated.

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PURPOSE IN LIFE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Geriatrics Gerontology and Aging ◽

10.5327/z2447-211520191900069 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 198-204

Author(s):

Daniel Vicentini de Oliveira ◽

◽

Matheus Amarante do Nascimento ◽

Géssica Aline Caruzo ◽

Cristina Cristóvão Ribeiro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Purpose In Life ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Physical Activities ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

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The Psychosocial and Spiritual Components of a Good Death

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1355 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 420-420

Author(s):

Quentin Maynard ◽

Ellen Csikai

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

End Of Life ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Good Death ◽

Disease Trajectory ◽

Advanced Planning ◽

Perceived Effects ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽

Depth Interviews

Abstract Advances in medical care led to more older adults living longer, with at least one chronic illness. Correspondingly, the disease trajectory and dying process may be prolonged, providing more time to plan for a ‘good death.’ A ‘good death’ is typically described in the literature according to medical and biological aspects, with limited explicit discussion of psychosocial and spiritual elements. The purpose of this study was to explore older adults’ perceptions of psychosocial and spiritual factors that contribute to a death they would consider ‘good’. Using descriptive qualitative research methods, 12 community-dwelling older adults in central Alabama participated in two in-depth interviews. The findings suggested a range of physical, psychological, social, and spiritual components contributed to the conception of a ‘good death’ and were often interrelated. For example, the medical treatment desired at end of life was influenced by the perceived effects on the participants’ family/social network. Reflecting on previous experiences with death, along with motivations and values, guided what participants believed could help achieve their ‘good death.’ Most realized that preparation would allow for control over their experiences at end of life. The study findings emphasized the need to consider the holistic nature of advanced planning for the end of life according to what older adults and their families perceive as important to a ‘good death’. Efforts by professionals to maximize quality of life throughout serious illness and near the end of life are essential and can be accomplished through understanding what a ‘good death’ means to older adults.

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