A qualitative study to examine older adults' perceptions of health: Keys to aging successfully.
Geriatr Nurs
; 38(6): 485-490, 2017.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-28341064
Older adult health is often defined in clinical terms. Research has demonstrated that many older adults self-report aging successfully regardless of clinical health status. This qualitative study used claims data to identify older adults on three levels of health status: healthy and active, managing diseases, or very sick, to better understand how health is defined and maintained. In total, 32 participants from two cities were interviewed. Interviews were audio- and video-recorded and then transcribed. Thematic analysis identified five themes: disconnectedness between objective and subjective health; health defined to include psychological and social components; resilience and coping mechanisms indicative of successful aging; social support systems integral to health; and the goal of maintaining functioning. These results indicate the importance of individual perceptions of health rather than just counts of chronic diseases. Health management programs should provide holistic approaches to maximize health outcomes and to promote successful aging.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Envejecimiento
/
Estado de Salud
/
Resiliencia Psicológica
Tipo de estudio:
Qualitative_research
Aspecto:
Determinantes_sociais_saude
/
Patient_preference
Límite:
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Geriatr Nurs
Año:
2017
Tipo del documento:
Article
Pais de publicación:
Estados Unidos