Older persons’ lived experiences of being playful in nursing home settings: a phenomenological reflective lifeworld research study

Background
Being playful and having the capability to play are considered fundamental aspects of being human and are closely linked to well-being in adulthood. Despite the health-promoting potential, being playful has, to our knowledge, not been explored in Scandinavian contexts in relation to older persons with functional impairments, such as those living in nursing homes.

Objective
This study, therefore, aims to explore older persons’ lived experiences of being playful in nursing homes, to gain an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon and to contribute knowledge that may support person-centred care and well-being.

Methods
This phenomenological study is grounded in a reflective lifeworld research approach. Lifeworld interviews were conducted with 15 older persons aged 68–100 years.

Results
The essential meaning of the phenomenon emerges as getting in touch with an inner dynamic life force that enables and enhances well-being. This meaning is further illuminated through four constituents: engaging in timeless inner wanderings, adapting to bodily change, opening towards belonging, and navigating in a state of dependency.

Conclusions
In older persons´ playful mode of being, the inner dynamic life force opens up to a profound sense of existential well-being. However, ageing, bodily changes, and institutional constraints shape how playfulness is expressed and manifested in the lifeworld, thereby influencing well-being and human dignity. Taken together, these findings point to the potential value of acknowledging playfulness in future research and care practice as a fundamental aspect of being human and a contributor to both well-being and human dignity.