The importance of successful place integration for perceived health in very old age: A qualitative meta-synthesis

Maria Haak, Agneta Malmgren Fänge, Susanne Iwarsson, Synneve Dahlin-Ivanoff

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to increase our understanding of the multifaceted phenomenon of home and health, by exploring processes underlying these dynamics when living at home in very old age. 

Method: A qualitative meta-synthesis was used on four complementary qualitative studies, based on data from the Swedish ENABLE-AGE In-depth Study, focusing on very old, single-living people's experiences of home in relation to participation, independence and health (N = 40). 

Results: Over time, very old people manage increased frailty by means of three intertwined processes concerning changes in everyday life: The turning points, The struggle and The negotiations. The findings show that these processes take place through the context of the Homelike functional home and a state of mind labelled, The awareness of frailty. 

Conclusion: The results can be useful in constructing and implementing guidelines for more holistic approaches to housing provision for senior citizens. Further, the study delivers a deeper understanding about how very old people live their lives, useful for practitioners as well as it contributes to theory development within the context of ageing and environments.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)589-595
Number of pages7
JournalInternational Journal of Public Health
Volume56
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011-Aug-05
Externally publishedYes

Swedish Standard Keywords

  • Occupational Therapy (30306)

Keywords

  • ENABLE-AGE
  • Environmental gerontology
  • Everyday life
  • Home
  • Meaningful activity
  • Occupational therapy

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