Title

Health Despite Frailty: Exploring Influences on Frail Older Adults' Experiences of Health

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2013

Published In

Geriatric Nursing

Volume

34

Issue

4

Pages

289-294

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore and identify influences on frail older adults' experience of health. A sample of older adults, 11 men and 11 women aged 67–92, with diverse ratings of self-perceived health ranging from poor to excellent were selected through a purposeful strategic sampling of frail older adults taken from a broader sample from a quantitative study on health. In total, 22 individual qualitative interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis in which themes were developed from raw data through a systematic reading, categorization of selected text, theme development and interpretation. To feel assured and capable was the main theme, which consisted of five subthemes: managing the unpredictable body, reinforcing a positive outlook, remaining in familiar surroundings, managing everyday life, and having a sense of belonging and connection to the whole. The importance of supporting frail older adults in subjective resilience in their context is emphasized.

Keywords

Frail older adults; Perceptions of health, Feel assured, Promoting health and well-being

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