Ability for self-care in urban living older people in southern Norway

Abstract

BackgroundThe number of older people living in urban environments throughout the world will increase in the coming years. There is a trend in most European countries towards improved health among older people, and increased life expectancy for both women and men. Norway has experienced less increase in life expectancy than some other European countries, and it is therefore important to investigate older urban Norwegian people’s health and ways of living in a self-care environment, with special regard to health promotion.AimThe aim of this study was to describe self-care ability among home-dwelling older (65+ years) individuals living in urban areas in southern Norway in relation to general living conditions, sense of coherence (SOC), screened nutritional state, physical activity, perceived self-reported health, mental health, and perceived life situation.MethodsIn 2010, a randomized sample of 1044 men and women aged 65+ years who were living in urban areas in southern Norway answered a postal questionnaire consisting of five instruments, some background variables, and 17 health-related questions. Univariate and multivariate statistical methods were used in the analyses of the data.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 74.8 years (SD = 7.1). Eighty-three percent of the participants had higher abilities to care for themselves. Self-care agency, perceived good health, being active, being frequently active, good mental health, not being at risk of undernutrition, and satisfaction with life were all positively related to self-care ability. Negative factors were perceived helplessness, receiving home nursing, being anxious, and being at a more advanced age. People aged 85+ years had worse mental health, were less physically active, and more at risk of undernutrition.ConclusionHealth professionals should focus on the health-promoting factors that reinforce older people’s ability to care for themselves, and be aware of important symptoms and signs associated with a reduction in a person’s self-care ability. Politicians should assume responsibility for health care with a special regard to senior citizens.

The Factors that are Related to Self-Care Agency in Patients with Hypertension

“…The study showed that self-management in the middle and young adult respondents better than the final adult respondents. Sundsli, Soderhamn, Espnes, and Soderhamn (2012) in their study also found a negative association between age and selfcare agency (r = -0.126, p <0.001). The study shows that increasing age will increase risk factors for decreased self-care ability.…”

“…Another supportive study was carried out by Sundsli, Soderhamn, Espnes, and Soderhamn (2012) who in their study found that respondents who actively engaged in physical activity each day had better self-care ability than respondents who were physically active only once a week p <0.001). There is a difference in the ability of self-care in respondents who perform physical activity every day compared with those who only do activities less than once a week or not physically active (p <0.001).…”

Outcomes related to nutrition screening in community living older adults: A systematic literature review

“…Approximately 80% of older adults were identified as well-nourished according to NUFFE classification Tomstad et al, 2012). Sundsli et al (2012) found a higher risk amongst adults aged ≥85 years with a mean NUFFE score of 6.6 ±4.1, which is in the at risk category; whilst the mean score of total participants aged ≥65 years was in the low risk category (4.0 ± 3.1). Poorer self-care ability was found in the at risk group and associated with inability to prepare food (Dale et al, 2012).…”

“…Three studies were conducted in Norway (Dale et al, 2012;Sundsli et al, 2012;Tomstad et al, 2012) and one in Sweden . Approximately 80% of older adults were identified as well-nourished according to NUFFE classification Tomstad et al, 2012).…”

Being old and living alone in urban areas: the meaning of self-care and health on the perception of life situation and identity

“…The growth in urban population worldwide will in the next few decades occur in small and midsize cities, and for developing countries there will be 40% growth by 2030 in these cities 1. Despite urbanization and the aging population, and the fact that health outcomes are better in cities in wealthy countries than those in low-income countries,2 urban life seems to be a good life on the whole 3,4. Health inequalities, social inequalities, and the diversity in cities are factors that need to be embraced when urban health is the issue 2.…”