Aging-in-Place: Exploring the Transactional Relationship between Habits and Participation in a Community Context

Abstract

key words: dynamical systems theory, older adulthood ABSTRACT This study used a phenomenological approach to explore the relationship between habitual occupations and environmental features that can support aging-in-place with 10 community-dwelling older adults. In their respective interviews, participants were asked to consider community supports and other adaptations they used to maintain participation in response to changes as they grew older or encountered health difficulties. From the transcribed data, themes were identified using an open coding process and verified by an external peer auditor. Results underscore the inextricable link between older individuals, their environment, and maintaining participation in habits of meaning. Findings are discussed using a transactional model of occupation, namely dynamical systems theory. By using habits as the central focus, this study provides a unique opportunity to examine how key supports at a community level, including design of the physical environment and other policies, can promote continued participation in older adulthood.

Attachment, Occupation, and Identity: Considerations in Infancy

“…Dynamical systems theory, or complexity theory, is one such construct. Dynamical systems theory is more accurately described as a metatheory that provides an overarching framework for examining complex systems and phenomenon (Vrkljan, Leuty, & Law, 2011). It was first described and utilized in mathematics and physics and later applied to management theory.…”

Exploring the meaning of community for older Australians

“…The literature has identified links between community and participation. The experience of community and participation works in a two‐way reciprocal interaction: how an individual chooses to participate is influenced by the community around them and their experience of the community in which they live is influenced by how they participate (Cloutier‐Fisher & Harvey, ; Haak, Fänge, Horstmann & Iwarsson, ; Hand et al ., ; Vrkljan et al ., ; Young et al ., ). In order for occupational therapists to support individuals to participate in their community, it is necessary to first understand how they define and experience the community.…”

“…This work has driven policy and subsequent research, focusing predominantly on physical aspects of the environment rather than the personal experiences of individuals (Gardner, ; Plouffe & Kalache, ). The experience of community is not homogenous; it is shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including an individual's perceptions, interpretations and experience (Cloutier‐Fisher & Harvey, ; Hand, Law, Hanna, Elliott & McColl, ; Vrkljan, Leuty & Law, ; Young, Russell & Powers, ). A number of smaller studies have explored the nature of community from the older person's perspective, identifying distinct aspects such as home and environment (Cloutier‐Fisher & Harvey, ); places, networks and interactions (Gardner, ); and attachment to place and social connectedness (Wiles, Leibing, Guberman, Reeve & Allen, ) that contributed to and influenced participant's experiences of community beyond the physical environment.…”

Healthy Seniors

“…Older adults experience health-related changes as they age, which can impact their functional independence and ability to engage in meaningful activities. Vrkljan, et al, (2011) studied the occupational performance of older adults living independently in the community and how their habits and routines supported aging-in-place.…”

“…Participants also reflected on a time where their lives had been changed by a life event, and how this disruption affected their daily occupations and ability to adapt to the situation. At the end of the interview, participants were informed about community programs that could support their participation in meaningful activities and ability to age-inplace (Vrkljan et al, 2011). A common theme among participants was how habitual occupations such as running errands, exercising, shopping, and meeting friends for coffee provided an important link to community participation.…”