Finding the silver lining: aging well amongst older Brazilian women

Abstract

<p>The aging population in Canada has been increasing steadily over the past 40 years, however, there is limited information about the meaning of aging amongst older Brazilian women. Hence, my study aimed to understand the meaning of aging well amongst older Brazilian women in the post-migration context living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Ontario, Canada. The methodology and framework used to guide my study was Heideggerian interpretive phenomenology. Eight older Brazilian women residing in the GTA were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling and participated in individual face-to-face interviews. Using van Manen’s approach to data analysis and Heidegger’s four existentials of human existence, four subthemes were developed: Embracing being part of a mosaic, Aging with grace, Chasing your dreams, and Being a bridge and not a fence. The overarching theme was: Finding the silver lining: Aging well amongst older Brazilian women. My study findings have implications for research, policy and practice to enhance the delivery of culturally responsive care to older immigrants to improve health outcomes.</p>