“It is like living in a diminishing world”: older persons’ experiences of living with long-term health problems – prior to the STRENGTH intervention

Abstract

Introduction: Ageing is often associated with multiple long-term health problems influencing older persons' well-being in daily living. It is not unusual that the point of interest in research is often on the management of the actual health problem instead of being holistic and person-centred. Purpose: To describe the phenomenon of living with long-term health problems that influence daily living, from the older persons' perspective. Methods: Qualitative individual interviews were conducted with 34 older persons living with long-term health problems. The data were analysed using a Reflected Lifeworld Research (RLR) approach, grounded in phenomenology. Results: Life with long-term health problems entails living in a diminishing world. It entails living in uncertainty, not being able to trust one's own ability. The freedom to make decisions of your own is deprived by relatives and health-care providers. Living with long-term health problems entails being dependent on support in daily life and a strive to maintain meaningfulness in daily living. Conclusions: The results address a need for extended individual and holistic guidance and support in living with long-term health problems to increase the older person's sense of wellbeing and meaning in life.

Maneuvering the care puzzle: Experiences of participation in care by frail older persons with significant care needs living at home

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Low COVID-19 Mortality in Old Age Homes in Western India: An empirical study

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“…The demographic transition led to a significant increase in the aging population, which is a challenge for healthcare systems. Aging is often accompanied by multiple and complex health problems associated with difficulties and disabilities in daily living [9].…”

Putting the pieces together: A qualitative study exploring perspectives on self-management and exercise behavior among people living with multimorbidity, healthcare professionals, relatives, and patient advocates

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