Residential normalcy and environmental experiences of very old people: Changes in residential reasoning over time

Abstract

The decision to relocate in old age is intricately linked to thoughts and desires to stay put. However, most research focuses either on strategies that allow people to age in place or on their reasons for relocation. There is a need for more knowledge on very old peoples' residential reasoning, including thoughts about aging in place and thoughts about relocation as one intertwined process evolving in everyday life. The aim of this study was to explore what we refer to as the process of residential reasoning and how it changes over time among very old people, and to contribute to the theoretical development regarding aging in place and relocation. Taking a longitudinal perspective, data stem from the ENABLE-AGE In-depth Study, with interviews conducted in 2003 followed up in interviews in 2011. The 16 participants of the present study were 80-89years at the time of the first interview. During analysis the Theoretical Model of Residential Normalcy by Golant and the Life Course Model of Environmental Experience by Rowles & Watkins were used as sensitizing concepts. The findings revealed changes in the process of residential reasoning that related to a wide variety of issues. Such issues included the way very old people use their environmental experience, their striving to build upon or dismiss attachment to place, and their attempts to maintain or regain residential normalcy during years of declining health and loss of independence. In addition, the changes in reasoning were related to end-of-life issues. The findings contribute to the theoretical discussion on aging in place, relocation as a coping strategy, and reattachment after moving in very old age.

From whom do older persons prefer support? The case of rural Thailand

“…Rather they hope their children will return, and, if they do not, they will just continue to miss them. This is consistent with the broader international literature which suggests that older individuals prefer to stay where they had been and age in place (Granbom et al, 2014).…”

Experiences of home and institution in a secured nursing home ward in the Netherlands: A participatory intervention study

“…This can be explained, at least in part, by the fact that they have been developed within a medical model, resembling hospitals rather than a home (Hauge & Heggen, 2007). Care is provided as efficiently as possible to accommodate large numbers of people, and so nursing homes typically lack certain core qualities of home such as control, autonomy, choice, privacy and self-determination (Cooney, 2012;Custers, Westerhof, Kuin, Gerritsen, & Riksen-Walraven, 2012;Granbom et al, 2014;Kasser & Ryan, 1999;Persson & Wasterfors, 2009;Stabell, Eide, Solheim, Solberg, & Rustoen, 2004). As a result, it is difficult for many older adults to make themselves 'at home' in a nursing home (Granbom et al, 2014;Shin, 2014).…”

“…Care is provided as efficiently as possible to accommodate large numbers of people, and so nursing homes typically lack certain core qualities of home such as control, autonomy, choice, privacy and self-determination (Cooney, 2012;Custers, Westerhof, Kuin, Gerritsen, & Riksen-Walraven, 2012;Granbom et al, 2014;Kasser & Ryan, 1999;Persson & Wasterfors, 2009;Stabell, Eide, Solheim, Solberg, & Rustoen, 2004). As a result, it is difficult for many older adults to make themselves 'at home' in a nursing home (Granbom et al, 2014;Shin, 2014). Several studies have found that the core qualities of home are positively linked to the well-being of older people, including those in longterm care settings (Boyle, 2008;Cooney, 2012;Sixsmith et al, 2014).…”

Cohabitants’ perspective on housing adaptations: a piece of the puzzle

“…Still, these findings show that a move to a new dwelling can trigger the need for a HA. But, most importantly, the thoughts on moving/staying put are influenced by several intertwined aspects [36] that rejecting HA grant application due to thoughts on moving, might not promote ageing-in-place. In clinical practice, it is important to remember that the HA intervention is directed at one person in a couple, but it impacts on the residential reasoning of both, which highlights the importance of viewing the couple as a unit [37].…”