“Struggling for independence”: The meaning of being an oldest old man in a rural area. Interpretation of oldest old men's narrations

Abstract

The amount of older people receiving home nursing care is increasing; in rural areas, they are at additional risk because of the distance between people and health care facilities. No specific studies have been found about oldest old men living alone and receiving home nursing care and the meaning of living alone in one's own home. The aim of this study was therefore to illuminate the meaning of being an oldest old man living alone in a rural area and receiving home nursing care. A sample of 12 oldest old men living in rural areas in the middle of Norway was chosen for this study. Narrative interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed using the phenomenological hermeneutical method. After a naïve reading and a structural analysis of the text, we identified three themes: feelings of insufficiency in everyday life, finding hope in life, and feeling reconciliation with life. The comprehensive understanding suggested that being an oldest old man living alone in a rural area means a struggle between a dependent existence and a desire to be independent. Living in the tension between independence and dependency is a complex emotional situation where one is trying to accept the consequences of life and loss—reconciling the wish to live with the fact that life will come to an end.

Acceptance and adjustment: A qualitative study of experiences of hearing and vision impairments and daily life among oldest old recipients of home care

“…That model highlights that even the most resilient person is frail when reaching a very old age and increases the dependence even for performing simple daily activities. Research into living late in life (Hinck, 2004;Ness, Hellzen, & Enmarker, 2014;Grøn, 2016) has documented that oldest old people are frail, vulnerable, and suffering from losses and chronic health conditions, and the frailty and vulnerability seem to coexist. Inner strength is needed for the oldest old to accept life transitions, sickness, losses and loneliness (Lang, Michel, & Zekry, 2009;Nygren, Norberg, & Lundman, 2007).…”

Oral health and dental care of older persons—A systematic map of systematic reviews

“…There is a need for more knowledge about the oral health of older persons, not only among dental care providers but also among other healthcare professionals. In later life, many people require assistance with activities of daily living and mouth care will be provided by nursing professionals . However, oral health and mouth care are not always included in undergraduate training programmes for healthcare professionals or nursing assistants and healthcare aides .…”

“…In later life, many people require assistance with activities of daily living and mouth care will be provided by nursing professionals. 6 However, oral health and mouth care are not always included in undergraduate training programmes for healthcare professionals or nursing assistants and healthcare aides. 4,7 Moreover, with increasing age and debility, a considerable number of older people lose contact with their dental service providers; thus, there is also a need to organise geriatric dentistry and clarify its place in the chain of care.…”

Sense of meaning in life among the oldest old people living in a rural area in northern Sweden

“…A phenomenological study conducted by Missinne and Willeke-Kay (1985) shows that older adults emphasised nature, for example flowers, a sunny day, birds and a rainbow, as a source of meaning. Interviews with oldest old men in rural areas in Sweden showed that they found meaning in life by their relationship with nature (Ness et al, 2014).…”