The Perception of Independent Living among Thai Older Adults

Equipping pharmacists for delivering pharmaceutical care to seniors: a qualitative systematic review of Asian seniors’ social support

“…The young old expected to receive more formal social support when they become the older‐old, as support from their children would be reduced due to the one‐child policy and sociocultural changes Han et al 2019 [ 46 ], Singapore To explore the impact of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and dialysis and the coping strategies utilized by participants 16 ESRD seniors with family caregiver, qualitative research, in-depth interviews, framework analysis ESRD and dialysis impacted biological/physical, psychological, and social. The strategies that participants used to cope with these biopsychosocial challenges were family support, religious/spiritual support, avoidance, and acceptance Harnirattisai & Vuthiarpa, 2020 [ 47 ], Thailand To explore the perception of independent living, including the meaning, characteristics, and contributing factors of independent living 11 seniors living with family, descriptive, in-depth interviews, content analysis Living independently meant being employed, having sufficient money for personal expenses, being capable of participating in religious activities, and having time for relaxation. The factors that contribute to independent living were personal, environment, and social support Kristianingrum et al 2018 [ 48 ], Indonesia To explore perceived family support by seniors in diabetes mellitus self-management 9 diabetic seniors living alone or with family, phenomenology, in-depth interviews, Colaizzi method analysis The severity of family support included daily activity assistance, assistance with obtaining health services, food preparation, financial support, attention, guidance, and problem-solving.…”

“…This analytical theme was built upon many descriptive themes and codes which showed that family almost always be the directions or underlying view of mind. The second analytical theme, “having faith in religion,” was also prominent since 17 of 23 articles showed experiences and perceptions of support for seniors’ religious faith [ 27 , 28 , 32 – 39 , 41 – 43 , 45 – 47 , 49 ]. Table 3 provides the themes, examples of quotations, and settings of primary studies that constitute themes.…”

“…Despite religious affiliation, older adults identified the positive impact engaging in religious activities had on their social health. They highlighted how being part of a religious group allowed them to be around people who shared similar beliefs, and they felt a sense of belonging and purpose” [ 37 ] Residential care homes, community [ 35 – 37 , 41 , 42 , 46 , 47 ] The importance of elderly providing support “Helping and sharing significant concern for others allowed some older adults to feel better about themselves. It also gave many the motivation to look after their own health, especially if they were providing care to someone close to them, e.g., family member, partner, or close friend” [ 37 ] Community [ 28 , 32 , 33 , 35 , 37 , 39 , 44 ] Taboos “I have told my daughter (about my death) and wanted to say a nice goodbye.…”

“…However, discussing death is somewhat of a taboo in Chinese society [ 45 ] Shelter homes, nursing homes, community [ 28 , 37 , 41 , 43 , 45 ] Elderly self-reliance “The young‐old reported that there was a lack of formal instrumental support in the community they live. They mainly do the housekeeping work by themselves, as most of them are independent at this stage” [ 44 ] Nursing homes, residential care homes, community [ 29 , 31 , 34 , 36 , 42 , 44 , 45 , 47 ] Elderly fear of being a burden “My legs hurts when I walk or try to climb stairs. So far, I can take care of myself.…”

“…So far, I can take care of myself. I hope I would go (die) before I get bedridden” [ 28 ] Shelter homes, residential care homes, community [ 28 , 30 , 35 , 42 , 43 , 46 , 47 ] Differences on perceptions and experiences regarding social support Younger-old vs. Older-old “The young‐old reported that the formal emotional support increased compared to their parents’ generation as the community increasingly organizes social activities. The informal emotional support from their children and neighbors, however, decreased compared to their parents' generation and the older‐old living in the same community.…”