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RESEARCH PRODUCT
Life situation and identity among single older home-living people: A phenomenologicalhermeneutic study
Ulrika SöderhamnOlle SöderhamnBjørg Dalesubject
MaleRural Populationmedia_common.quotation_subjectindependenceIdentity (social science)adaptednessVDP::Medical disciplines: 700::Health sciences: 800::Nursing science: 808Interviews as Topicself-care actionsactivity adaptedness freedom health independence self-care actionsEmpirical StudiesNursing; Caring Science; Health SciencePerceptionReading (process)HumansMeaning (existential)Agedmedia_commonAged 80 and overSocial IdentificationNorwayHealth PolicyInterpretation (philosophy)VDP::Medical disciplines: 700::Clinical medical disciplines: 750::Geriatrics: 778Single PersonhealthSelf ConceptPreferenceIndependenceActivitySelf CareIssues ethics and legal aspectsFemalefreedomFundamentals and skillsIndependent LivingRural areaPsychologyGerontologySocial psychologydescription
Being able to continue living in their own home as long as possible is the general preference for many older people, and this is also in line with the public policy in the Nordic countries. The aim of this study was to elucidate the meaning of self-care and health for perception of life situation and identity among single-living older individuals in rural areas in southern Norway. Eleven older persons with a mean age of 78 years were interviewed and encouraged to narrate their self-care and health experiences. The interviews were audio taped, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a phenomenological hermeneutic method inspired by the philosophy of Ricoeur. The findings are presented as a nai¨ve reading, an inductive structural analysis characterized by two main themes; i.e., ‘‘being able to do’’ and ‘‘being able to be’’, and a comprehensive interpretation. The life situation of the interviewed single-living older individuals in rural areas in southern Norway was interpreted as inevitable, appropriate and meaningful. Their identity was constituted by their freedom and self-chosen actions in their personal contexts. The overall impression was that independence and the ability to control and govern their own life in accordance with needs and preferences were ultimate goals for the study participants. Key words: Activity, adaptedness, freedom, health, independence, self-care actions (Published: 25 July 2012) Citation: Int J Qualitative Stud Health Well-being 2012, 7 : 18456 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/qhw.v7i0.18456
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012-01-01 | International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being |