Perspectives of Older Adults on Aging Well: A Focus Group Study
Date
2018-11-04Author
Halaweh, Hadeel
Dahlin-Ivanoff, Synneve
Svantesson, Ulla
Will´en, Carin
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
With increasing number of older adults worldwide, promoting health and well-being becomes a priority for aging
well. Well-being and physical and mental health are closely related, and this relation may become more vital at older ages as it may
contribute to aging well. (e state of well-being is a multifaceted phenomenon that refers to an individual’s subjective feelings, and
exploring perspectives of older adults on aging well is developing to be an important area of research. (erefore, the aim of this
study was to explore perceptions on aging well among older adult Palestinians ≥60 years. Methods. A qualitative research design in
the context of focus group discussions was used; seven focus groups were conducted including fifty-six participants (aged 63–81
years). Data were analyzed using a qualitative interpretative thematic approach described by Braun and Clarke. Results. (ree
major themes were identified, “sense of well-being,” “having good physical health,” and “preserving good mental health.” (e
participants perceived that aging well is influenced by positive feelings such as being joyous, staying independent, having a life
purpose, self-possessed contentment, and financially secured, in addition to be socially engaged and enjoying good physical and
mental health. Conclusion. (is study contributes to get a better insight concerning older adults’ perspectives on aging well.
Enhancing physically active lifestyle, participation in social and leisure activities, healthy eating habits, having a purpose in life,
and being intellectually engaged are all contributing factors to aging well. Vital factors are to be considered in developing strategic
health and rehabilitative plans for promoting aging well among older adults.