Perspectives of Older Adults on Aging Well: A Focus Group Stud

Date
2018-11-04
Authors
Hadeel Halaweh
Synneve Dahlin-Ivanoff
Ulla Svantesson
Carin Willen
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Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Aging Research
Abstract
Background. With an 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. (the 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. (therefore, the aim of this study was to explore perceptions of 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 getting a better insight concerning older adults’ perspectives on aging well. Enhancing a 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.
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Citation
Halaweh H, Dahlin-Ivanoff S, Svantesson U, Willén C., (2018). Perspectives of Older Adults on Aging Well: A Focus Group Study. Journal of Aging Research, vol. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/9858252