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Balance in life as a prerequisite for community-dwelling older adults’ sense of health and well-being after retirement: an interview-based study

Authors :
Catharina Gillsjö
Maria Nyström
Lina Palmér
Gunilla Carlsson
Ann-Charlotte Dalheim-Englund
Irene Eriksson
Source :
International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being, Vol 16, Iss 1 (2021)
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
Taylor & Francis Group, 2021.

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to describe community-dwelling older adults’ perceptions of health and well-being in life after retirement. Methods This study is part of a larger project using a mixed-methods design to address lifestyles’ influence on community-dwelling older adults’ health. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 older adults in age 70 to 95 years. Data were analysed according to a phenomenographic approach. Results The results encompass four categories describing variations in community-dwelling older adults’ perceptions of health and well-being after retirement: feeling well despite illness and disease, interacting with and being useful for oneself and others, independently embracing opportunities and engaging in life, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Conclusions The absence of illness and disease is not a clear prerequisite for a sense of health and well-being. To promote and preserve health and well-being after retirement, older adults strived for—and coached themselves to uphold—a balance in life, focusing on not burdening others. This life orientation after retirement must be acknowledged by society at large, especially from an ageist perspective, and in health and social care to preserve and promote health and well-being.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
17482623 and 17482631
Volume :
16
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health & Well-Being
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.4d4a15529cbf4ca5b98bb147f2ebca08
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2021.1984376