Journal article
Learning from the lived experience of functionally healthy older adults: What does it mean to be “healthy”?
Collegian, Vol.30(3), pp.407-416
2023
Abstract
Background:
Reports of older adults’ perceptions of ageing and health generally do not consider individual health status, instead presenting large cohort data or focussing on specific population groups. Moreover, qualitative studies have largely included participants with suboptimal health.
Aim:
This study aimed to examine functionally healthy older adults’ perceptions of health and healthy ageing.
Method:
Twenty-two functionally healthy older adults living independently in the community (aged 61–83 years; 68% female) participated in six focus groups to explore their perceptions about “health” and “healthy ageing”. Quantitative measures were used to describe participants’ health status.
Findings:
Seven themes describing participants’ experiences of healthy ageing were identified: “know thyself”, “knowledge and information management”, “choices, agency, and control”, “autonomy and flexibility”, “being strategic”, “community connections”, and “getting more out of life”. Key competencies for healthy ageing were subsequently derived, drawing connections between beliefs, behaviours, and knowledge about healthy ageing.
Discussion:
The identified health behaviours perceived to be important for healthy ageing align with previous reports. The subsequent overarching healthy-ageing competencies (“recognise opportunity”, “strategise”, “maximise benefits”, and “active participation”) present important pillars underpinning the process of healthy ageing that have not been previously considered in this context.
Conclusion:
The behaviours perceived to influence older adults’ health are varied, and the competencies identified in this study present a broad framework underpinning these behaviours. The identified competencies have the potential to inform public health initiatives, practice, and policy, empowering individuals to optimise their health.
Details
- Title
- Learning from the lived experience of functionally healthy older adults: What does it mean to be “healthy”?
- Authors
- Daniel P. Wadsworth (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - NursingKristen Tulloch (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - PsychologyHattie Wright (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Nutrition & DieteticsCorey Linton (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - BiomedicineJesse Baker (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of HealthSamantha Fien (Author) - Central Queensland UniversityHelen Szabo (Author) - Sunshine Coast Council (Australia)Christopher D. Askew (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Sports & Exercise ScienceMia A. Schaumberg (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Biomedicine
- Publication details
- Collegian, Vol.30(3), pp.407-416
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Date published
- 2023
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.colegn.2022.11.005
- ISSN
- 1876-7575
- Grant note
- This research was funded by Regional Partnership Agreement Funding from the University of the Sunshine Coast and the Sunshine Coast Council.
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics; School of Health - Nursing; School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science; School of Health - Psychology; School of Health - Biomedicine; Cancer Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99717598402621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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