Older individuals' perspectives on the prerequisites for living at home: A mixed‐methods systematic review

Abstract

IntroductionLiving at home for as long as possible is a central ageing policy goal. Older individuals usually expect to stay at home, if possible, and their goals regarding living at home generally include holistic wellness, prevention and treatment of ageing effects and the retention of satisfaction. Previous research on older individuals living at home has mostly focused on their physical performance, usually evaluated by healthcare professionals. However, there is limited research on older individuals' identification of the prerequisites for living at home.MethodsThe aim was to identify older individuals' views on the prerequisites for living at home. We conducted a mixed‐methods systematic review with a data‐based convergent design. We carried out a computerized search in MEDLINE (1966 to the end of August 2021) and CINAHL (1982 to the end of August 2021). All types of study designs were included. We evaluated the methodological quality of the included articles.ResultsOf the 1052 articles identified, 28 were eligible. The prerequisites for older individuals to be able to live at home include lifestyle and self‐care capability and physical, psychosocial, environmental and socio‐economic components.ConclusionThe review provided knowledge that can be used to inform measures for supporting independent at‐home living. Older individuals' perspectives on prerequisites for at‐home living are unique and individually specific. A checklist can be developed to detect individuals' singularity and the strengths and limitations impacting independent living. Therefore, assessments of each older individual's own perspective are needed to better identify the prerequisites for at‐home living.