Older Lesbians’ experiences of ageing in place in rural Tasmania, Australia: An exploratory qualitative investigation

Abstract

Ageing in place is a common policy initiative in countries such as the UK, US, Canada and Australia, promoting the continuation of older people residing in their home and avoiding institutional care (Angus & Reeve, 2006). Phillipson (2007) argues that place-based community attachment and belonging are two important dimensions to older people's experiences of later life. In developed nations, older people are increasingly more likely to live in rural areas, yet there has been a dearth of research exploring their lived experiences (Winterton & Warburton, 2012). Rural communities face specific challenges to age friendliness, including infrastructure and transport limitations, reduced health and social services, and difficulty retaining healthcare professionals (Hancock, Winterton, Wilding,

Experiences of ageing in place in Australia and New Zealand: A scoping review

“…Theories on the role of place in older adults' lives were used most often, with 12 of the 20 included papers mentioning theories involving the role and influence of place. Theories related to attachment to place (Bates et al, 2019; Butcher & Breheny, 2016; Gibb, 2018; Grant & Walker, 2020; Han & Kim, 2017; Stones & Gullifer, 2016; Wiles, Leibing, et al, 2012; Wiles et al, 2017), geographical models of ageing (Bates et al, 2019; Kendig et al, 2017; Neville et al, 2018; Stones & Gullifer, 2016; Wiles, Leibing, et al, 2012; Wiles et al, 2017), push and pull factors surrounding decisions about place (Anderson et al, 2018; Boldy et al, 2011; Hatcher et al, 2019; Kendig et al, 2017), and the impact of resilience on ageing well (Bates et al, 2019; Gibb, 2018; Grimmer et al, 2015). Additionally, successful ageing theories and frameworks were mentioned in four of the included papers (Foster & Neville, 2010; Gibb, 2018; Hatcher et al, 2019; Stones & Gullifer, 2016).…”

“…The importance of ageing in place was driven by a wish to remain independent, in control, and to preserve their sense of self (Stones & Gullifer, 2016). However, another central factor influencing older adults' attitudes towards ageing in place was aversion and fear of residential aged care (Grant & Walker, 2020; Stones & Gullifer, 2016; Wiles, Leibing, et al, 2012).…”

“…The fear and dread associated with residential aged care were often compounded by other factors, such as for those in rural or isolated areas who would have to move away from their communities to access this care (Anderson et al, 2018; Bates et al, 2019). Additionally, members of the LGBTQI+ community feared discrimination, suboptimal care, and a lack of recognition of their relationships if they were to enter residential care (Grant & Walker, 2020). As a result of fear of residential care, many older adults did not make alternative ageing plans and instead hoped to remain in their own home for as long as possible (Grant & Walker, 2020).…”

“…Additionally, members of the LGBTQI+ community feared discrimination, suboptimal care, and a lack of recognition of their relationships if they were to enter residential care (Grant & Walker, 2020). As a result of fear of residential care, many older adults did not make alternative ageing plans and instead hoped to remain in their own home for as long as possible (Grant & Walker, 2020). Not only did these studies highlight that ageing in place was an important goal for older adults, but also that it was often seen as the only option given their anxiety and fear towards residential aged care (Grant & Walker, 2020; Stones & Gullifer, 2016).…”

Ikäystävällisyys: näkökulmia Karelia-ammattikorkeakoulusta ja harvaan asutuilta alueilta

“…Tutkimus tuo näkyväksi sen, että ikäystävällisyyden määrittelyssä tulee huomioida ikäihmisten kokemukset ja kon tekstuaalisuus (ks. myös Grant & Walker 2020).…”