What is important in the surroundings in order to extend the healthy life period? A regional study of 19 older women in a northern part of Norway

Abstract

IntroductionParticipating in a community with other retired individuals to increase life quaøity can be possible for the older persons. Cultural and ethnical background is important for their social identity.ObjectiveTo identify what the informants think is important in their surroundings in order to extend their healthy life period.Study designA structured questionnaire developed by the OCIN network.MethodsNineteen elderly women aged 75 years or more were interviewed. This regional survey is a pilot study in Norway. The data were collected during 2 periods, in 2009 and 2010. The data are analyzed using a result scheme prepared by the network OCIN.ResultsOur findings show that this is a group of elderly women that are concerned with promoting their own health. The participants wish to take care of themselves, so they do not become a burden for society and the local authorities.ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest that participation in the local context is important for promoting health and well-being among elderly in all ethnicities. For the Sami elderly, this is particularly important because meeting equal-minded people helps them maintain their Sami identity. In the Sami culture and among the Sami elderly, it is important to be “strong” and “healthy”. Due to these norms, the elderly Sami women try to live with their illnesses and are less eager to go to the doctor when they are seriously ill.

The Meaning of Healthy Life Period for Older People after Serious Illness: A Regional Study of Four Participants in the Age of 70-92 Living in the Arctic Region of Norway

“…With the activity center situated in a town and in the center of the municipalities, they find their peers. Through different memory-and story-telling,they are able to see constructive connections in the past, that they have provided the community something meaningful and by reconciling with the circumstances as they are, they find inner balance [1]. This meaningful community with other elderly who have been in the same situation, contributes so that there are created different constellations within the activity center.…”

“…In addition to the geographical differences, there are also cultural differences. Older Sami women choose settings where they meet socially, culturally and religiously like-minded people [1].…”

“…We have respected the anonymity of the informants and told about the informants with respect and dignity. The researcher`s viewpoint are important [1]. Due to our own experiences and our own points of view as next of kin observing old parents, old relatives, old patient experiences and interactions with staff from home care services, hospitals and nursing homes, we had to be active listeners.…”

“…Several were troubled with poor eyesight and reduced hearing, which meant that they could no longer read the newspaper, keep up with Facebook, use their tablet or watch TV. They experienced this as a loss [1]. One of the women who participated in the first study, Sarah (92), told us that she had installed modern equipment from the technical aids center that looked like a computer with a lamp that could light up and enlarge the letters.…”

“…The life-changing situation in this context is severe illness, loss of a life partner, moving from one's home into sheltered housing and role change. In different ways, older people convey that life does not consist of a chain of single events, but that they ascribe meaning to these events and try to link them together to a greater whole: a life story [1]. This is a continuous process.…”