A Qualitative Study on the Perspectives of the Elderly Living Beyond 100 Years: Insights into Longevity and Self-Care
Keywords:
elderly, over a hundred years old, success, independence, qualitative researchAbstract
This qualitative research aimed to study the experiences and perspectives on successful self-care leading to longevity among the elderly. The study was conducted in Suphanburi Province, focusing on elderly individuals over 100 years old who were not dependent (Barthel index of Activities of Daily Living: ADL ≥ 12 points). Researchers identified a total of 11 elderly individuals who met the criteria. Researchers collected data by asking open-ended questions in interviews with the elderly at their homes, and they analyzed the data using content analysis.
According to the results, researchers divided the elderly group's perspectives on successful life continuity and self-care abilities into three main themes and nine sub-themes. The first main theme was the success in maintaining independence in life, consisting of two sub-themes: 1) not wanting to be a burden, and 2) not wanting the family to suffer due to their illness. The second main theme was maintaining self-worth, which included two sub-subjects: 1) preserving human dignity, and 2) maintaining recognition from others. The third main theme concerned perspectives on the success of having a prolonged life, comprising five sub-themes: 1) creating emotional anchors; 2) adapting to change; 3) letting go of attachments; 4) understanding and accepting the family's capacity to care for the elderly; and 5) communicating true needs.
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