Experiences of Elderly People Living Alone: A Qualitative Study
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Abstract
Background: There has been a significant increase in the number of people who live alone. Some research suggests that elders who live alone may be vulnerable to physical, mental social and spiritual health problems.
Objective: To explore how older adults live alone at home.
Materials and method: This descriptive qualitative study research was conducted from February to June 2017. The data were collected through in-depth interviews with 9 older adults, living in Dontako sub-district, Ratchaburi province. The data were analyzed by Hatch’s method
Results: Strategies enabling solo living were 1) maximizing independence from others including adaptation for changes and maintaining living as before and 2) minimizing reliance needed including asking help, accepting offers from others, and employment.
Conclusion: The results can be useful in developing health and social services which aim to support older adults to live in dependency such as health education for elders’ self-health care, tele health care, emergency service and transportation service.
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References
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