[A conceptual analysis of the process of empowering the elderly at the community level]

The World Health Organization's 1986 Ottawa Declaration (WHO/Europe, 2005, April 18) named the community as the best level at which to initiate health promotion activities and recognized "empowerment" as a main focus of modern health promotion activities. This implies that the success of health promotion initiatives relies on effective and creative community action, of which community empowerment is one of the three major influencing factors. Empowerment is a manner by which the resources of senior citizens can be reorganized and an awareness of their own capabilities cultivated. Moreover, empowerment is the best strategy to encourage senior citizen participation in the community as well as self-efficacy. Based on a review of the literature, this article introduces the definitions, concept development and vital components of community empowerment. Evidence-based research and examination instruments for the concept of empowerment are critically reviewed as well. In addition to discussing the application and effectiveness of senior citizen community participation and empowerment, this paper provides suggestions related to current community nursing care issues.