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Connectedness in community-dwelling older adults
M Elizabeth Register1, Kathleen M Scharer
1University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA. endoxie2@aol.com
Western Journal of Nursing Research
|August 6, 2010
Summary
Connectedness in older adults involves having purpose, relationships, future outlook, and continuity. Spirituality supports these aspects, enhancing quality of life and meaningful engagement.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Psychology
Background:
- Quality of life is crucial for aging populations.
- Connectedness is a key factor influencing well-being in older adults.
- A generative perspective views connectedness as integral to life quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the processes of connectedness in community-dwelling older adults.
- To understand connectedness as a determinant of quality of life from a generative viewpoint.
- To identify the core components contributing to a sense of connectedness in later life.
Main Methods:
- Grounded theory approach utilized for in-depth exploration.
- Semistructured interviews conducted with 12 older adults.
- Verbatim transcription, thematic coding, and category extraction of interview data.
Main Results:
- Four key processes of connectedness identified: having purpose, relationships, future orientation, and continuity.
- Spirituality emerged as an influencing factor across all identified processes.
- Connectedness facilitates meaningful, positive, and purposeful life engagement for older adults.
Conclusions:
- Connectedness is a multidimensional construct vital for older adult well-being.
- Interventions promoting connectedness can enhance quality of life in aging populations.
- Spirituality plays a significant role in fostering connectedness and life purpose among seniors.
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