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The synergistic effect of growing older with hoarding behaviors

Monika B Eckfield1, Margaret I Wallhagen

  • 1Department of Physiological Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, USA.

Clinical Nursing Research
|August 21, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Hoarding behaviors (HB) in older adults are worsened by age-related changes in health and living situations. Understanding this interaction can help health professionals improve safety and independence for seniors with hoarding disorder.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Psychiatry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Clinically significant hoarding behaviors (HB) involve excessive acquisition and failure to discard items, impairing daily life.
  • Older adults (55+) are disproportionately affected by HB, yet research specifically on this demographic remains limited.
  • Existing research on HB has increased, but the unique challenges faced by aging populations require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the dynamic interplay between hoarding behaviors and the aging process in older adults.
  • To understand how age-related changes complicate existing hoarding behaviors.
  • To identify factors that contribute to increased functional impairment and distress in older adults with HB.

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative study employing grounded theory methodology.
  • Interviews conducted with 22 older adults diagnosed with hoarding behaviors.
  • Analysis focused on understanding the lived experiences and interactions between aging and HB.

Main Results:

  • Participants reported that chronic HB were exacerbated by age-related changes in health status.
  • Social context and home environment modifications associated with aging further complicated HB.
  • These combined factors led to increased functional impairment and psychological distress among older adults.

Conclusions:

  • Age-related changes in health, social context, and home environment synergistically interact with hoarding behaviors.
  • Nurses and health professionals can use this understanding to develop targeted interventions.
  • Interventions should aim to improve home safety and support the independence of older adults with HB.

Keywords:
geriatricshoarding disorderhome caremental health

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