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Finding meaning in everyday life with dementia: A case study
1University of Stirling, UK j.m.robertson@stir.ac.uk.
Dementia (London, England)
|December 17, 2013
Summary
This study shows that maintaining a sense of self-worth and social status is crucial for older adults with dementia to find meaning in life. Continuity with the past and future momentum help sustain quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Dementia Studies
- Sociology of Aging
Background:
- Understanding the lived experience of aging with dementia is essential for improving care and support.
- Quality of life in dementia is often assessed through external measures, neglecting subjective perspectives.
Observation:
- A case study explored an older woman's perspective on her quality of life with dementia.
- She used the metaphor 'up there' to 'down here' to describe her struggle for social worth.
Findings:
- Life course coherence is vital for evaluating changes in situation and maintaining self-worth.
- Preserving social identity and status is key to finding meaning in daily life.
- Continuity with the past and future momentum contribute to a sustained sense of meaning.
Implications:
- A narrative framework can illuminate quality of life as a dimension of meaning tied to social worth.
- Healthcare providers should consider life-course perspectives and social factors in dementia care.
- Interventions should support individuals in maintaining social identity and finding meaning despite cognitive decline.
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