Self-management behaviours of older adults with chronic diseases: comparative analysis based on the daily activity...

Managing chronic diseases is an important issue for older adults to pursue healthy aging. Prior studies have found that self-management has positive results. A better understanding of the self-management behaviours of older adults with chronic diseases and different activities of daily living abilities will lead to effective support and assistance. This qualitative study used interview data from Chinese older adults with chronic diseases to compare self-management behaviours between different activities of daily living groups. A self-management behavioural model was constructed that included three behaviours: self-monitoring, self-evaluating and self-intervening. The similarities and differences in these behaviours between three types of older adults (i.e. energetic, self-care and semi self-care) were identified. Study findings enrich the research on self-management behaviour from a patient perspective, providing insights for older adults and care providers in understanding and supporting chronic disease self-management.