What makes older adults feel good?

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Health Promotion

Background:

• Understanding older adults' perspectives on well-being is crucial for effective health promotion.
• Large-scale studies are needed to identify factors contributing to positive feelings in seniors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore older adults' views on what makes them feel good.
• To examine these views in relation to individual characteristics.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study involving 1212 independently living older adults (mean age 78.85).
• Data collected via open-ended questions during preventive home visits.
• Inductive and summative content analysis, categorized using The Canadian model of occupational performance and engagement.

Main Results:

• 3117 notes on well-being activities were reported.
• Leisure activities (social, physical, cultural) were most frequent (2501 mentions).
• Productivity (gardening, home activities) and self-care activities were less frequent.
• Significant differences in reported activities were found based on gender, partnership status, and subjective health.

Conclusions:

• Health promotion interventions can foster well-being by facilitating social participation and physical activities.
• Interventions must be personalized to meet the diverse needs of different older adult groups.