The components of emotional vitality in community-dwelling older adults: A concept analysis

This study aimed to clarify the concept of emotional vitality in community-dwelling older adults and the components that comprise this concept.

Following the methodology of Rodgers (2000), we organized the components of the concept of "emotional vitality" for older adults living in the community, as documented in each study. Searches were conducted using PubMed, CHINAHL Ultimate, MEDLINE, EBSCOhost, and Japan Medical Abstracts Society (Ichu-shi web).

Of the 4105 cases retrieved, nine that met the adoption/exclusion criteria were included in the analysis. Extracted were: (a) five antecedents (striving to be healthy and independent, managing external and internal resources, adapting to vulnerabilities, coping with interpersonal stressors, handling adverse environmental conditions), (b) five attributes (be positive and look ahead, engaging in life, sensing accomplishment, developing healthy boundaries, feel the energy of life), and (c) four consequences (valuing life, continuing to mature, losing the will to live, deprives you of the energy you need to be active).

Gaining emotional vitality from daily life can boost QOL for community-dwelling older adults. Conversely, its absence may lead to inactivity, frailty progression, and depression. Factors like vulnerability and adverse environments impact vitality, emphasizing the need for support in geriatric care to enhance positive experiences and mitigate challenges.