Conceptualization of perceived enactment of autonomy in the elderly

The eudaemonistic model of health is congruent with nursing's primary aim of practice and nursing's ethical imperative to support client autonomy. Although autonomy has been linked to holistic health, the definition of autonomy has been imprecise. This is especially problematic when working with the elderly. For clarification, a concept analysis of autonomy was completed. This led to further refinement and development of a new concept, perceived enactment of autonomy. This definition represents the subjective perceptions of the ability to act autonomously. Interventions derived from the nursing theory, Modeling and Role-Modeling (Erickson et al., 1983/1988), and supportive of perceived enactment of autonomy and environments conducive to healing within the eudaemonistic health paradigm are proposed.