title: Theory-driven guidelines for practical care of older people, based on the theory of gerotranscendence.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The theory of gerotranscendence states that human development is a process extending into old age. When optimized, this process ends in a new perspective. The developmental process towards gerotranscendence can be obstructed or accelerated by life crises and grief, but elements in the culture can also facilitate or impede the process. Similarly, the caring climate can obstruct or accelerate the process toward gerotranscendence. The view introduced by the theory may have several consequences for staff treatment of and actions towards older people, as it offers a new understanding of living into old age.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to derive guidelines for practical use in the care of older people. The guidelines should be used to promote a development toward gerotranscendence and should also be of value for people who already have attained a state of gerotranscendence.
  
  
  METHODS
  The method of deriving guidelines from the theory was focus group interviews. The theory of gerotranscendence was used as a foundation for stimulating the discussions in the focus groups as well as for organizing the proposals that emerged.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Concrete guidelines at three levels, focusing on the individual, activity and organization, were derived. The guidelines describe different ways to support older people in their process towards gerotranscendence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These guidelines could support staff in their practical care of older people and could be used as a supplement to enrich the present care.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Section of Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. barbro.wadensten@pubcare.uu.se
authors.forename: Barbro
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wadensten
authors.forename: Marianne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Carlsson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D001290:Attitude; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011582:Psychological Theory