Experiencing the loss of mobility: perspectives of older adults with MS.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding the experience and meaning of mobility loss among older adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). This work is part of a larger study on the health concerns and service needs of older adults with MS.


METHODS
Twenty-seven people with MS (mean age = 62 years, range = 55-82) were interviewed using a phenomenological approach.


RESULTS
Thematic analysis found that three factors contributed to participants' experience of mobility as a person with MS: reality of having MS, mobility needs, and contextual factors. Participants discussed how the reality of MS meant variability in their ability to get around and the importance of trying to remain in control over their mobility experiences. The experience of mobility lead participants to mourn losses, take action, and contemplate their futures. They expressed concerns about the continual declines in their mobility, losing independence, becoming a burden on caregivers, and the potential for having to move into a nursing home.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings provide insight into the experience of mobility loss among older adults with MS, and point to potential strategies that can be used to help people cope with and adapt to these losses.
Finlayson
Marcia
M
Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 60612, USA. marciaf@uic.edu
van Denend
Toni
T
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic / Q000379:methods; D008124:Locomotion / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000503:physiopathology; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires