A qualitative investigation of adaptation in older individuals with multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
This qualitative investigation was designed to identify themes that underlie adaptation in older individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).


METHODS
Thirteen individuals (age 60 and above) with MS were recruited from an MS Comprehensive Care Centre and local chapters of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Participants completed The Perceptions of Aging Interview by telephone. This open-ended interview was developed to explore two lines of inquiry: MS: Perceptions of Aging, which was based on the literature on adaptation in MS, and Life Strengths, which was adapted from Kivnick's Life Strengths Inventory.


RESULTS
The majority of participants reported having adapted to MS and aging. They described several themes and subthemes that seemed to influence their levels of adaptation: Social comparisons, mobility/independence, integration of MS into self-identity, acceptance, pacing and planning, finding meaning/cognitive reframing, social support, religion/spirituality and generativity.


CONCLUSIONS
The themes identified in this investigation are generally supported by the literatures on adaptation to MS and adaptation to aging. However, this is the first study to examine these factors in an older MS sample. Moreover, many of these themes are potentially modifiable through clinical intervention, and should be examined in future research with this population.
DiLorenzo
Terry A
TA
Stern College for Women, Yeshiva University, 245 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA. tcdil@optonline.net
Becker-Feigeles
Jill
J
Halper
June
J
Picone
Mary Ann
MA
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support