title: Disability & aging: an evolutionary concept analysis.
abstract: The idealized image of successful aging as living independently and autonomously does not convey reality for many adults in the United States and globally who are living with a disability. There have been inconsistencies throughout the literature in defining disability and aging. A concept analysis using Rodgers' method was undertaken to define the concept of disability and aging, understand its antecedents and consequences, and determine the implications for nursing practice and research. Four attributes were defined: limitation in physical, sensory, and/or mental function; universal human experience; difficulties in activities of daily living (ADLs)/instrumental ADLs; and social construction. Exemplars were identified to provide a representation of the attributes in context, and a model of disability and aging was created. This concept analysis provides a better understanding of disability and aging, which can enable nurses to provide education and advocacy to older adults and their families.
authors.affiliation: University of Illinois, College of Nursing, Department of Women, Children, and Family Health Science, Chicago, Illinois 60612-7350, USA. sgreco3@uic.edu
authors.forename: Sarah M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Greco
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vincent
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D005075:Biological Evolution; D003625:Data Collection; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D015399:Nursing Research