title: Factors influencing healthy aging with multiple sclerosis: a qualitative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to describe the factors influencing healthy aging from the perspective of the older person with multiple sclerosis (MS) in order to build curricula for MS self-management programs.
  
  
  METHODS
  We sourced participants, older than 55 years with MS for more than 20 years, from a database of MS clinic and outpatient rehabilitation visits. Recruitment continued until data saturation was reached (n = 18). Semi-structured interviews explored perspectives on aging and health and lifestyle habits. Demographic, lifestyle and perceived health status information was also gathered. We analyzed the transcribed text for themes and theme relationships.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Work and social engagement, effective and accessible health care, healthy lifestyle habits, and maintaining independence at home were found to be critical proximal factors for healthy aging. The presence of financial flexibility, social support, cognitive and mental health, and resilience provided a supporting foundation to these critical proximal factors. These factors comprised a two-tiered model of healthy aging with MS.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This two-tiered conceptual model of health aging, based on the perspectives of older persons with MS, provides a potential framework for the development of MS self-management program curricula aimed at optimizing quality of life. Further empirical testing may validate its utility in predicting healthy aging with MS.
authors: Eastern Health, Primary Healthcare Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Canada. mploughm@mun.ca
authors: Michelle
authors: M
authors: Ploughman
authors: Mark W
authors: MW
authors: Austin
authors: Michelle
authors: M
authors: Murdoch
authors: Anne
authors: A
authors: Kearney
authors: John D
authors: JD
authors: Fisk
authors: Marshall
authors: M
authors: Godwin
authors: Mark
authors: M
authors: Stefanelli
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D005382:Financing, Personal; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D012648:Self Care; D012944:Social Support