title: Cycles of adaptive strategies over the life course.
abstract: An increasing number of Australia's ageing population are aging with long-term physical impairments. This study explored the life experiences of this group using a qualitative approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 disabled Victorians, aged between 51 and 84 years, and an inductive thematic analysis undertaken. A relationship was found between the adaptive strategies that participants developed as they moved through life phases and the impairment stages. The implications of the emergence of a cyclical process of adaptation across the life course. and particularly in respect of aging, delivery of aged-care services and social workers in this sector are discussed.
authors.affiliation: a Melbourne , Australia.
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bigby
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D001315:Australia; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007062:Identification, Psychological; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D013995:Time
keywords: adaptive competence; aging of people with disabilities; disability; identity; impairment progression; life course perspective; long-term physical impairment; positive aging; qualitative research; secondary health conditions