title: Aging With Schizophrenia: A Lifelong Experience of Multidimensional Losses and Suffering.
abstract: The aim of this study was to explore the subjective experience of suffering in aging individuals with schizophrenia. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 18 participants aged 60-69. Phenomenological content analysis was performed. Nine dimensions of suffering emerged: social rejection; familial rejection; the symptoms of schizophrenia; hospitalisation; the side effects of medication; loss of employment potential; loss of independent accommodation; loss of social life, and loss of hope to be a partner and a parent. The suffering of aging people with schizophrenia is cumulative and ongoing and thus evokes issues such as existential loneliness and feelings of homelessness.
authors.affiliation: Department of Criminology, Ariel University; Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa.
authors.forename: Hila
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Avieli
authors.affiliation: Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa.
authors.forename: Peli
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mushkin
authors.affiliation: School of Social Work, University of Haifa.
authors.forename: Tal
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Araten-Bergman
authors.affiliation: Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa. Electronic address: twinters@research.haifa.ac.il.
authors.forename: Tova
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Band-Winterstein
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008132:Loneliness / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012559:Schizophrenia; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological