A qualitative study to examine older adults' perceptions of health: Keys to aging successfully.
Older adult health is often defined in clinical terms. Research has demonstrated that many older adults self-report aging successfully regardless of clinical health status. This qualitative study used claims data to identify older adults on three levels of health status: healthy and active, managing diseases, or very sick, to better understand how health is defined and maintained. In total, 32 participants from two cities were interviewed. Interviews were audio- and video-recorded and then transcribed. Thematic analysis identified five themes: disconnectedness between objective and subjective health; health defined to include psychological and social components; resilience and coping mechanisms indicative of successful aging; social support systems integral to health; and the goal of maintaining functioning. These results indicate the importance of individual perceptions of health rather than just counts of chronic diseases. Health management programs should provide holistic approaches to maximize health outcomes and to promote successful aging.
Advanced Analytics, Optum, 315 E. Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 305, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, United States. Electronic address: rifky.tkatch@optum.com.
Rifky
R
Tkatch
Advanced Analytics, Optum, 315 E. Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 305, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, United States.
Shirley
S
Musich
Advanced Analytics, Optum, 315 E. Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 305, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, United States.
Stephanie
S
MacLeod
UnitedHealth Group - Medicare and Retirement, 9800 Health Care Lane, MN 006-E500, Minneapolis, MN 55343, United States.
Sandra
S
Kraemer
Advanced Analytics, Optum, 315 E. Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 305, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, United States.
Kevin
K
Hawkins
AARP Services, Inc., 601 E. Street, N.W., Washington, DC, 20049, United States.
Ellen R
ER
Wicker
AARP Services, Inc., 601 E. Street, N.W., Washington, DC, 20049, United States.
Douglas G
DG
Armstrong
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D036301:Qualitative Research; D055500:Resilience, Psychological; D012944:Social Support
Health of older adults; Resilience; Social support; Successful aging