Exploring the meaning of a good life for older widows with extensive need of care: a qualitative in-home interview study

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Studies of older women’s life transitions is rare but gains relevance as the aging population, with older women as the majority, expands.

Purpose

To explore the meaning of a good life for older widows with extensive home care needs.

Materials and methods

Semi-structured interviews were carried out with eleven women, aged 80 and over (82–95 years, mean 90) residing at home with extensive care needs (≥4 daily sessions, averaging 2.5–6 hours, mean 3). Data were analysed by reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

The theme “This Day in My Home, the frame of my life” reflects the women’s experience of a good life. A good day imbued them with hope, trust and security, carrying them forward with the assurance that night would usher in a new day. However, there were moments when life was merely about navigating daily challenges. During such days, the women felt trapped in time, unsafe and lonely.

Conclusion

A day at home may seem static, yet it mirrors life’s dynamism, evolving with shifting circumstances. Older widows navigate challenges while maintaining their sense of self, independence, and connection to home. These findings have implications for aged care, recognizing the multifaceted aspects of life and the centrality of home.

KEYWORDS:

• Aged 80 and over
• independent living
• nursing care
• women’s health
• Thematic Analysis
• Aging
• Home Care Services
• Life Change Events
• Home Health Nursing
• Widowhood
• Qualitative Research

Author’s contribution

The author contributions for this manuscript are as follows: AA, PJ, and KZ made substantial contributions to the conception, design, acquisition of data, and analysis and interpretation of data. AA, CM, PJ, and KZ were involved in drafting the manuscript or critically revising it for important intellectual content. Final approval of the version to be published and taking public responsibility for appropriate portions of the content were performed by AA, CM, PJ, and KZ. Additionally, AA and KZ agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work, ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Patient or public contribution

The interview guide was developed through a collaborative process that engaged older persons with firsthand experience of home care and educators specializing in easy-to-read Swedish.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Ariel Almevall

Ariel Almevall, RN, specialist nurse in the care of older people, is a Phd-student in Nursing at Division of Nursing and Medical Technology, Department of Health, Education and Technology, Luleå University of Technology. Her PhD research focuses on older persons aged 80 and above, emphasizing the pivotal role of personal experiences and caregiving relationships. Additionally, it explores health, well-being, and survival in a longitudinal context, aiming to promote health and well-being in later life.

Päivi Juuso

Päivi Juuso, PhD, RN, Public health nurse, is Associate professor in Nursing at Division of Nursing and Medical Technology, Department of Health, Education and Technology, Luleå University of Technology. Päivi Juuso has directed her research towards comprehending individuals’ capacities to attain health and engagement, particularly amidst illness and its impact on daily life. Her current research focuses on nature and its importance in promoting health, mainly in Nordic and Arctic regions. She is involved in and leads cross-disciplinary projects in the field of nature and health.

Catharina Melander

Catharina Melander, PhD, RN, Specialist nurse in the care of older people, is Assistant professor in Nursing at Division of Nursing and Medical Technology, Department of Health, Education and Technology, Luleå University of Technology. Her research is dedicated to advancing the understanding of older people’s health and wellbeing, with a specific emphasis on the integration of digital technology, and on persons with dementia. Additionally, she acts in the management team of an interdisciplinary network focused on supporting junior researchers in the field of aging and health.

Karin Zingmark

Karin Zingmark, PhD, RN, is Professor in Nursing at Division of Nursing and Medical Technology, Department of Health, Education and Technology, Luleå University of Technology. She has an extensive experience of aged care and research in the field. Her research is now mainly focusing on ethical care issues, people with dementia and healthy aging. As a formal research manager, and as director of development, she has been leading the work with establishing conditions for clinical research in care organizations.