Hope in Older Adults in Community and Institutional Settings

Abstract

This study explored the meaning of hope, the influence of specific background characteristics on hope, and identified strategies that are used to foster hope in a convenience sample of 60 older adults using the technique of methodological triangulation (interview, Hope Index, and Background Data Form). Hope was described as an expectation of a brighter tomorrow for self and/or others. Perceptions of hope were found to be influenced by place of residence, age, energy level, functional ability, and health status. With the exception of those participants experiencing severe fatigue and those residing in a long-term care facility, overall hope levels among subjects were high and were found to remain stable across the background variables. Eight hope-fostering categories and four hope-hindering categories were identified based on the interview responses. Implications for practice and research are presented.