Quality of Life of Older African American Women in Rural North Carolina

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of activity to the quality of life of female African American elders.

Methods: Framed in the critical emancipatory paradigm, the study used qualitative research methodology, including the analysis of transcribed interviews and the critical review of relevant literature.

Results: Contributors to this study identified numerous past and present activities. The activities were bound together with the themes of “The Lord,” Doing, Family, Environment, “I had to let it go,” and “Just a part of life.”

Discussion: Study results indicate that participants have enhanced their quality of life and emancipated themselves through engagement in a variety of activities that hold both real and symbolic meaning.

KEYWORDS:

• Qualitative research
• occupational therapy
• occupation
• quality of life
• African Americans
• elders