Lived experiences of self-care among older, home-dwelling individuals identified to be at risk of undernutrition

Abstract

Introduction

In a society where most older people live in their own homes, it may be expected of older individuals to exercise their potential to take care of themselves in daily life. Nutrition is a central aspect of self-care, and groups of older, home-dwelling people are at risk of undernutrition.

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe the lived experiences of self-care and features that influence health and self-care among older, home-dwelling individuals identified to be at risk of undernutrition.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were performed with eleven home-dwelling individuals who had been identified as being at risk of undernutrition. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed with a descriptive phenomenological method.

Findings

Self-care as a lived experience among older, home-dwelling individuals identified to be at risk of undernutrition is about being aware of food choices and making decisions about taking healthy steps or not. In the presence of health problems, the appetite often decreases. Being able to take care of oneself in daily life is important, as is receiving help when needing it. Working at being physically and socially active and engaged may stimulate the appetite. Having company at meals is important and missed when living alone. Being present and taking each day by day, as well as considering oneself in the light of past time and previous experiences and looking ahead, is central, even when having fears for the future and the end of life.

Conclusion

Health care professionals should be aware of these findings in order to support self-care in older people, and they should pay attention to the social aspects at meals.

Keywords:

• aged
• health promotion
• phenomenology
• qualitative interviews

Acknowledgments

We express our gratitude to the informants in the study, and to Nina Falsen Krohn, University of Agder, for the English language revision. The study was supported by funds from two county councils, West Agder and East Agder, in southern Norway.

Author contributions

Study design: STT, GAE, OS. Data collection: STT. Data analysis: STT, US, OS. Manuscript was drafted by STT.Manuscript critically revised: STT, US, GAE, OS. Approved final manuscript: STT, US, GAE, OS.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interests in relation to this work.