Understanding the Role of Occupation in Ageing: Four Life Stories of Older Viennese Women

Abstract

This article presents the life stories of four older women in Vienna in order to better understand the role of occupation in the course of ageing. A qualitative life-story method in the narrative tradition was used as a design of this multiple case study. The stories presented extend beyond an illness or deficit narrative and contribute to a more multifaceted narrative of the subjective experience of ageing in occupational terms in connection with identity. The women did not perceive themselves as old or sick despite problems in mobility, the presence of chronic disease and advanced age. This was associated with their engagement in occupation that was meaningful and linked to their identity. Engaging occupation is the means to continue, test, and adapt to the ageing self. Because occupation is like a litmus-test of one's identity and capacities, the women used it as a measure of change while ageing. Using Atchley's continuity theory, the attempt of the four older women to maintain a balance between adapting and struggling to continue their occupations is discussed in relation to their identity. The results expand Atchley's continuity theory by adding an occupational perspective.

Keywords:

• Life story
• Narrative analysis
• Occupation
• Ageing
• Identity
• Older women

Acknowledgements

The first author acknowledges the participating women who willingly shared their stories with her. Many thanks to Prim. Dr. Katharina Pils, Head of the Institute for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the SMZ Sophienspital in Vienna, for giving me the time to participate in the European Master Programme in Occupational Therapy. This study was conducted as part of that course.