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Aquichan

Print version ISSN 1657-5997

Abstract

VARGAS-SANTILLAN, María de Lourdes et al. Meaning of Health: The Experience of the Elderly. Aquichan [online]. 2017, vol.17, n.2, pp.171-182. ISSN 1657-5997.  https://doi.org/10.5294/aqui.2017.17.2.6.

The meaning of health during old age is based on achieving a state of well-being. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors that benefit or affect accomplishing that goal.

Objective:

Analyze what health means to older adults, based on their experiences.

Materials and methods:

This is a qualitative study based on content analysis and semi-structured interviews. Twenty elderly adults who frequented a geriatric care center were selected intentionally and determined by means of a saturation index.

Results:

The meaning of health is manifest in the ability to do things. Accordingly, health is conceived as a useful means to obtain a benefit, be it material, moral or physical. Family ties are important and were even compared to health. The participants also equated health with the absence of pain and disease.

Conclusion:

Health is experienced by the elderly in a family context. Well-being is perceived as the ability to do things, even if pain and illness are present.

Keywords : Geriatric nursing; the elderly; perception; family relationships; nursing care.

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