Frail Elders’ Experiences With and Perceptions of Health

Abstract

In this study we explored frail elders' experiences with and perceptions of the phenomenon of health so as to develop a deeper understanding of living with diseases and disorders in old age. Frail elders participated in qualitative interviews that explored the meaning of the phenomenon of health for them. Eleven men and 11 women, who had diverse ratings of self-perceived health ranging from poor to excellent, were selected by means of a purposeful strategic sampling of frail elders taken from a broader sample that participated in a larger quantitative study on health. In total, 22 individual interviews were analyzed using Giorgi's descriptive phenomenology. We found that frail elders described health as being in harmony and balance in everyday life, and this occurred when participants were able to adjust to the demands of their daily lives in the context of their resources and capabilities.