Abstract
AbstractThe number of older people (aged 65+) will more than double by 2050 in Sweden. The ageing population is an increasing concern due to rising health-care costs and a shortage of health professionals. Older people generally prefer ageing in place, as long as they feel confident and comfortable. However, preventive and supportive measures are needed to maintain older people's independence and active participation in society. The aim of this study is to explore the prerequisites for a healthy and independent life among older people in Sweden. A Delphi study was conducted in three rounds. In round 1, seven focus group interviews were performed with older persons aged 65–79, older persons aged ⩾80, next of kin of older persons, health professionals in primary and home health care, assistant nurses in home care, care managers and local politicians. The data were analysed using thematic analysis, resulting in 35 statements of the prerequisites needed for a healthy and independent life. These statements were sent to the participants from round 1, who were asked to evaluate the degree to which they agreed with each statement in round 2, and again in round 3. There was an agreement of at least 80 per cent for 31 of the 35 statements. When asked to identify the three prerequisites of most importance for a healthy and independent life, most participants stated: to have a social life, to have freedom of choice and power over one's own situation, and to have the possibility to choose independently one's type of housing. There was an overall high group agreement on the prerequisites needed for a healthy and independent life among older people. The main areas of importance were to have a social life, several dimensions of feeling safe and to retain one's personal control.
Highlights
Rapid population ageing is linked to the progressive improvements of living conditions, health care and public health initiatives (World Health Organization (WHO)
A Delphi study was conducted in three rounds (Keeney et al, 2011)
The results of the current study revealed several areas of importance for a healthy and independent life
Summary
Rapid population ageing is linked to the progressive improvements of living conditions, health care and public health initiatives (World Health Organization (WHO), Downloaded from https://www.cambridge.org/core. Longer lives are a valuable resource, both for the individuals and for society, but the increasing proportion of the older population, defined by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare as those ⩾65 years (Socialstyrelsen, 2018), poses a global demographic challenge (United Nations, 2015a; WHO, 2017). The extent of the challenge that arises from increased longevity will be heavily dependent on one key factor: the health and wellbeing of the older population. Ensuring the best possible health and wellbeing in older age is crucial if we are to achieve sustainable development in which the needs and rights of older people are adequately addressed (United Nations, 2015b). The WHO has launched a global strategy and action plan that is required to ensure that everyone can experience both a long and healthy life, or so-called ‘healthy ageing’ (WHO, 2017)
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