Phenomenology and the meaning of lived experience: anticipating falling

Authors:
SHAW J.A., CONNELLY D.M., McWILLIAM C.L.
Journal article citation:
Generations Review, 22(2), April 2012, Online only
Publisher:
British Society of Gerontology

Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine older adults living independently in the community to explore the meaning of the experience of anticipating falling from a hermeneutic perspective (focusing on interpretation). The findings suggest that maintaining a sense of personal identity is of the utmost importance for older people. Participants in the study found a balance between physical “safety” through efforts to prevent falls and portraying self-image in order to enable themselves to continually strive for quality of life. Service providers need to understand that some risk taking is likely in order to maintain a sense of identity and quality of life. The study aimed to provide insight into the psycho-social considerations that should be considered when delivering fall prevention services to older adults.

Subject terms:
older people, quality of life, risk, self-concept, attitudes, falls;
Content type:
research
Links:
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ISSN print:
0965-2000

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