LIVED EXPERIENCES OF ELDERLY LIVING IN AN OLD AGE HOME: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
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Date
0023-05-18
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KINNAIRD COLLEGE PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT
Abstract
The aim of this study to explore the living experiences of elders about their perceived
perceptions, feelings, emotional health impact, and meaning of life in terms of happiness to have
a deeper understanding of the elder's life. As, elders are highly respected in our society, and they
are at a crucial stage of their lives when they need their children to be with them. Since the
family structure has changed and modernization has brought their elder parents into old homes,
elders are already facing a difficult phase of life and many challenges.
In this study, qualitative interpretative phenomenological analysis approach was used to
get an in-depth understanding of lived experiences. The samples of the study were selected
through the purposive sampling method, and the data of six participants that includes female
participants (N=2) and male participants (N=4). The data was collected from aged 60 years and
above. The instrument adopted by the researcher was interview guide, and semi-structured
interviews conducted with the elders living in old age home. Also, a pilot study was conducted
with a sample of one participant to ensure reliable data attainment through the developed guide
and consent for the interview taken before conducting the interviews.
Thematic analysis was used for the data analysis to provide detailed examinations of
personal lived experiences. After gathering data, significant statements and clustering them into
themes. The initial themes are descriptive and so are further grouped into main themes. The
themes then help in formulating in-depth information about the participant's experiences. Finally,
the essence of the experience is revealed and reported.
As a result, elder people who left in old homes and who are distant from their children or
family they do feel lonely, abandoned, do not belong, and are not loved, esteemed, or valued,
which affects them psychologically. It has been suggested in the study that families, society, and
the government should come up with a plan of action to manage the emotional needs of the
elderly during this crucial period of their lives when they live with children's love, presence, and
emotional support.
Keywords: lived experiences, elderly, feelings, perceptions, emotional health, meaningful
life, old age homes