Exploring the meaning of community for older Australians

No Thumbnail Available
File version
Author(s)
Hoyle, Melanie
Ryan, Carly
Gustafsson, Louise
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
2016
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract

Background/aim: As the population ages, older adults are being encouraged through policy to remain living in their home and community. Occupational therapists are in a position to support individuals to engage in meaningful occupations, acknowledging the influence of personal and environmental factors on community participation. The purpose of this study was to understand the meaning and experience of community for older Australian adults. Methods: A cross-sectional phenomenological research study design was utilised. Convenience and snowball sampling were used to recruit 32 participants with ages ranging from 65 to 94 years living in the south east region of Queensland, Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and thematic analysis was used to explore the participants’ responses. Results: Four final themes were revealed: organised things in the community, community is people, community is what you make of it and the meaning of community is life. Conclusion: The results support that community extends beyond physicality, with personal motivation, the social environment and community involvement identified as important constructs within each of the themes. The findings provide a foundation for future research and occupational therapy practices to support older adults to age in place.

Journal Title

Australian Occupational Therapy Journal

Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume

63

Issue

2

Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Clinical sciences

Health services and systems

Public health

Persistent link to this record
Citation
Collections