The lived experience of health in the oldest old: a phenomenological study.

In the United States and in many other parts of the world, the fastest growing age group is 80 years and over. It is precisely in this oldest old age cohort that very little is known about the experience of health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the lived experience of health for the oldest old within the community through the use of the phenomenological method. While there has been some research on the personal experience of health, the meaning of these experiences has not been studied in the oldest old, community dwelling elderly. Findings reveal that for this age group, health is an abiding vitality emanating through moments of rhapsodic reverie in generating fulfillment. There are many implications for further research and practice based on the meaning of health as described by the oldest old.