Michiko Sato-Komata1, Akiko Hoshino2, Kanae Usui3, Toshiki Katsura4. 1. PhD Student, Public Health Nursing and Preventive Nursing, Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University. 2. Professor in Public Health Nursing, Graduate School of Nursing for Health Care, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine. 3. Lecturer in Public Health Nursing, School of Nursing, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine. 4. Professor in Public Health Nursing and Preventive Nursing, Department of Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Japan.
Abstract
AIM: In Japan, increasing human longevity has forced society to rethink the notion of what constitutes 'successful ageing'. This study attempts to advocate a new concept of successful ageing that involves complete acceptance of the ageing process. METHOD: Research was based on semi-structured interviews with 15 community dwelling oldest-old (aged 85 years and above) participants. The analysis was completed using a grounded theory approach. FINDINGS: Successful ageing for the oldest old was grouped into six categories. Within these categories, we discovered the structure of successful ageing, which synthesises ideas from the adaptation process with those of physical and cognitive decreased function as well as spirituality. CONCLUSION: The oldest old in Japan work to arrive at a conclusion with their lives, all the while coping with the drawbacks of ageing, such as declining physical and cognitive functions. This resilient and flexible way of life makes their form of ageing an equally 'successful' one.
AIM: In Japan, increasing human longevity has forced society to rethink the notion of what constitutes 'successful ageing'. This study attempts to advocate a new concept of successful ageing that involves complete acceptance of the ageing process. METHOD: Research was based on semi-structured interviews with 15 community dwelling oldest-old (aged 85 years and above) participants. The analysis was completed using a grounded theory approach. FINDINGS: Successful ageing for the oldest old was grouped into six categories. Within these categories, we discovered the structure of successful ageing, which synthesises ideas from the adaptation process with those of physical and cognitive decreased function as well as spirituality. CONCLUSION: The oldest old in Japan work to arrive at a conclusion with their lives, all the while coping with the drawbacks of ageing, such as declining physical and cognitive functions. This resilient and flexible way of life makes their form of ageing an equally 'successful' one.
Entities:
Keywords:
Japan; ageing; grounded theory; oldest old; qualitative study