Chronic Illness Self-Management While Living Alone in Later Life

Author:

Haslbeck Jörg W.1,McCorkle Ruth2,Schaeffer Doris3

Affiliation:

1. Careum Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland

2. Yale School of Nursing, New Haven, CT, USA

3. Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany

Abstract

Older people living alone (OPLA) are considered vulnerable because of fewer resources, such as social support. As self-management becomes increasingly important in chronic care, evidence is needed on how to better support OPLA. This review synthesizes the evidence from 32 publications on the challenges as well as strategies of OPLA in managing chronic conditions. On the basis of a systematic database search and review process, being independent and being at home were identified as crucial when living alone in later life; both involve decision making and the adjustment of routines to manage everyday life and chronic conditions. These findings show that OPLA are vulnerable because of difficult living situations, limited resources, or a lack of support, and they actively manage their conditions using various strategies to remain independent, but these may cause fragile arrangements that can jeopardize independence. Awareness of these strategies is a starting point to develop interventions for self-management support in chronic illness.

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Subject

Geriatrics and Gerontology,Health(social science),Social Psychology

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3