ABSTRACT
Background
Reports of older adults’ perceptions of ageing and health generally do not consider
individual health status, instead presenting large cohort data or focussing on specific
population groups. Moreover, qualitative studies have largely included participants
with suboptimal health.
Aim
This study aimed to examine functionally healthy older adults’ perceptions of health
and healthy ageing.
Method
Twenty-two functionally healthy older adults living independently in the community
(aged 61–83 years; 68% female) participated in six focus groups to explore their perceptions
about “health” and “healthy ageing”. Quantitative measures were used to describe participants’
health status.
Findings
Seven themes describing participants’ experiences of healthy ageing were identified:
“know thyself”, “knowledge and information management”, “choices, agency, and control”,
“autonomy and flexibility”, “being strategic”, “community connections”, and “getting
more out of life”. Key competencies for healthy ageing were subsequently derived,
drawing connections between beliefs, behaviours, and knowledge about healthy ageing.
Discussion
The identified health behaviours perceived to be important for healthy ageing align
with previous reports. The subsequent overarching healthy-ageing competencies (“recognise
opportunity”, “strategise”, “maximise benefits”, and “active participation”) present
important pillars underpinning the process of healthy ageing that have not been previously
considered in this context.
Conclusion
The behaviours perceived to influence older adults’ health are varied, and the competencies
identified in this study present a broad framework underpinning these behaviours.
The identified competencies have the potential to inform public health initiatives,
practice, and policy, empowering individuals to optimise their health.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 28, 2023
Accepted:
November 16,
2022
Received in revised form:
November 2,
2022
Received:
May 26,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 Australian College of Nursing Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
