The home is the hub of health in very old age: Findings from the ENABLE-AGE Project

Abstract

The aim was to explore health in relation to the home as experienced by very old, single-living Swedish people. Applying a grounded theory approach, 40 men and women aged 80-89 were interviewed in their own homes. Data analysis revealed the main theme, "The home is the hub of health", comprising two categories, "The home as support for health", and "Having an inner driving force to maintain health". Health was described as being active and participating, and during the aging process the home became an increasingly important source of support. The older people were aware of their vulnerability, and knew that their life situation could change rapidly. Thus, health was always interpreted in relation to this. They had a strong inner driving force to maintain health, and within the home they challenged their capacity, and used different adaptive strategies targeting person-environment-activity transactions. Our findings imply the need for focusing on the opportunities for activity and participation in all interventions. They also challenge current national and international housing policy emphasizing the benefits of staying put, thus contributing to a more diverse view of what kind of housing arrangements are optimal for very old people.