Understanding the Occupational Adaptation Process and Well-Being of Older Adults in Magallanes (Chile): A Qualitative Study
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Palma Candia, Oskarina Carmen; Hueso Montoro, César; Martí García, Celia; Fernández-Alcántara, Manuel; Campos Calderón, Concepción P.; Montoya Juárez, RafaelEditorial
MDPI
Materia
Adaptations Psychological Aging Life change events
Date
2019-09-27Referencia bibliográfica
Palma-Candia, O., Hueso Montoro, C., Martí-García, C., Fernández-Alcántara, M., Campos-Calderón, C. P., & Montoya Juárez, R. (2019). Understanding the Occupational Adaptation Process and Well-Being of Older Adults in Magallanes (Chile): A Qualitative Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(19), 3640.
Abstract
Background: Aging and longevity are important topics nowadays. Purpose: To describe
how older adults perform the occupational adaptation process in the extreme region of Magallanes
(Chile), and to identify the factors that might contribute to successful occupational adaptation and
well-being. Method: Qualitative study, with a phenomenological interpretative approach. In-depth
interviews were carried out with 16 older adults, with high or low levels of well-being, assessed with
the Ryff Scale. An inductive content analysis according to Elo and Kyngäs was performed. Findings:
Resilience, self-esteem and interdependence with significant others are key elements that promote
well-being. Participants develop strategies to minimize the effects of environmental factors. The
occupation’s function in terms of socialization, use of time, and social participation is revealed as
a conditioning factor of occupational adaptation. Implications: Interventions with older people to
achieve a successful occupational adaptation process must take into consideration the commitment to
meaningful activities.