The interrelation of institutional care and successful aging

Abstract

This qualitative research investigates the relationship between institutional care and successful aging among institutionalized Thai older adults at a non-profit facility in Bangkok, Thailand. Specifically, it examines: a) How institutionalized older adults define successful aging, b) Factors they believe contribute to successful aging, and c) Whether their beliefs vary by gender. Focus groups and in-depth interviews were applied to collect data with 19 institutionalized older adults (ages 70-91 years). Interview transcripts were coded and analyzed using grounded theory methodology. The participants varied in terms of gender, education, occupation, and life history. The results revealed that the concept of successful aging does apply to institutionalized older adults. Participants felt that older adults experiencing 'successful aging' should be aging independently and autonomously. Remarkably, the participants identified five multiple interrelated factors contributing to successful aging: 1) maintaining physical health, 2) high psychological health and cognitive ability, 3) financial independence, 4) engagement with family and community, and 5) religiosity. In addition, three primary themes were identified as a coping strategy for aging successfully: self-esteem by maintaining one's self, adaptation at every stage of life, and compensation. Significantly, the perceptions of definition and factor contributing to successful aging were shared across gender and age difference. Importantly, participants highlighted the significance of the interrelationship among these attributes similar to the need for a secure environment, the thoughtfulness and social support of institutional care in order to maintain positive attitude and well-being.