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BMC Geriatrics
Published in: BMC Geriatrics 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research Article

Crucial aspects promoting meaning and purpose in life: perceptions of nursing home residents

Authors: Jorunn Drageset, Gørill Haugan, Oscar Tranvåg

Published in: BMC Geriatrics | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Meaning and purpose in life are fundamental to human beings. In changing times, with an aging population and increased life expectancy, the need for health care services and long-term care is likely to grow. More deeply understanding how older long-term care residents perceive meaning and purpose in life is critical for improving the quality of care and the residents’ quality of life. The purpose of this study was to explore crucial aspects promoting nursing home residents’ experience of meaning and purpose in everyday life.

Method

An exploratory hermeneutical design with qualitative interviews for collecting data.

Results

Four key experiences were found to promote meaning and purpose in life: 1) physical and mental well-being, 2) belonging and recognition, 3) personally treasured activities and 4) spiritual closeness and connectedness.

Conclusion

In supporting meaning and purpose in life of nursing home residents, the residents’ everyday well-being should be a central focus of care and facilitate personally treasured activities. Focused attention should also be given to the meaning-making power of experiencing belonging, recognition and spiritual connectedness.
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Metadata
Title
Crucial aspects promoting meaning and purpose in life: perceptions of nursing home residents
Authors
Jorunn Drageset
Gørill Haugan
Oscar Tranvåg
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Geriatrics / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2318
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-017-0650-x

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Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

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WHO estimates that half of all patients worldwide are non-adherent to their prescribed medication. The consequences of poor adherence can be catastrophic, on both the individual and population level.

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