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Article
Community-Dwelling Older Adults’ Perspectives on What Matters Most: Findings From an Exploratory Inquiry
Activities, Adaptation & Aging
  • Kathy Black, University of South Florida
  • Debra Dobbs, University of South Florida
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2015
Keywords
  • aging in community,
  • gerontology,
  • qualitative research
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1080/01924788.2015.1025674
Abstract

Communities across the nation are currently grappling with unprecedented increases among their older adult populations and are bracing for even greater growth in the decades ahead. This study utilized multiple methods of qualitative inquiry to explore what matters most to older adults aging in a community where approximately one-third of the residents are age 65 or older. Findings suggest five key themes: (1) Preserving and promoting health and well-being; (2) continuing living arrangement and lifestyle; (3) maintaining autonomy and independence; (4) engaging in meaningful social opportunities; and (5) accommodating community assets. Implications for community-based programs serving older adults are discussed.

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Activities, Adaptation & Aging, v. 39, issue 2, p. 133-152

Citation Information
Kathy Black and Debra Dobbs. "Community-Dwelling Older Adults’ Perspectives on What Matters Most: Findings From an Exploratory Inquiry" Activities, Adaptation & Aging Vol. 39 Iss. 2 (2015) p. 133 - 152
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/kathy-black/15/