Older Women's Experiences of Navigating a Changing World in Ireland

Context and background: Internationally there have been a number of studies that explored older women’s experiences of ageing and related health concerns but there are little published from an Irish perspective. As the vast... [ view full abstract ]

Context and background:
Internationally there have been a number of studies that explored older women’s experiences of ageing and related health concerns but there are little published from an Irish perspective. As the vast majority of older women live in the community and within in the context of developing and strengthening health and social care services and supports, it is important that both health care professionals and policy makers understand and respond to the ageing and health needs and views of older women.

Aim of the study:
The aim of the study was to explore older women’s experiences of ageing and health related issues in Ireland.

Research methodology:
The “Vancouver School of doing Phenomenology” methodological framework was used. Ethical approval was granted. Both purposive and snowball sampling (n=23) were employed and data collection was through individual qualitative interviews. Data analysis included the development of individual case constructions and a meta-synthesis of all of the case constructions.

Key findings:
This paper discusses one of the main findings, “Navigating a changing world”. The concept of living in and having to navigate a changing world was evident in all of the participants’ experiences. There are three key elements to this experience. The participants identified that they are living with the negative aspects of ageing and that their health concerns are linked to this. They also experienced this period of their lives as a time when they were ‘slowing down’ due to the ageing process and diminishing health and abilities. The third element reflects the participants’ ability to adapt to a fast changing world.

Conclusions:
The importance of being able to adapt is emphasised and should be considered so as to support older women living in the community through the development and implementation of relevant strategies and policies and delivery of appropriate services.