Date of Award
Fall 12-9-2023
Document Type
MOT Group Research Project
Degree Name
Master of Occupational Therapy
Department
Rehabilitation Sciences
Research Coordinator
Christine Raber, PHD, OTR/L
Program Director
Barbara Warnock, DHSc, OTR/L
Abstract
Purpose: Social connection among older adults is important for occupational therapists to understand in order to better address the needs of the increasing older adult population. Loneliness and activity engagement are related to social participation of older adults; and investigation of the relationships between choice of living environment and social connection experiences of older adults is needed.
Method: The social connection experiences of older women aging in place was investigated using exploratory case study methodology. Three participants were selected through maximum network variation sampling. To be included in the study, participants had to be female, age 75 or older, demonstrate the capacity to consent, and live alone in one of three living environments. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, recorded audio data was transcribed, and transcriptions were thematically analyzed to categorize patterns within the data.
Results: The results suggest four main themes related to social experience of older women: physical abilities, relationships, activities, and life contentedness.
Discussion/Conclusions: The findings of this study identified themes that reflect the importance of understanding social connection experiences of older adult women to create implications for occupational therapy practice and support for this population. Social connections of older women can be influenced by physical abilities, personal relationships, participation in activities, and levels of contentedness. Promoting social connections of older adult women aging in place may include success in areas of occupation such as: health maintenance, social participation, leisure, and instrumental activities of daily living.
IRB
Approval has been obtained for this item.
Recommended Citation
Allen, Ann Marie M.S., OTR/L; Williger, B.S., S/OT, Rebecca; Mcdowell, B.S., S/OT, Sahvannah; Flowers, B.A., S/OT, Madison; and Adams B.S., S/OT, Hunnter, "The Social Connection Experience of Older Women Aging in Place in Diverse Environments: An Exploratory Case Study" (2023). Occupational Therapy Research Projects. 14.
https://digitalcommons.shawnee.edu/ot_etd/14