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KMID : 1003020110120010011
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Qualitative Research
2011 Volume.12 No. 1 p.11 ~ p.24
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Chronic Disease in Later Life: A Qualitative Research
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Ha Ju-Young
Yee Oon-Hee
Son Hyun-Mi
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Abstract
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Purpose:The purpose of this study was to understand the lived experience of chronic disease in later life as defined by the aged.
Methods:Four patients aged over 65 who were suffering from chronic disease(s) were participated in this study. Data were collected through unstructured in depth interviews between October and December, 2008. Data were analyzed using Giorgi’s phenomenological analysis.
Results:The study was able to deduce a total of 6 components forming a general structure of coping with chronic disease in later life experienced by the aged including: “recognizing unexpected disease,” “realizing discomfort in life,” “progressive recognition of the reality in relation to one’s chronic disease,” “sadness about changes in later life,” “making a defensive effort,” “expectations and hope for comfort during the rest of life.”
Conclusion:Chronic disease in later life for the aged was perceived as living with discomforts and reluctant ways of life in order to maintain and/or improve their health status. Regardless of their health status it was still valuable to keep their life as worthy. Therefore, it is suggested that health management interventions for elderly need to concern the characteristics of them as they are concerning both their sick body and their worthy later life together.
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KEYWORD
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Aged, Chronic disease, Qualitative research
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