A Qualitative Study of the Meaning for Older People of Living Alone at Home in Ghana.

摘要

The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning for older adults aged 65years and over of living alone at home in Ghana. This qualitative study used purposive sampling to select a total sample size of 10. An interpretive description design was used to analyze the data. Three themes emerged from the study: (a) how they came to be living alone, (b) the impact of living alone at home, and (c) fears associated with living alone in old age. Understanding the factors that influence living alone among older adults will help nurses and other health care providers to reach out to older adults who live alone and others who may be lonely and socially isolated. The implications of the findings will also guide nurse educators and government as they plan the curriculum and policies that will directly or indirectly affect the lives of older adults.