Daily Lives and Feelings of People Aged 85 Years or Older Who Have Begun Hemodialysis for Nephrosclerosis

Abstract

  The purpose of this study was to elucidate the current daily lives and feelings of oldest-old people, those aged ≥85 years old, in whom hemodialysis had been introduced due to nephrosclerosis, compared with before the introduction of hemodialysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three oldest-old people. A qualitative inductive analysis was then conducted and seven categories were obtained. In these oldest-old people, health status was stable after the introduction of hemodialysis and they “Enjoyed their daily lives with mental and physical tranquility.” The three categories of “I manage my life in my own way, without undue pressure,” “I fulfill my roles while giving and receiving support to and from those around me,” and “I accept public assistance with gratitude and humility” were mutually related in their daily lives. The subjects’ quality of life improved after the start of hemodialysis. Other feelings included “I feel sorry for the people around me and for myself, as we cope with my physical decline,” “I hold on to hope while feeling uncertain in the final stage of my life,” and “Part of me remains unchanged.” These are feelings people have toward themselves that are unchanged despite the changes in their daily lives, suggesting that they continue to grow even in the stage of very advanced age.