The Constructive Concepts of Zest for Living among Older People Who Require Nursing Care

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore the factors in maintaining the zest for living with determination among older people who require nursing care.

METHODS: A semi-structured interview of seventeen older people who use day care services was conducted. Transcripts were made from the interviews. Then, the data was categorized and coded followed by the procedure of qualitative data analysis in order to explore the constructive concepts of older people’s zest for living.

RESULT: Six categories emerged including: “leaning to manage one’s health”, “emotional support to live” “pride in independent living”, “confidence in managing one’s own life”, “the pleasure of living with one’s own family” and “one’s status derived from the relationship with others. Constructive concepts including “empowerment” and “strength from the relationship with others” emerged from the six categories.

CONCLUSION: Older people maintain their zest for living by keeping their pride and confidence, gaining status and strength from the relationship with others, even when they require nursing care.