Process of Providing Continuous Opportunities to Elderly Widowers Living Alone to Interact with Others during Meals

Abstract

The aim of this study was to clarify the process by which elderly widowers who are living alone continuously participate in interactions with others through meal programs. A semi-structured interview was performed with 6 male elderly individuals who started participating in the interaction through meal programs after being widowed in old age. A qualitative analysis was performed using The Modified Grounded Theory Approach. Five categories were generated. Elderly widowers living alone experienced [difficulties in readjusting] to a new life such as mourning following the bereavement and housework. When holding the belief that [I will consider the invitation] from a close person regarding participation to interact with others through meals continues by [repeatedly hesitating and consenting oneself], they recovered from grief by [healing through meals and the warmth of people] and [assistance that supports living alone]. This demonstrated the need for support in interacting with local inhabitants by broadening interactions with people, which assists in supporting such individuals who are living alone.