The synergistic effect of growing older with hoarding behaviors.

Clinically significant hoarding behaviors (HB) have been defined as acquisition of, and failure to discard, large numbers of items, which limits the use of one's home and causes functional impairment or distress. HB disproportionally affect adults aged 55 and older, and although research on HB has accelerated in the past decade, few studies focus on older adults. This qualitative study, based on grounded theory methodology, utilized interview data from 22 older adults with HB to understand the dynamic interaction between HB and the aging process. Participants described the specific ways that their chronic HB were complicated by changes in their health status, social context, and home setting, resulting in greater functional impairment and distress. By identifying these changes that commonly occur with age and their synergistic relationship with HB, nurses and other health professionals can develop targeted interventions to improve home safety and support the independence of these older adults.