Neville Stephen, Adams Jeffery, Napier Sara, Shannon Kay, Jackson Debra
a Department of Nursing , Auckland University of Technology , Auckland , New Zealand.
b SHORE & Whariki Research Centre , Massey University , Auckland , New Zealand.
Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being. 2018 Dec;13(1):1503908. doi: 10.1080/17482631.2018.1503908.
Globally, numbers of people aged 85 years and over are increasing. Many older people, including those 85 years and over, are ageing in rural areas. For successful ageing in place, physical and social environments must be appropriate. The aim of this study is to understand the influence the physical and social environments have on enabling those aged 85 years and over to remain engaged in a rural community. Method: Utilizing an environmental gerontological approach, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 15 people who lived independently in a rural community. Following transcription data were analyzed and themes identified. Results: Two themes were identified; "Negotiating the physical environment: 'Getting there and back'" and "Maintaining social networks: 'Places to go, people to see'". The findings provide insight into the importance of driving, parking close to amenities and negotiating the local environment to this group of older people and their ability to engage with their community. All participants agreed social engagement with friends, family or neighbors was important to them. Conclusion: These findings highlight the interconnection between physical and social environments. An enabling physical environment is essential to support social participation of people aged 85 years and over.
在全球范围内，85岁及以上的人口数量正在增加。许多老年人，包括85岁及以上的老人，都在农村地区养老。为了实现就地成功养老，物理环境和社会环境必须适宜。本研究的目的是了解物理环境和社会环境对使85岁及以上的老人能够继续融入农村社区的影响。方法：采用环境老年学方法，对15名独立生活在农村社区的人进行了半结构化访谈。转录后对数据进行分析并确定主题。结果：确定了两个主题；“应对物理环境：‘往返出行’”和“维持社交网络：‘去处、见人’”。研究结果揭示了对这组老年人来说，驾驶、在便利设施附近停车以及应对当地环境的重要性，以及他们融入社区的能力。所有参与者都认为与朋友、家人或邻居的社交互动对他们很重要。结论：这些研究结果突出了物理环境和社会环境之间的相互联系。有利的物理环境对于支持85岁及以上老人的社会参与至关重要。
