Department of Counselling & Psychology, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Hong Kong.
Felizberta Lo Padilla Tong School of Social Sciences, Saint Francis University, Hong Kong.
J Appl Gerontol. 2024 Dec;43(12):1845-1853. doi: 10.1177/07334648241261462. Epub 2024 Jun 20.
Caregiving for the fast-growing but vulnerable oldest-old population may involve distinct challenges but also gratification. We analyzed quantitative and qualitative data from family caregivers of community-dwelling older adults aged 95 or above in Hong Kong. Quantitative analysis of 143 caregivers revealed that higher age, dependence on basic activities of daily living, independence on instrumental activities of daily living, and intact hearing ability of the older adults, and absence of a domestic helper and better self-rated health of the caregivers were associated with more positive aspects of caregiving. Qualitative analysis of the 96 caregivers who mentioned at least a positive aspect from their caregiving identified three themes: acquiring caregiving skills, fulfilling family love and obligation, and preparing for graceful aging. Our findings elaborated the nature and mechanism of caregiving gains against the unique backdrop of exceptional longevity and the Chinese cultural expectations of filial piety.
照顾快速增长但脆弱的超高龄人口可能涉及独特的挑战，但也有回报。我们分析了香港社区居住的 95 岁及以上老年人的家庭照顾者的定量和定性数据。对 143 名照顾者的定量分析显示，老年人年龄更高、日常生活活动依赖程度更高、日常生活活动工具依赖程度越低、听力完好，以及没有家庭佣工和照顾者自我健康状况更好，与照顾的积极方面更相关。对 96 名至少提到照顾积极方面的照顾者进行的定性分析确定了三个主题：获得照顾技能、履行家庭亲情和义务、以及为优雅老龄化做准备。我们的研究结果阐述了在特殊长寿的独特背景下和中国孝道文化期望下，照顾收益的性质和机制。
