The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

The multiple meaning of home as experienced by very old Swedish people

På svenska

Author

Summary, in English

he aim of this study was to explore aspects of the meaning of home as experienced by very old single-living people in Sweden. A grounded theory approach was used, and interviews were conducted with 40 men and women aged 80-89. The findings indicate that home has a central place in the lives of very old people because it is where they live and spend so much time. The significance of the home is based on the fact that it means so many different things to the participants. The theme comprises two key categories: home means security and home means freedom. Each of these has three sub-categories. In home means security, these are: living in a familiar neighborhood, everything functions, and having memories to live on. Home means freedom comprises a place for reflection, a social meeting-point, and leaving your own mark. Home is part of the environment and influences the meaning and selection of activities that very old people decide to engage in. When occupational therapists prescribe assistive devices or recommend changes in the home environment, they must be very well aware of and reflect on what home means to their clients and base their measures on that.

Publishing year

2007

Language

English

Pages

25-32

Publication/Series

Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy

Volume

14

Issue

1

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Topic

  • Occupational Therapy

Keywords

  • ENABLE-AGE
  • grounded theory
  • meaning of home
  • occupational therapy
  • Ageing in place

Status

Published

Project

  • Home, Health and Disability along the Process of Ageing

Research group

  • Sustainable occupations and health in a life course perspective

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1651-2014