"We need more things for us": Being low income and underoccupied in older age.

"We need more things for us": Being low income and underoccupied in older age. Can J Occup Ther. 2019 Apr 25;:8417419838360 Authors: Heatwole Shank KS, Kenley B, Brown S, Shipley J, Baum M, Beers C Abstract BACKGROUND.: Low-income older adult populations have increased vulnerability to occupational engagement barriers and poor health outcomes while aging in community settings. PURPOSE.: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between community navigation and well-being for low-income older adults. METHOD.: Community-dwelling older adults ( N = 10) were recruited for this multimethod observational cohort study, which employed GPS data, measures of well-being, and semistructured interviews across 12 months. Grounded theory processes were followed to analyze and integrate the qualitative, quantitative, and spatial data. FINDINGS.: Findings were three patterns of community navigation. In particular, patterns of being chronically underoccupied were noted for this low-income population. Specific place-based challenges are explained along with strategies used to mitigate these challenges. IMPLICATIONS.: Supporting community navigation, especially social interaction opportunities, can maximize well-being; and older residents' occupational participation may be unnecessarily curtailed by geographic, economic, and social factors beyond their control. Community navigation strategies should be con...
Source: Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy - Category: Occupational Health Authors: Tags: Can J Occup Ther Source Type: research