Understanding the Occupational Adaptation Process and Well-Being of Older Adults in Magallanes (Chile): A Qualitative Study

Oskarina Palma-Candia, César Hueso Montoro, Celia Martí-García, Manuel Fernández-Alcántara, Concepción Petra Campos-Calderón and Rafael Montoya Juárez
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Oskarina Palma-Candia: Faculty of Health Sciences. University of Magallanes, Punta Arenas 6200000, Chile
César Hueso Montoro: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
Celia Martí-García: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
Manuel Fernández-Alcántara: Department of Health Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
Concepción Petra Campos-Calderón: University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Rafael Montoya Juárez: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 19, 1-11

Abstract: Background : Aging and longevity are important topics nowadays. Purpose : To describe how older adults perform the occupational adaptation process in the extreme region of Magallanes (Chile), and to identify the factors that might contribute to successful occupational adaptation and well-being. Method : Qualitative study, with a phenomenological interpretative approach. In-depth interviews were carried out with 16 older adults, with high or low levels of well-being, assessed with the Ryff Scale. An inductive content analysis according to Elo and Kyngäs was performed. Findings : Resilience, self-esteem and interdependence with significant others are key elements that promote well-being. Participants develop strategies to minimize the effects of environmental factors. The occupation’s function in terms of socialization, use of time, and social participation is revealed as a conditioning factor of occupational adaptation. Implications : Interventions with older people to achieve a successful occupational adaptation process must take into consideration the commitment to meaningful activities.

Keywords: adaptation; psychological; aging; life change events (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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