A Study of Aging Experiences and Adaptations of Older Adults in Hsinchu

• Main Authors: Wu,I-TAI, 吳宜泰
• Other Authors: Jr-Shiuan Liang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2010
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/36254862953990157496

碩士 === 玄奘大學 === 成人教育與人力發展學系碩士班 === 98 === The study explores older adults’ aging experiences and their adaptations toward aging. Aging experiences are conceptualized as older adults’ perspectives of physical, psychological, and social experiences of aging, and furthermore, their arrangement of older adulthood. To fully interpret the living experiences of older adults, the study utilize a qualitative design. Older adults with heterogeneous characteristics are interviewed via in-depth interview techniques. Additionally, three different age groups of older adults are identified as young-old, old-old, and oldest-old, to analyze the “what” and “how” aspects that construe their aging experiences. Of total 12 older adults, aged 65 and above, are interviewed. After systematically analyzing text, interview transcripts, and field notes of observation, the study reaches seven conclusions. 1. Most older adults use cosmetics and health care products, medical treatments, and assistive devices in an appropriate amount to accommodate themselves to physical aging attributions. 2. In the face of psychological aging attributes, most older adults act passively and just roll with the punches. 3. Three things that matter the most in old age, namely, family, financial conditions, and one’s own health. 4. In terms of social aging aspects, older adults are encouraged to continuously participate in social activities to accommodate themselves to the loss of social roles. 5. Most older adults do not have specific living arrangement and planning toward late adulthood. 6. Physical, psychological, and social aspects are interrelated, and will influence an older person’s living arrangement in old age. 7. Older adults are heterogeneous in spite of their physical, psychological, and social aging aspects. Finally, suggestions for future studies, older adults themselves, and aging education are provided.