Open AccessMental health as a prerequisite for functioning as optimally as possible in old age: A phenomenological approach
Author(s) -
Al Gilani Samal,
Tingö Lina,
Kihlgren Annica,
Schröder Agneta
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
nursing open
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.55
H-Index - 12
ISSN - 2054-1058
DOI - 10.1002/nop2.698
Subject(s) - mental health , anxiety , psychology , depression (economics) , hospital anxiety and depression scale , interpretative phenomenological analysis , everyday life , clinical psychology , scale (ratio) , qualitative research , psychiatry , sociology , social science , physics , quantum mechanics , political science , law , economics , macroeconomics
Abstract Aim To describe the impact of mental health on the ability to function optimally among older adults experiencing mental health issues. Design This study had a descriptive qualitative design. Methods Six older females with a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score of ≥8 on either of the subscales (depression or anxiety) participated in individual interviews. All data were analysed using a phenomenological approach influenced by Giorgi. Results The phenomenological analysis led to a structured synthesis comprising the following three themes: (a) life situations affecting mental health, (b) consequences of mental health in everyday life and (c) strategies for maintaining mental health.