Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Welfare systems in Sweden and the rest of the world are facing vast challenges due to an increasing older population. With aging comes physical limitations, thus an increased need for home care. For older people, outdoor environments - especially natural ones - enable meaningful activities, socialising, and have positive effects on well-being. Many older people perceive environmental obstacles in relation to the outdoor environment, and a fit between the person and the environment is especially important to older people.
The aim of this study was to explore the use and experience of outdoor environments among older people with home care services. Five semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed with meaning condensation. The analysis resulted in three interrelated themes: Using and experiencing the outdoor environment, Meaning of early life experiences and habits and Enabling use and experience. It was found that the use and experience of outdoor environments consist of a variety of activities, environmental qualities, and impressions and feelings related to these. Many of the important aspects correlated with previous research and theory on older people. It was found that nature is important for well-being through enjoyment of as well as relaxation and comfort. The outdoor environment is important for socialising and being part of community and aspects of caring for others and feeling cared for by the community. It is important for keeping meaningful habits and outdoor experiences earlier in life may provide tools to manage the outdoor environment in present time. The findings suggest that there are physical obstacles to person-environment fit, such as difficulties getting through the door, as well as subjective aspects such as fear of falling. In addition, it was found that getting outside independently is essential to the participants.
The findings from the present study are in contrast with some literature suggesting that older people have and increased need for restoration, social selectivity and withdrawal. It was found that the needs and wishes of the participants reflect those of older people in need of stimulation, with difficulties getting outside independently due to physical limitations. From the results, a proposed universal approach and a model to inspire decision-makers, planners and home care staff to sustainable solutions for outdoor activity was presented. The author proposes that sustainable solutions that enable getting outside independently can contribute to societal goals such as fall prevention, decreased loneliness, and well-being among older people.
More research is needed on the use, and experiences, needs and wishes related to outdoor environments among older people with home care. It is important to study the subjective sides of person-environment fit and, the meaning of social interaction outdoors, to motivate universal approaches, promotion of well-being and prevention of loneliness. In addition, knowledge is needed on older people’s perceived function in society in relation to the outdoor environment