International Forum 

Vol. 18, No. 1

April 2015

Print ISSN : 0119-2000
Online ISSN : 2350-7497

 

Lived Social Life Experiences of
Female Elderly People
 

Abstract. Quality of life is now recognized as one of the new philosophies of health by the World Health Organization, especially among older people. Old age is a process that cannot be stopped but must be protected, promoted, and extended. As the aged population continues to increase, it is essential for quality of life to be emphasized. Promoting societal networking and active involvement is one of the approaches to enhance older people’s health and promote quality of life. The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experiences of social life of older people and the impact of quality of life. Phenomenology was used. Focus group discussion was employed to collect data from 20 elderly people between 65 and 80 years in Baguio City. The study generated six themes, which included family connectedness, spiritual connectedness, social support, social disconnectedness, meaning of quality of life, and community involvement. It is recommended that family members make a conscious effort to maintain connections with their elderly ones through different means such as text messaging and telephone calls, especially when they are physically absent.

 

Keywords: older people, social connectedness, quality of life, disconnectedness, phenomenology, Baguio, Philippines

 

 

Stella Appiah, Mphil
PhD in Nursing Candidate
Our Lady of Fatima University
Manila, Philippines
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

Safary Wa-Mbaleka, EdD, PhD
Associate Professor, Education Department
Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies
Silang, Philippines
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it