Paper
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
This presentation is part of : Strategies for the Aging Population
Challenges of Transitioning to a Supportive Retirement Community
Linda L. Hansen-Kyle, PhD, RN, CCM, Nursing, Azusa Pacific University, San Diego Campus, San Diego, CA, USA
Learning Objective #1: identify the context, conditions, processes, and consequences related to transitions in living environments
Learning Objective #2: verbalize how this evidence can be utilized in planning care for the individual who is undergoing a transition in living environments

Background: Scant evidence is available on the context, conditions, or processes involved in the move to a retirement community. This study explored the transition experience of women, aged 70 + to a retirement community that provided independent living with a network of social, health and safety support structures. It examined role changes, resilience, social and health challenges these women faced during their transition.

Method: Grounded theory (Strauss and Corbin), which focuses on social processes grounded in individual experiences, was utilized to uncover common experiences,  common meanings and behaviors. Information regarding these experiences leads to a body of evidence which broadens knowledge, affects nursing care and planning, and leads to theory development.

Analysis/Results: A convenience sample of 39 women aged 70 + was recruited and in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted and digitally recorded. Data was coded, major dimensions were identified, and their linkages examined using Dimensional Analysis (Schatzman). Data analysis revealed themes of “time for the next step”, “financial and health planning”, “coming home”, and “creating a new social network”.  Resilience was key in negotiating social and health barriers.

Implications: This research promoted an understanding of the experiences of older women during a period of transition. Additionally, the findings presented qualitative evidence of the context, conditions, processes, and consequences which define the challenges these women experienced, and led to the development of a theory focusing on older women in transition. The findings can be utilized as a starting point for evidenced-based health care planning for older individuals.