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HOW OLDER PERSONS PERCEIVE THE LOSS OF INDEPENDENCE: THE NEED OF A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO FRAILTY

E. Escourrou, M. Cesari, B. Chicoulaa, B. Fougère, B. Vellas, S. Andrieu, S. Oustric

J Frailty Aging 2017;6(2):107-112

Background: Since 2004, the definition of the frailty syndrome has shifted from purely physical criteria to a more comprehensive consideration of the individual, including their psychosocial criteria. In this study, qualitative research methods were used as a complementary approach in order to enrich the existing quantitative results in this area. Objective: To understand the views of older persons on the risk of loss of independence. Methods: The study population comprised people over 75 years of age who were living at home in the south-west of France and were considered to be at risk of losing their independence. Data were collected using individual semi-structured in-depth interviews, accompanied by observations. Inductive analysis was carried out according to grounded theory methods. Results: Fifteen individual interviews were conducted to achieve theoretical data saturation. Analysis of the content of the interviews revealed seven risk factors for the loss of independence: poor mental health, poor physical health, social isolation, no longer leaving the home, an unsuitable environment, unsuitable living conditions, and few resources. Conclusions: These results complement the purely physical approach to screening for the frailty syndrome and lead us to reconsider our screening approach to include a more holistic view of the older person and their circumstances.

CITATION:
E. Escourrou ; M. Cesari ; B. Chicoulaa ; B. Fougère ; B. Vellas ; S. Andrieu ; S. Oustric (2017): How older persons perceive the loss of independence: The need of a holistic approach to frailty. The Journal of Frailty and Aging (JFA). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jfa.2017.3

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