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Independence and Dependence for Older Adults with Osteoarthritis or Osteoporosis*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 November 2010

Cheryl A. Cott  and
Monique A.M. Gignac
Cheryl A. Cott
Affiliation:
University of Toronto
Monique A.M. Gignac
Affiliation:
The Toronto Hospital
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Abstract

This study uses qualitative methods to explore subjective perceptions of independence and dependence for older adults with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Twenty-seven in-depth interviews were conducted with community-dwelling older adults with osteoarthritis and/or osteoporosis in the greater Metropolitan Toronto area. Respondents shared similar overall perceptions of independence and dependence, but self-definitions as independent were related to domains of difficulty, coping skills used, assistive devices, and nature of the helping relationship. Three categories of respondents based on domains of difficulty (Community Mobility, Household Activities, and Personal Care) are used to illustrate how respondents negotiate their self-identities as independent in light of the other three factors.

Résumé

Au moyen de méthodes qualitatives, cette étude explore la perception de l'indépendance et de la dépendance qu'ont les aîné(e)s atteints de déficience chronique musculosquelettique. On a effectué 27 entrevues en profondeur auprès d'aînés souffrant d'arthrite et/ou d'ostéoporose et vivant dans la communauté métropolitaine de Toronto. Les personnes interviewées partageaient dans l'ensemble une perception semblable de l'indépendance et de la dépendance mais leur vision d'eux-mêmes relativement à l'indépendance été liée au type de difficulté éprouvé aux capacités d'adaptation, aux appareils et accessoires fonctionnels et à la nature des relations d'aide. Nous avons divisé les personnes interrogées en trois catégories selon le type de difficulté éprouvé (mobilité au sein de la communauté, activités domestiques, soins personnels) pour illustrer la façon dont elles définissent leur indépendance en regard des trois autres facteurs.

Keywords

IndependenceDependenceDisabilityOsteoarthritisOsteoporosis.Indépendencedépendenceincapacité arthroseostéoporose.
Type
Articles
Information
Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement , Volume 18 , Issue 1 , printemps/Spring 1999 , pp. 1 - 25
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 1999

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