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Cycles of Adaptive Strategies Over the Life Course |
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| Authors: | Margaret Cooper Christine Bigby |
| Institution: | 1. Melbourne, Australia;2. School of Allied Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia |
| Abstract: | An increasing number of Australia’s ageing population are aging with long-term physical impairments. This study explored the life experiences of this group using a qualitative approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 disabled Victorians, aged between 51 and 84 years, and an inductive thematic analysis undertaken. A relationship was found between the adaptive strategies that participants developed as they moved through life phases and the impairment stages. The implications of the emergence of a cyclical process of adaptation across the life course. and particularly in respect of aging, delivery of aged-care services and social workers in this sector are discussed. |
| Keywords: | disability long-term physical impairment impairment progression life course perspective identity positive aging secondary health conditions adaptive competence qualitative research aging of people with disabilities |