Thesis
The Realities of Ageing in Place in Australia: A Mixed Methods Exploration of the Attitudes and Experiences of Middle-aged and Older Adults
Southern Cross University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25918/thesis.455
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Abstract
Australia’s population is ageing, and most older adults wish to remain at home, a practice commonly referred to as ageing in place. Seen by governments as a cost-effective alternative to residential aged care, current policy encourages ageing in place. However, limited literature explores the experiences, expectations, and potential challenges facing individuals undertaking this path. This research aimed to provide insight into the realities of people ageing in place in Australia. A mixed methods approach with a three-phase explanatory sequential design was used.
Phase one, a scoping review, revealed that ageing in place is often presented as an entirely positive experience. However, literature has yet to fully consider the challenges faced while ageing in place or address the varied experiences of older adults, instead presenting them as a homogenous group. It became clear that ageing in place should not be considered a one-size-fits all approach. Policymakers and government must acknowledge that older adults are diverse groups with diverse experiences.
Phase two identified that middle-aged and older adults believe they would be worse off receiving home care than in their current living situation. This included areas expected to attract home care support, such as ‘safety’, ‘access to personal care’ and ‘access to home care’. Further, while joy was found in their ability to age in place, individuals faced numerous challenges that impacted their ability to age well.
Finally, the analysis of semi-structured interviews in phase three validated the notion that ageing in place was highly valued but posed several challenges. Data illustrated critical failings of the home care system and their impact on the ability to age well. Importantly, this work identified that ageing represents a largely unknown future, constraining the ability to plan for future care. A sub-optimal aged care system further compounds this inability to plan.
Previous research has explored ageing in place as a positive, inclusive experience. The current studies extended that by documenting participants’ enjoyment and the challenges they face. Additionally, this thesis describes the failings of home care and expands on the current understanding of how people plan for future care. Identifying how the unknown aspects of ageing impede planning for future care calls attention to a critical problem in how support services are currently designed and emphasises the need for a robust and responsive aged care system in Australia
Details
- Title
- The Realities of Ageing in Place in Australia: A Mixed Methods Exploration of the Attitudes and Experiences of Middle-aged and Older Adults
- Creators
- Katie Rose
- Contributors
- Desirée Kozlowski (Supervisor) - Southern Cross UniversityLouise Horstmanshof (Supervisor) - Southern Cross University
- Awarding Institution
- Southern Cross University; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Theses
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
- Publisher
- Southern Cross University
- Number of pages
- xiv, 199
- Identifiers
- 991013276111002368
- Copyright
- © Katie Rose 2024
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Resource Type
- Thesis