Ming-Lee Yeh, Rea-Jeng Yang and Chuen-Shiang Tsai
National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences
Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Nurs Care
This study is to explore the reconstructing life meaning of the elderly with cancer living in a public residential home. The informants were three male and three female who were in average age of 78. In-depth and semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. The qualitative categorization and scenario analysis were combined to carry out a summative analysis and discussion. The main research results are shown as follow: 1. The interviewees� perceptions towards their cancer are categorized into four aspects: (1) Physical: weakness, powerlessness; unbearably pain; and sleeplessness; (2) Psychological: surprised; depressed; worried; (3) Social: interpersonal alienation; family alienation; (4) Spiritual: emptiness, hopelessness; regret. 2. The interviewees� comments towards the meaning of their own life include: (1) achievement and self-affirmation; (2) altruism and worthiness; (3) brave pain overcomer; (4) healthy equals happiness and live in the moment; (5) destiny surrender; (6) religion is for spiritual sustenance; (7) treasuring family relationships; (8) facing and accepting death 3. How the interviewees reconstruct their meaning of life after being diagnosed with cancer: (1) Family and religious beliefs are the source for reconstructing life (2) Adjust perspectives and create new opportunities (a) Viewing cancer as a way to get rid of karma and for gaining wisdom (b) Spiritual enrichment is more important than material benefits (c) Cherishing family values (d) Valuing every moment (e) Immense gratitude to give back to others (3) Restructure life order toward a new life (a) Making up for family relationships (b) Keeping in a healthy lifestyle (c) Adjusting attitudes toward a new life (d) Participating in social activities actively (e) Enriching spiritual life. The research results provide concrete suggestions for governmental policies, practitioners, elder cancer patients and future research.
Journal of Nursing & Care received 4230 citations as per Google Scholar report
Spanish 
Chinese 
Russian 
German 
French 
Japanese 
Portuguese 
Hindi 