Perceived Occupations of Older Adults Living in the Community: A comparison of Persons Living in Single and Multigenerational Households
Graduation Date
2007
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
Department or Program Chair
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Thesis Advisor
Bonnie Napier-Tibere, EdD, OTR/L
Second Advisor
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Abstract
Since 1990 the number of multigenerational families has grown by almost 60 percent (U.S Census, 2000). Quality of life may vary for those living alone or as part of a larger household. The purpose of this research was to compare commonalities and differences of perceived occupations of older adults living in single and multigenerational households.
This research used a qualitative phenomological approach to gather data over a period of four months. Participants were selected through convenience and snowball sampling. Survey and interviews were the data collection methods used to gather data on the experiences of 40 participants regarding perceived occupations. Qualitative content analysis was used to determine similarities and differences in occupational roles. Data analysis included comparing differences in responses between participants living in single and multigenerational homes.
The study results showed that there were some differences in perceived occupations between the two groups of older adults. There were no significant differences among older adults of either living arrangements related to life satisfaction and engagement in daily occupations. However, results showed that those living in single households valued occupations that promote independence, while those living in multigenerational households valued occupations that maintain and preserve the family. The results also revealed that cultural identity, age, gender, household size, and immigrant status appear to play a role in the differences of perceived occupations of older adults living in single and multigenerational households.