Retirement residence living: stories of older adult residents
Abstract
Social isolation and loneliness have a negative effect on the lives of older adults. Participation in regular physical activity may facilitate social connectedness to mitigate feelings of social isolation and loneliness. Current understanding of regular physical activity for social connection and health benefits in older adult residents of retirement communities is limited. This study aimed to address, ‘What are the stories of social connectedness of physically active older adults living in a retirement residence?’. Using a narrative methodology, and incorporating an occupational mapping tool, residents of a retirement community storied their experiences of regular physical activity. Thematic analysis revealed themes of ‘making it home’ and ‘purpose through activity’ as ways in which older adults adapted to their new home. The findings may inform retirement residences in providing opportunities through activity and social contacts to support older adults to adapt to their new home and develop feelings of social connectedness.