Promoting well-being in later life - a qualitative analysis of focus groups and individual interviews with older adults in Germany.

Abstract

Background: Medical decision-making for older adults is becoming increasingly complex due to chronic conditions, multimorbidity, and expanding medical options in old age. As the aging population grows, medical decision-making in old age will become an increasingly common issue. This study explores older adults' perspectives on well-being and medical decision-making to inform patient-centered care practices in family medicine.

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in Germany between August 2022 and August 2023, involving 35 participants aged 75 and older. Six focus group discussions and eight individual interviews were carried out. Focus groups were presented with two patient case histories involving medical decision dilemmas, while individual interviews used a guideline on personal history and experiences of medical care. Audio recordings were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis with MAXQDA software.

Results: Three main categories emerged as central to well-being in late life: autonomy, physical and cognitive abilities, and social integration. Autonomy was identified as crucial, encompassing independent decision-making and adaptation to changing circumstances. Physical and cognitive abilities, particularly mobility, were considered essential for maintaining autonomy. Participants demonstrated different attitudes toward medical intervention, with some taking significant risks to maintain mobility and others taking a more adaptive approach to age-related limitations. Social integration emerged as a key to well-being, with participants emphasizing the importance of maintaining social connections and engaging in meaningful activities. Family practitioners were recognized as playing a vital role in providing holistic, patient-centered geriatric care.

Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of understanding older adults' perspectives on well-being to inform medical decision-making. Family practitioners can support the evolving needs of older adults by addressing both medical and psychosocial issues, facilitating social engagement, and building long-term relationships with patients. This approach can contribute to improved well-being and more patient-centered care practices in geriatric medicine.

German clinical trials register: DRKS00027076, 05/11/2021.