A qualitative assessment of older adults’ perspective on the utilization of information from preventive home visits

Background

To promote healthy aging, older adults' perspectives should be included in decisions that affect them. Information from preventive home visits, including health data and opinions expressed by older adults, can be used by societal actors to enhance healthy aging. However, information regarding older adults’ perspectives on how this information can be utilized is lacking.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to qualitatively evaluate the perspectives of older adults’ on the utilization of information acquired from preventive home visits.

Results

Older adults view the use of information from preventive home visits as an opportunity to participate in societal decisions and influence changes. This approach can empower older adults by valuing their diverse voices and translating the collected information into meaningful action. The older adults in this study expressed mixed feelings of hope and futility about the possibility of influencing change. They discussed a process for utilizing the information from the visits, which began with highlighting and analyzing problems, communicating these, and then taking action to promote healthy aging.

Discussion

Information gathered during preventive home visits can empower older adults to influence community planning and promote healthy aging. There is a value in involving older adults in decision-making by using their insight to identify barriers and drive change.

Conclusions

Older adults are a valuable resource for community planning aimed at promoting healthy aging. Further research is needed to explore the full potential of using information from preventive home visits for fostering inclusive age-friendly community planning.