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Adaptive Strategies and Person-Environment Fit among Functionally Limited Older Adults Aging in Place: A Mixed Methods Approach

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  • Laura L. Lien

    (School of Design and Human Environment, College of Business, Oregon State University, 228 Milam Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
    Department of Rehabilitation Science, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, SUNY, 501 Kimball Tower, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA)

  • Carmen D. Steggell

    (School of Design and Human Environment, College of Business, Oregon State University, 228 Milam Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA)

  • Susanne Iwarsson

    (Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Sweden, Box 157, 221-00 Lund, Sweden)

Abstract

Older adults prefer to age in place, necessitating a match between person and environment, or person-environment (P-E) fit. In occupational therapy practice, home modifications can support independence, but more knowledge is needed to optimize interventions targeting the housing situation of older adults. In response, this study aimed to explore the accessibility and usability of the home environment to further understand adaptive environmental behaviors. Mixed methods data were collected using objective and perceived indicators of P-E fit among 12 older adults living in community-dwelling housing. Quantitative data described objective P-E fit in terms of accessibility, while qualitative data explored perceived P-E fit in terms of usability. While accessibility problems were prevalent, participants’ perceptions of usability revealed a range of adaptive environmental behaviors employed to meet functional needs. A closer examination of the P-E interaction suggests that objective accessibility does not always stipulate perceived usability, which appears to be malleable with age, self-perception, and functional competency. Findings stress the importance of evaluating both objective and perceived indicators of P-E fit to provide housing interventions that support independence. Further exploration of adaptive processes in older age may serve to deepen our understanding of both P-E fit frameworks and theoretical models of aging well.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura L. Lien & Carmen D. Steggell & Susanne Iwarsson, 2015. "Adaptive Strategies and Person-Environment Fit among Functionally Limited Older Adults Aging in Place: A Mixed Methods Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-21, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:12:y:2015:i:9:p:11954-11974:d:56254
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Maria Haak & Agneta Malmgren Fänge & Susanne Iwarsson & Synneve Dahlin-Ivanoff, 2011. "The importance of successful place integration for perceived health in very old age: a qualitative meta-synthesis," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 56(6), pages 589-595, December.
    2. Tina Helle & Aase Brandt & Björn Slaug & Susanne Iwarsson, 2011. "Lack of research-based standards for accessible housing: problematization and exemplification of consequences," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 56(6), pages 635-644, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Elisha Obella & John C. Kigozi Munene & Joseph Mpeera Ntayi & James Kagaari, 2022. "Adaptation and Strategic Retirement of Secondary School Teachers," Public Organization Review, Springer, vol. 22(3), pages 649-667, September.

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