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Early Hour, Golden Hour: an Exploration of Slovenian Older People’s Meaningful Occupations

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Abstract

People are occupational beings and enabling older people to engage in meaningful occupations contributes to their health and well-being. Experiences of engagement and meaning in an occupation may differ in different socio-cultural contexts. The aim of this study was to explore Slovenian older people’s individual experiences of engagement in occupation, with a particular emphasis on their meaningful occupations. The study employed a phenomenological research approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten Slovenian older adults, living independently in their home environment. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to approach and analyze the data. The findings highlighted that meaningful occupations and daily rituals represented an important part of the participants’ identities. The meanings they attached to their occupations were informed by Slovenian socio-cultural, historical and physical context. A range of people and places were identified as significant in generating and maintaining these meanings. Participants gave particular significance to the role of productive, health-promoting and family-related occupations. The study contributes new occupational science knowledge and the findings support the case for increased recognition of the importance of meaningful occupation for older people.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to give special thanks to Prof. Catherine Hennessy who was part of this research team at the beginning of the project. Deep appreciation and gratitude goes to all Slovenian older adults who participated in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, School of Health Professions, University of Plymouth, PAHC, Derriford Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 8BH, UK

    Tanja Križaj, Anne Roberts & Alison Warren

  2. Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK

    Anita Slade

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  1. Tanja Križaj
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Correspondence to Tanja Križaj.

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Ethical approval for this research was obtained from The National Medical Ethics Committee in Slovenia and from the [blinded for review]. The participants signed consent forms, confirming voluntary participation, confidentiality and their understanding of the right to withdraw from the study.

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Križaj, T., Roberts, A., Warren, A. et al. Early Hour, Golden Hour: an Exploration of Slovenian Older People’s Meaningful Occupations. J Cross Cult Gerontol 34, 201–221 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10823-019-09369-5

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