A Preliminary Study on Self-Healing and Self-Health Management in Older Adults: Perspectives From Healthcare Professionals and Older Adults in Taiwan.

Kuei-Hui Chu, Heng-Hsin Tung, Daniel L Clinciu, Hua-I Hsu, Yi-Chen Wu, Ching-I Hsu, Shu-Wei Lin, Shi-Jun Pan
Author Information
  1. Kuei-Hui Chu: Department of Nursing, Ching Kuo Institute of Management and Health, Keelung, Taiwan.
  2. Heng-Hsin Tung: College of Nursing, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
  3. Daniel L Clinciu: China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. ORCID
  4. Hua-I Hsu: Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan.
  5. Yi-Chen Wu: School of Nursing, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
  6. Ching-I Hsu: Nursing Department, Heart Center of Chen-Hsin Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
  7. Shu-Wei Lin: Yang Sheng Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan.
  8. Shi-Jun Pan: Yang Sheng Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan.

Abstract

The human body has tremendous self-healing capacity and regeneration after injuries and pathogen invasions. These factors are particularly important in older adults which take longer to heal and recover physically. In addition to clinical investigations, perspectives from both experts in the field and the living experiences of the general public could play significant roles to enhance the body's healing mechanisms in older adults. A semi-structured interview was conducted which included 15 participants (9 experts and 6 older adults aged 65 years and older). Content analysis with an inductive approach was employed about participants' experiences and perspectives. All participants in this study revealed that self-healing mechanisms can be enhanced through physiological, psychological, and socio-environmental factors. When more of these factors can be integrated into a recovery management plan, it can hasten self-healing in older adults. Social capability has a profound impact on an individual's mental health while oral health and hygiene significantly affect the nutritional intake status. In regards to physical aspects, regular daily activity patterns, nutritious eating, moderate exercise, and sleep quality are significant, while psychological aspects such as cheerfulness, positive attitudes, and good interpersonal relationships can help control chronic diseases.

Keywords

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