Social Networks May Shape Visually Impaired Older Adults' Occupational Engagement: A Narrative Inquiry

Overview

Journal OTJR (Thorofare N J)

Specialties Occupational Medicine
Psychiatry
Rehabilitation Medicine

Date 2022 Feb 22

PMID 35189757

Authors

Ji Won Kang

Colleen McGrath

Debbie Laliberte Rudman

Carri Hand

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Age-related vision loss (ARVL) has been shown to interfere with older adults' occupational engagement. The primary purpose was to examine the role social networks play in facilitating/constraining engagement in desired occupations for older adults with ARVL. This study adopted a constructivist narrative methodology. Five older adults, ≥ 60 years of age with ARVL, participated in three virtual interviews, which were coded using thematic analysis. Three overarching themes were identified: (a) Diverse Social Networks Fulfill Different Occupational and Psychosocial Needs, (b) Retaining a Sense of Independence through Seeking Reciprocity in Social Relationships, and (c) Community Mobility and Technology Support as Essential for Preserving Social Relationships. Findings broaden understandings of how informal/formal social networks are involved in shaping visually-impaired older adults' adaptation to ARVL and related occupational changes. Findings may help improve the quality and delivery of low-vision rehabilitation services to optimize their contribution to occupational engagement.

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