Older adults are facing with challenges in daily living. However, the mental health of older adults showed that their overall mental health was better across all components compared to the general population. Nonetheless, there remains a significant gap in understanding how older adults preserved their mental well-being. Purpose of the study was to explore the process of preserving mental well-being among older adults. Grounded theory method was used in this study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews of 19 community-dwelling older adults and researcher-completed field notes. These data were then analyzed using constant and comparative methods. The older adults preserved their mental well-being by themselves was found in this study through three dynamic phases: 1) being open-minded to changes: accepting physical illness and cognitive decline as life changes, recognizing physical illness and cognitive decline as a related factor of mental health, and exercising to strengthen physical health.; 2) engaging in relaxation techniques to manage anxiety and stress: doing relaxing activities during stay at home, engaging in diversional tasks, letting go of everything from one’s mind, positive thinking with all situations, and practicing Buddhist activities, and 3) enhancing self-worth: Being a healthcare volunteer for helping others people and participating in social activities. The process outlined in this study for self- preserving mental well-being process can serve as a valuable guide for the promotion of mental health and the effective management of mental health conditions among older adults.

Authors:
Ratchaneekorn Upasen, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Weeraphol Saengpanya, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

About the Presenter(s)
Ratchaneekorn Upasen, PhD, is an assistant professor at Faculty of Nursing, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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