Walking on the edge: meanings of living in an ageing body and using a walker in everyday life - a phenomenological hermeneutic study.

BACKGROUND

In order to maintain one's state of health whilst growing older, the ability to walk is essential.

AIM AND

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to illuminate the meanings of the lived experience of living in an ageing body and using a walker in daily life.

METHODS

Narrative interviews were performed with seven older persons aged 79-95 years. The transcribed text was analysed using a phenomenological hermeneutic method.

RESULTS

The key finding of the study was that the lived experience of living in an ageing body and using a walker in daily life was interpreted as 'walking on the edge' based on the themes 'Being vulnerable and dependent' and 'Being confident and independent'.

CONCLUSIONS

The results highlight the importance of reflecting on this phenomenon as a health care professional while meeting the care needs of older persons who use walkers.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Nurses need to consider the walker as a personal and valued possession of the individual and handle the walker in agreement with the older person, placing the walker close at hand with the brakes locked to give secure support.