Active Ageing in the nursing home: examining the current situation and quality of life of the residents

Purpose: Since Active Ageing (AA) is seen as an important concept in nursing homes (NH), this study examines the experiences of NH-residents regarding the realization of AA in their NH and the relation with their Quality of life (QoL). For this purpose, a new AA-survey was developed. Method: Ninety-four residents without dementia were randomly selected from 11 NH (recruited by stratified randomization). The AA-survey included 61 statements reflecting the AA-determinants for NH (culture, behavior, psychology, physical and social environment, economy, meaningful leisure and participation). Additionally a QoL survey was administered, namely the ACSA. Results: The AA-survey has an excellent internal consistency (α=0.91), but shows poorer Cronbach’s α on the AA-determinants individually. Residents had on average a good QoL (ACSA (range -5 to 5): x=1,98 (SD=3,23)) and experienced the AA-working of their NH for 78% realized. The realization of the different AA-determinants ranged from 70% (social-environment) to 83% (behavior). Men rated the meaningful-leisure determinant significantly lower than women (p<.05). Highly educated residents scored significantly lower on the general AA-functioning and on several AA-determinants (culture, behavior, physical and social environment, meaningful leisure, participation; all p<.05), compared to other residents. The ACSA and AA-survey have a significant positive correlation (0.22). Conclusion: For this study, a reliable instrument was developed to examine the experienced AA-functioning of the NH by NH-residents. First findings indicate that NH-residents have rather positive experiences regarding the AA-working of the NH, next to having a good QoL, measured by ACSA