Continuing Mobility and Occupational Participation Outside the Home in Old Age Is an Act of Negotiation

Abstract

Facilitated by mobility, occupational participation outside the home is vital in old age. However, the relative importance of factors influencing mobility and occupational participation remains unclear. The present study describes older peoples' motives for, and experiences of, mobility and occupational participation outside the home. Nine focus-group interviews were conducted and analyzed using content analysis. Occupational participation and mobility was individually experienced, although some subjective perspectives were common. Continuing mobility and occupational participation outside the home in old age is an act of negotiation, encompassing occupational means and goals, occupational and mobility adaptation, as well as occupational barriers and facilitators.