Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://ahro.austin.org.au/austinjspui/handle/1/27982
Title: Long-term health and mobility of older adults following traumatic injury: a qualitative longitudinal study.
Austin Authors: Reeder, Sandra;Ameratunga, Shanthi;Ponsford, Jennie;Fitzgerald, Mark;Lyons, Ronan;Nunn, Andrew K ;Ekegren, Christina;Cameron, Peter;Gabbe, Belinda
Affiliation: Health Data Research UK, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Population Health Directorate, Counties Manukau Health (District Health Board), Auckland, New Zealand..
School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
Monash Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Epworth Healthcare, Melbourne, Australia
Victorian Spinal Cord Service
School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Melbourne, Australia
.
Emergency and Trauma Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
Issue Date: 2022
Date: 2021-11-09
Publication information: Disability and Rehabilitation 2022
Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore older adults' experiences of and approaches to managing their long-term health and mobility after traumatic injury. A longitudinal qualitative study was undertaken with older adults following traumatic injury in Victoria, Australia. Fifteen participants (≥65 years) were interviewed at three years post-injury (n = 15), and re-interviewed at four (n = 14) and five years (n = 12) post-injury. Using a framework approach, a longitudinal thematic analysis was performed. Older age at the time of injury was identified by participants as a key factor influencing their recovery. Many participants reported actively attempting to regain their strength and fitness in the first five years following injury. However, their age, injury impacts, other health conditions, and weight gain made it difficult to achieve recovery goals. Many older adults reported a decline in their physical function over time. While these experiences and persistent disability constrained or changed the quality of social relationships, community participation, and independence, several participants described adapting to their functional limitations, and managing their secondary conditions over time. In our cohort, the intertwined combination of ageing, injury, and comorbid conditions negatively affected health and mobility, reinforcing the need for preventative strategies.Implications for rehabilitationOlder adults recovering from traumatic injury may benefit from specialised care pathways that offer long-term and tailored therapies, with programs and services specific to their needs and goals.An integrated service approach by injury insurers, health care, primary care, disability, and aged care could more clearly identify and effectively address the individual needs and goals of older adults with complex conditions.Health and social services that work with people with injuries to develop personalised coping strategies can reduce anxiety related to uncertainty about the future, promote well-being, and support participation in valued activities.
URI: https://ahro.austin.org.au/austinjspui/handle/1/27982
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1998671
ORCID: 0000-0001-7942-0179
0000-0001-8042-2251
0000-0003-0430-125X
Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation
PubMed URL: 34751629
Type: Journal Article
Subjects: Older adult
ageing
disability
qualitative
recovery
traumatic injury
Appears in Collections:Journal articles

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