探討機構老人的超越老化觀感及其與個人基本屬性之關係

The Relationship between Gerotranscendence and Demographics in Institutionalized Elders

超越老化為老人轉變對現實生活的看法，是一種正向及成功的老化觀感。但此階段發展並非人人可及，在老化過程中，老人可能因自身的價值觀、罹病的衝擊或遭遇重大生活事件等因素，而阻礙其超越老化的發展。本研究旨在探討機構老人的超越老化觀感及其與個人基本屬性之關係，為描述相關性研究，以叢聚取樣選取150位南部某縣市五所長照機構內65歲以上認知功能正常的老人。研究工具包括老人基本屬性調查表及超越老化量表。所收集資料以SPSS 14.0統計軟體進行分析。結果顯示台灣老人之超越老化觀感普遍偏低，而性別、教育程度、社會經濟狀態、宗教信仰、入住機構前居住狀態及兩年內是否經歷特殊事件等人口學特性與老人超越老化觀感有顯著差異及相關。本研究結果有助機構老人照護者了解老人在心理社會層面上的發展與狀況，以作為日後相關活動設計或護理措施的參考。

Gerotranscendence is a shift of meta-perspective in later life that enables elders to experience successful aging and late-life growth. However, poor self esteem, illness or undergoing a major life event can hinder elders from achieving gerotranscendence status. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between gerotranscendence and demographic factors. This was a descriptive-correlational research that used cluster sampling to collect data from 150 elderly residents of five long-term care facilities located in southern Taiwan. All were older than 65 and cognitively intact. Research instruments included the Basic Demographic Sheet and Gerotranscendence Scale. Data were analysed using SPSS 14.0 software. Findings showed that elders in Taiwan had a relatively lower level of gerotranscendence than other developed country peers. Influencing factors in gerotranscendence included gender, education, social economic status, religious beliefs, previous living conditions and particular events occurring within the previous two-year period. Study findings help health professionals better understand the development of the psychosocial perception of elders as well as assist clinical caregivers to plan relevant activities and nursing interventions.