社區高齡者參與延緩失智失能活動歷程與轉變之研究

A Study on the Participation Process and Transformations of Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Dementia and Disability Prevention Programs

本研究旨在探討高齡者參與社區延緩失智失能活動歷程中的心理、行為與社會轉變，並分析其對健康老化的意涵與啟示。研究以南投縣草屯鎮某社區之延緩失智失能課程為場域，採質性研究設計，透過深度訪談三位長期參與課程之高齡者，蒐集其參與歷程的經驗與感受。研究結果顯示，高齡者在參與過程中展現多層面的正向改變：在心理層面，情緒更越穩定，並重新建立自我肯定與自信；在行為層面，養成規律作息與自我健康管理的習慣；在社會層面，透過互助與交流強化人際連結與歸層感。整體而言，延緩失智失能課程不僅促進社區高齡者身心功能的維持，更有助於培養心理韌性與深化社區連結，體現健康老化理念中「自主、互助與尊嚴老化」的核心精神。研究建議社區單位與後續研究者應持續推動延緩失智失能課程，並整合健康促進與社會互動元素，以支持高齡者在地實踐健康老化。

This study aims to explore the psychological, behavioral, and social transformations experienced by older adults participating in community-based programs designed to delay dementia and disability, and to analyze their implications and insights for healthy aging. The research was conducted in a community in Caotun Township, Nantou County, where a dementia and disability prevention program was implemented. A qualitative research design was adopted, and in-depth interviews were conducted with three older adults who had longterm participation experience in the program, in order to collect their lived experiences and reflections throughout the participation process. The results revealed that older adults exhibited positive changes across multiple dimensions. Psychologically, they showed greater emotional stability and reconstructed self-affirmation and confidence. Behaviorally, they developed regular routines and habits of self-health management. Socially, they strengthened interpersonal connections and a sense of belonging through mutual support and interaction. Overall, the dementia and disability prevention program not only helped maintain the physical and mental functions of community-dwelling older adults but also fostered psychological resilience and deeper community connectedness, embodying the core values of“autonomy, mutual support, and aging with dignity”in the concept of healthy aging. The study suggests that community organizations and future researchers should continue to promote dementia and disability prevention programs that integrate elements of health promotion and social interaction, so as to support older adults in practicing healthy aging within their local communities.