Subjective concepts of health and health promotion in old age. An analysis of health related needs of residents in long-term care and their relevance for nursing interventions.

Although various studies have proved the effects of health promotion even in old age and its contribution to quality of life, there is a lack of health promoting strategies for elderly people, especially for those who live in nursing homes. In this study the subjective concepts of health among nursing home residents were analyzed in order to identify possible health promoting interventions for this target group. Data was collected in 15 qualitative interviews with biographical and narrative elements. Data analysis showed a very extensive comprehension of health among the participants, which included mental, social and ethical dimensions. On the basis of these concepts, concrete (nursing) interventions could be developed to improve health and well-being in nursing homes. Most of these interventions are settled on psychosocial and ethical level, because these aspects was attached great importance related to their experience of health in the current life situation