[[alternative]]A Conceptual Analysis of the Process of Empowering the Elderly at the Community Level

[[abstract]]WHO在1986年的Ottawa宣言(WHO/Europe, 2005, April 18)中曾指出『社區』為健康促進活動的「最佳介入點」，而倡導權能激發亦被視為現代健康促進活動的主軸，即健康促進必須靠有效與創新的社區行動(community action)來達成；而社區的權能激發(community empowerment)為社區行動的三大要素之一，故我們相信透過社區場域的人事物互動，可以使老年人力資源有所應用，使老人們更有能力感，且此方式其本身將是促使老人社會參與、發揮自我效能的最佳策略。本文藉由文獻回顧與整理介紹權能激發之定義、概念發展、重要內涵，並列舉實徵性研究與測量工具加以分析探討，除檢視老人社區參與及權能激發的運作情形及成效外，更對社區老人照護相關議題提出建議。[[abstract]]The World Health Organization's 1986 Ottawa Declaration (WHO/Europe, 2005, April 18) named the community as the best level at which to initiate health promotion activities and recognized ”empowerment” as a main focus of modern health promotion activities. This implies that the success of health promotion initiatives relies on effective and creative community action, of which community empowerment is one of the three major influencing factors. Empowerment is a manner by which the resources of senior citizens can be reorganized and an awareness of their own capabilities cultivated. Moreover, empowerment is the best strategy to encourage senior citizen participation in the community as well as self-efficacy. Based on a review of the literature, this article introduces the definitions, concept development and vital components of community empowerment. Evidence-based research and examination instruments for the concept of empowerment are critically reviewed as well. In addition to discussing the application and effectiveness of senior citizen community participation and empowerment, this paper provides suggestions related to current community nursing care issues