Qualitative meta-study on daily experiences and management in older adults with chronic diseases

Aims: To describe the cultural, interpersonal and personal experience of older adults with chronic diseases and to identify the strategies and support networks used by them in their daily environment for managing the disease. Methods: A qualitative meta-analitic study was developed in four stages: literature search, studies categorization, methodological quality assessment and results analysis. Results: A sample of 22 qualitative studies was obtained. The findings were organized into 4 categories: Compression of the condition, daily self-management, perception of health services and the caregiver´s daily life. Conclusions: The effort of older adults to achieve a new social and personal balance is articulated in self-management strategies that they use to face their sufferings. Interrelationships with health services, family and support networks are essential for chronicity management.