What Supports Older Canadians to Age in Place? An Integrative Review

Abstract

Background: Older adults working to age in place (AIP) work to balance the challenges and supports needed and they do so because ageing in place potentially contributes to a high quality of life. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the challenges and supports needed for older Canadians to age in place. Methods: This study applied Whittemore and Knafl’ integrative literature review methodology and used PRISMA reporting. A quality assessment on the included articles was conducted, using the Mixed Methods Assessment Tool. Results: Themes developed from analysis included home, community, transportation, support, health, and personal characteristics. The key finding is the intersection of factors affecting aging in place, and the complex interplay between them. Older persons navigate the challenges of ageing in place in order to maintain their independence, autonomy, and to avoid residential care. Conclusion: Ageing in place needs to be tailored to individual older persons as they are a heterogeneous group. The diversity of older persons contributes to disparities of access to resources that support AIP. More research is needed to understand the diverse experiences and needs of older persons and how government and healthcare can better support older adults in their work to AIP. Implications for practice: When assessing older persons, nurses should ask questions about informal and formal supports, access to healthcare, transportation options, and their financial barriers as they have an impact on ageing in place.