The Meaning of Personal Possessions During Late Life Transiions

Bethany Knox

Date of Award

2004

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Rosel, Natalie

Keywords

Late Life, Personal Belongings, Relocation

Area of Concentration

Sociology

Abstract

The move to an assisted living facility in late life not only means the loss of familiar surroundings, and possibly familiar social networks, but also accentuates the loss of physical and cognitive abilities that occur in late life. Research has focused on the role of social support, both within the facility and continuing support from ties outside the facility, in coping with these losses and aiding adjustment to the this change in lifestyle. The role of personal possessions in the transition to residing in an assisted living facility has not been thoroughly addressed in previous research. The purpose of my study was to explore the meanings assigned to personal possessions by elderly individuals after a move to an assisted living facility, and specifically to explore the elderly's use of objects to aid in the transition to the assisted living facility. Six women, ages 79-96, who have moved to an assisted living facility within the past eighteen months, were interviewed about their personal possessions and their new residences. The women's personal belongings often represented connections with others, the past, or self identity. Personal belongings also provided a sense of continuity as the women focused on adjusting to their new environment.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS