Profile and Needs of Older People in Contemporary Society: A Multi-Centre Focus Group Discussions Study in 6 EU Countries

Abstract

Background. The increased comorbidities among older people are related to the longer life expectancy and the way a condition is defined. People who live longer and remain healthy express different needs from older people of previous decades. Objective. This study aims to present the profile of the older person in contemporary society and the careworkers’ humanistic training needs. Methodology. The focus group methodology was selected. Twelve focus groups consisted of 69 participants over 60 years old in total and six focus groups of 41 careworkers in total, from Italy, Portugal, Finland, Romania, UK, and Cyprus, were conducted. A content analysis was used. Results. A profile of the older person living in the above stated countries was revealed with the “New Old” being financially independent, active with a healthy lifestyle, more informed and educated in relation to the past, liking social interactions, open-minded to new relationships, volunteering for nonfor-profit associations, using technology, or wanting to learn how to use. However, older people in these countries were still experiencing ageism (discrimination, ignorance, and social exclusion) and lack of respect. Care workers also expressed their views in relation to the training needs that meets this new profile of older people including basic nursing skills, daily living activities, humanistic, person-centered care, social skills, and ICT competence. International Journal of Caring Sciences May-August 2023 Volume 16| Issue 2| Page 541 www.internationaljournalofcaringsciences.org Conclusions. This multicenter focus group discussions study promoted the concept of the older person in contemporary society and the importance of humanistic care. A new definition of the older person and an adaptation of the training curricula for careworkers Job certification including the person-centered approach is required.