Later-life Self-Perceptions of Aging in Place Within the Community
Faculty Department
Nursing
Presentation Type
Powerpoint
Location
Larini Room
Start Date
25-2-2026 11:05 AM
End Date
25-2-2026 11:20 AM
Description (Abstract)
Later-life Self-Perceptions of Aging in Place Within the Community
Susan Ann Vitale, PhD, RN, PNP, ANP; Lisa Ann Lumley, PhD, RNC-NIC, NPD-BC; Kathleen Casler, MS, RN, NPD-BC, PhDc; Molloy University, School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Background: Published literature encompasses a range of topics related to aging, including perspectives on successful and healthy aging. Self-perception, healthy functioning, and planning for aging in a community residence were not clearly defined in the published literature.
Aim: The research question for this study was: How do aging individuals perceive their overall healthy functioning and plans for aging within their community?
Method: The study was conducted in 2025 using the three-phase method of Schwartz-Barcott and Kim’s Hybrid Concept Model (Schwartz-Barcott & Kim, 2000). In the theoretical phase, databases were searched for publications related to aging and community residence. In the Fieldwork Phase ten qualitative interviews were conducted with community-residing individuals aged 60 or older. Thematic analysis was conducted. In the final phase, the findings from the theoretical and fieldwork phases were integrated.
Results: A hybrid concept analysis was developed. The antecedents, attributes, and consequences identified in the literature were similar to those found in the participant interview data.
Conclusion: This research provides insight into how adults aged 60 and older perceive their healthy functioning and planning process for continuing to reside in their community. Nursing and health professionals need to understand such perspectives to assist older adults as they age and plan for their future.
Keywords
older adults, community residing, planning for aging in place, healthy functioning
Related Pillar(s)
Community
Later-life Self-Perceptions of Aging in Place Within the Community
Larini Room
Later-life Self-Perceptions of Aging in Place Within the Community
Susan Ann Vitale, PhD, RN, PNP, ANP; Lisa Ann Lumley, PhD, RNC-NIC, NPD-BC; Kathleen Casler, MS, RN, NPD-BC, PhDc; Molloy University, School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Background: Published literature encompasses a range of topics related to aging, including perspectives on successful and healthy aging. Self-perception, healthy functioning, and planning for aging in a community residence were not clearly defined in the published literature.
Aim: The research question for this study was: How do aging individuals perceive their overall healthy functioning and plans for aging within their community?
Method: The study was conducted in 2025 using the three-phase method of Schwartz-Barcott and Kim’s Hybrid Concept Model (Schwartz-Barcott & Kim, 2000). In the theoretical phase, databases were searched for publications related to aging and community residence. In the Fieldwork Phase ten qualitative interviews were conducted with community-residing individuals aged 60 or older. Thematic analysis was conducted. In the final phase, the findings from the theoretical and fieldwork phases were integrated.
Results: A hybrid concept analysis was developed. The antecedents, attributes, and consequences identified in the literature were similar to those found in the participant interview data.
Conclusion: This research provides insight into how adults aged 60 and older perceive their healthy functioning and planning process for continuing to reside in their community. Nursing and health professionals need to understand such perspectives to assist older adults as they age and plan for their future.
Short Biography
Susan Vitale is a Professor of Nursing at Molloy. She is active in qualitative research endeavors within the PhD doctoral program. This research study was designed with co-investigators, Lisa Lumley and Kathleen Casler, on the later-life self-perceptions of individuals planning to age in place within the community.
Lisa Ann Lumley is an Assistant Professor in Nursing at Molloy University while continuing in practice at South Shore University Hospital, Northwell Health, as Assistant Director of Nursing. Her dissertation was a qualitative research study, and she remains actively involved in qualitative research activities within the doctoral program.
Kathleen Casler is a PhD candidate in Nursing at Molloy. Her dissertation research is on a sense of purpose in nursing. She has been an active co-investigator in addition to using NVivo for this study.