Life experience of older women with chronic conditions: Flow and Balance as a coping resource.

CHRONIC diseases & psychology; PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation; ATTITUDE (Psychology); EMOTIONS; POSTURAL balance; EXPERIENCE; INTERPERSONAL relations; INTERVIEWING; LEISURE; LIFE; PSYCHOLOGICAL stress; WOMEN'S health; QUALITATIVE research; PHYSICAL activity

In this qualitative study we explored the experience and meaning of participating in Flow and Balance (FAB) in older women with chronic illness. A total of 11 participants were recruited for in-depth interviews. The findings demonstrated that participation in FAB helps cope with chronic illness and daily stress. Specifically, three themes emerged from the analysis: (a) developing positive emotions, (b) building meaningful relationships, and (c) feeling grateful in everyday life. Our findings are consistent with the existing literature that leisure-time physical activities play an important role in finding personal meaning in life for older adults living with chronic illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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