Abstract

Introduction: To find life meaningful for retired persons living with serious illness and loss of partners is still possible though advanced age. Affiliation and complicity, meeting new neighbours because of mowing from home to a new elderly home and being social active is important for their health. Objective: To identify what the participants think is important in their surroundings in order to extend their healthy life period.
Study design: A follow up study from the first study held with 19 persons in 2009 and 2010. Sample: Four persons living in their own home were interviewed during 2016.
Methods: A qualitative and semi-structured interview-guide with participants. Data is analyzed by qualitative content analysis by Kvale.
Result: The persons have the last seven years experienced being more depending to help and support from others because of increased needs.
Conclusion: Life goes on in spite of severe illness and loss of one`s partner. It seems to be important to take up old habits and hobbies. To participate in social activities with like-minded peers sharing the same values and the same way of thinking gives life new meaning, health and motivates them to recover.

Keywords: Participation; Aging; Social activities; Illness