Everyday lives of older people living with multiple long-term conditions: A photo-elicitation exploration

Background<br/>Globally, ageing populations have increased the number of older adults living with multiple long-term conditions, resulting in healthcare redesign and recognition that first-person perspectives are vital to inform meaningful service transformation. This study answered the call for research with a population whose voices are not always sought, to explore ‘everyday life’ in the context of being older and living with multiple long-term conditions at home.<br/><br/>Methodology<br/>Interpretive hermeneutic phenomenology shaped the study’s design. Eight Caucasian participants recruited from community groups in West Yorkshire (aged 66-93) took photos that illustrated their everyday lives. These were explored through photo-elicited interviews and reflexive data analysis.<br/><br/>Findings<br/>Everyday life had become a balancing act, and occupational participation was more difficult. Participants were thoughtfully and positively adjusting to the impacts of ageing with long-term conditions through occupational adaptation to live their life – their way. Five interlinked themes illustrated the findings: Confronting precariousness, Loss of anticipated everyday life, At the mercy of others, Journey of transition, and What matters to me.<br/><br/>Discussion<br/>Participants shaped everyday life in community, social, and home environments through occupational choices and personal adaptation aligned with their values and priorities. Participation was sometimes disrupted and vulnerability illuminated by ageing, invisible illness, and others’ well-meaning actions, including moments within healthcare contexts.<br/><br/>Conclusion<br/>This study offers new insights into how older adults with long-term conditions engage in occupational adaptation to live life on their own terms. As ageing populations grow, further first-person research with demographically diverse older adults is needed to deepen understanding of everyday participation in later life.