Concept analysis of well-dying among older adults living alone in the community: A hybrid model approach

PURPOSE: With the increasing trends of an aging population and the rise in single-person households, understanding the concept of well-dying among older adults living alone has become increasingly important. This study aimed to systematically identify the concept of well-dying among older adults living alone. METHODS: Schwartz-Barcott and Kim's hybrid model for concept analysis was employed. In the theoretical phase, a literature review of 1,020 publications was conducted, and 13 relevant articles were selected. In the fieldwork phase, in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 older adults living alone, and the data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. In the final analytical phase, findings from the theoretical and fieldwork phases were synthesized to define the concept and identify its attributes. RESULTS: The concept of well-dying, as perceived by older adults living alone, is a comprehensive construct encompassing both preparation for death and the dying experience itself. Participants defined well-dying as 'living independently with health and meaning until the end of life, positively accepting death as a natural process, proactively preparing for death in concrete ways, and ultimately experiencing a dignified and comfortable death without loneliness.' CONCLUSION: The findings of this study provide meaningful insights for gerontological nursing practice and health policy development aimed at supporting older adults living alone. These results offer a foundation for designing individualized nursing interventions and community-based programs that promote well-dying, and suggest the need for future validation research in diverse cultural contexts.