Cognitive and Physical Ageing in Two Elderly Women: A Comparative Qualitative Case Study of Chronic Physical Illness and Alzheimer's Disease

Ageing trajectories differ widely: some older adults live with considerable physical illness yet keep their awareness and communication, while others experience progressive neurocognitive decline. This qualitative comparative case study examines two retired headmistresses, "Mary", who lives with chronic joint pain, cardiac and vestibular problems and preserved communication, and "Jaya", who has family-reported Alzheimer's disease and is fully care-dependent. Data came from interviews with each woman and with family members and caregivers (August-October 2026). Mary's autonomy persisted despite physical limitation, whereas Jaya's care depended on a family-coordinated, shared caregiving system. The cases show why later-life care must be individualised rather than based on age or diagnosis alone.