Applying Salutogenesis in Residential Care Settings

Abstract

This chapter focuses on aged and highly aged patients who have long and rather comprehensive contacts with healthcare institutions of long-term care, either in residential aged care or in community-dwelling. Therefore, it is well accepted in the literature that a salutogenic orientation and health promotion measures could contribute to the quality of life, well-being, and health of this group. Furthermore, a good sense of coherence (SOC) can be considered as a positive resource for coping with the physical, mental, and social challenges and transitions related to aging. But the state of descriptive research on salutogenesis focusing not only on residents but also somewhat less so on community dwellers is still scarce and has mostly been conducted in few countries. Concerning intervention research only very few studies have specifically applied salutogenic principles to promote positive health among older people. In light of this scarce research situation, the authors make recommendations for further research in this relevant and growing area of health care.