Relocation in older adults: a concept analysis

Abstract

Background/aims: Aging is commonly paired with a series of physical, psychological, social, and spiritual changes in life and these conditions might cause temporary relocation in older adults. This study aimed to analyze and define the concept of relocation in older adults. Methods/design: Walker and Avant’s approach was used for concept analysis. Electronic text searches were performed using valid databases with “relocation in older adults” keywords. The research included quantitative and qualitative studies related to relocation in older adults published between 1974 and 2024 in English and Persian. Out of 85 obtained articles, 14 met the inclusion criteria. Results: The authors identified understanding relocation conditions, preparing and planning for relocation, receiving adequate emotional and socioeconomic support, maintaining individual-family involvement, and managing physical and mental conditions are the attributes of the determinants of relocation in older adults. Antecedents were divided into two categories, including the physical conditions of the elderly person and the main factors related to their health and illnesses. The consequences were also identified as both positive (e.g. independency) and negative (e.g. isolation). Discussion: This study explained the defining attributes of relocation in older adults and its various applications in the related literature in order to provide a comprehensive definition to operationalize and measure this concept. Conclusions: The results of the concept analysis of relocation in older adults revealed a comprehensive insight into this concept. Successful relocation in the older adults is achieved by considering the physical, personal, social, economic, and psychological aspects, and the preparation and planning of the older adults.