The maternal role of community-dwelling older women: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objective: To explore the maternal role through the subjective experiences of community-dwelling older mothers. Background: Participation in meaningful life roles is essential for older adults' health. Motherhood, a meaningful life role of many women, includes various activities, but research has not focused on this role at older age. This study was conceptually guided by the model of human occupation (MOHO), emphasizing interactions between individuals' occupational identity, occupational competence and environment. Method: A qualitative phenomenological method was used. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Healthy community-dwelling mothers aged 65 years and older with at least one child were interviewed using semistructured in-depth interviews, face-to-face or via video conference calls. Results and conclusion: Thirty-seven older mothers, aged 66 to 93 years, participated in this study. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim and inductive content analysis was conducted. Three main categories were identified: (a) transformation within the maternal role, (b) mothers' need for belonging and differentiation, and (c) motherhood within occupational identity. Findings reveal that the maternal role remained central to the older mothers. Their participation and identity evolved in response to their aging and their children's life transitions. Values unique to older mothers, such as uniting the family and preserving independence in daily activities, were identified. Implications: Barriers to older mothers' participation were identified—for example, wishing to unite the family but experiencing difficulties in organizing family gatherings due to age-related physical limitations. Implications to the health and well-being of older mothers are discussed.