The Essence of Young Elderly Active Lifestyle: A Phenomenological Approach

Abstract

Objectives. A quality housing environment reflects a sense of convenience among its residence through physical characteristics such as housing conditions and availability of certain facilities. A housing environment that promotes active lifestyle has become a vital research objective.

Methods. We employed a phenomenological research to explore the meaning and essence of having an active lifestyle from the standpoint of 12 young elderly aged 60-75 years residing in two neighbourhoods in Malaysia. The phenomenological data presented description of how these young elderly maintain an active lifestyle. The account provided information about their lived experience of being both physically and socially active and why they valued maintaining an active lifestyle.

Results. Findings suggest that gender has no influence on maintaining an active lifestyle; rather the neighbourhood environmental factors fostered their physical and social activity. Young elderly have learned to maintain an active lifestyle by being aware of the importance of being active at an older age.

Discussion. The evidence suggests that active lifestyle has positive effects on young elderly health and well-being. The essence of the experience is staying occupied and that staying occupied has the potential to be both physically and socially active.

Keywords: Active lifestyle, neighbourhood environmental factors, phenomenology, young elderly.