Experience as a Vulnerable Elderly Individual with Diabetes

Purpose: This phenomenological study was conducted to describe and understand the experience of vulnerable elderly individuals with diabetes by identifying the meanings and structures of the experience. Methods: The data were collected through in-depth interviews of six vulnerable elderly individuals with diabetes aged over 65 years. The interview data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and checked for accuracy. The Colaizzi's method of phenomenology was used to analyze the data. Results: Four theme clusters were extracted as follows: 'Life adversity', 'Adaptability to the life', 'Replacement of absence of family with social support', 'Difficulty of self-care'. Conclusion: The results provide an in-depth understanding of life experiences of vulnerable elderly individuals with diabetes. The findings will be useful to nurses caring for this population.