Older Adults’ Perceptions of the Ageing Experience in Trinidad and Tobago
A Qualitative Study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 23309347 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Sasha Bernard (0009-0001-9524-9110, Loma Linda University, corresponding author), Diadrey‐Anne Sealy (0000-0001-9395-7888, Loma Linda University), W Lawrence Beeson (0000-0002-7415-6046, Loma Linda University), Naomi Modeste (0000-0002-1105-5424, Loma Linda University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 41 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Publication date | 2026-09-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0169-3816 • E-ISSN: 1573-0719 |
| Publisher | Springer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s10823-026-09592-x |
| PMID | 42484741 |
| OpenAlex | W7170039705 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 26 |
This study explores older adults’ perceptions of the ageing experience in Trinidad and Tobago, and gains insight into their self-perceptions of ageing. A concurrent mixed-methods approach was utilized, targeting older adults living in Trinidad or Tobago. For this paper, only the qualitative component of the study will be discussed. Thirty-eight (38) participants engaged in six focus group discussions about their physical, mental, and social health and ageing experiences. The focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed with MAXQDA software and themes found. Participants lived experiences were garnered from various aspects of their lives, including personal matters and cultural and societal influences with major themes such as ageism and disrespect, undesirable cultural norms, and fear of crime. Most themes reflected positive perceptions, including positive outlook on ageing, positive perceptions of one’s health, enjoying retirement, satisfaction with available resources, and spirituality/religion. Negative experiences focused on the health system and in navigating financial challenges. The findings of our study show the need for a change in the framing of age and ageing at both the individual and societal level and shows the relevance of continued societal participation and adequate health care among older adults for a healthy ageing society. Multilevel and multisector efforts are required to reduce everyday ageism and promote positive beliefs, practices, and policies related to aging and older adults.
Ageing · Focus group · Framing (construction) · Healthy ageing · Healthy aging · Life satisfaction · Older people · Perception · Qualitative research · Aging and Gerontology Research · Elder Abuse and Neglect · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving
Barriers to Social Participation among Lonely Older Adults
Ageism and Psychological Well-Being Among Older Adults
The Role of Religion, Spirituality and/or Belief in Positive Ageing for Older Adults
Snowball Sampling
Spirituality, religiosity, aging and health in global perspective
The Potential Public Health Relevance of Social Isolation and Loneliness
Social support in older people
Sample sizes for saturation in qualitative research
Primary care physicians’ identifying abuse of older adults in the small island state of Trinidad and Tobago
Active ageing’
Ageing, Leisure, and Social Connectedness
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |