Health education experiences of older adults with chronic disease

Objective: This study describes the health education experiences of older adults with chronic disease (CD). Design: A qualitative study employing a phenomenological approach. Setting: Municipalities of Central Region of Cundinamarca Colombia. Participants: The study was conducted through face-to-face semi-structured interviews. A total of 40 older adults participated in the study. Methods: Data were collected through interviews, which were then coded and analyzed using ATLAS.ti software. Results: The analysis revealed three main themes: Older adults became aware of their CD through initial signs and symptoms and reflections on previous lifestyle habits. After diagnosis, they managed CD through new activities and routines including pharmacologic treatment, health check-ups, and regular clinical tests. Treatment adherence was influenced by personal experiences and the adoption of new lifestyle habits. Conclusions: The changes experienced by older adults implied a learning process influenced by their individual history, experiences, and external factors like family support. The findings provide valuable insights for designing health education strategies aimed at improving the empowerment of older adults in their healthcare process.