Over the next few decades the number of senior citizens in our nation will increase by more than 80%. People are living longer, but are often sicker. Historically, inconsistencies between quality of life perceptions held by the older adult and those of healthcare professionals have existed and continue to exist. The purpose of this study is to examine and identify differences between the older adult and the advance practice nurse's perceptions of duality of life in older age. The framework for the study will be based on the Theory of Gerotranscendence. The sample will consist of 75 nurse practitioners and 75 older adults. Subjects for the older adult sample will be identified through membership of the Council on Aging of an urban area of an Ohio city. The sample of nurse practitioners will be identified through membership of the Ohio State Board of Nursing. Data will be gathered through the, Quality of Life Inventory (QOLI) (Frisch, 1994) and the Life Satisfaction Index (LSI-Z) (Wood et al., 1969). Permission will be obtained from Ball State University to conduct the study. The selected older adults and the nurse practitioners will receive an invitation to participate in the study. A letter explaining the study and the voluntary nature of the study will be given to all subjects. All names will remain confidential and data will be anonymous.The significance of this study stems from the fact that healthcare professionals are seeing an increase in their older adult patient segment. With this population increase, there is a needed congruency with regards to the older adults' ideal or perceived quality of life and the healthcare providers' perception of the older adults' quality of life. These issues must be addressed by both in order to receive/deliver the type of care congruent with the older adults' wishes and with respect to the patient's dignity. The older adult must be able to convey to his/her healthcare provider what they consider acceptable quality of life. In turn, the healthcare provider takes this information and plans care modalities to help maintain the maximum quality of life each individual is capable of, depending on their current health and individual expectations.
Research Papers [5100] Research papers submitted to the Graduate School by Ball State University master's degree candidates in partial fulfillment of degree requirements.