TABLE 3.
Structure of themes, categories and codes
| Theme | Categories | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| My life still has value and meaning | I want to engage in meaningful activities | Keeping busy |
| Spending time purposefully | ||
| I want to be an active part of society | Social engagement | |
| Getting involved | ||
| Being put aside and forgotten | ||
| I want them to look at me as a human being | Say my piece | |
| Respect my dignity | ||
| I am my own unique individual | I want to manage myself | Do it myself |
| Do not want to be a burden | ||
| What defines me is what matters | My own environment and habits | |
| Memories that shaped me | ||
| Relationship to religion | ||
| I place my trust in other people | I appreciate professionals who care for me | Valuing caregivers |
| Having a connection | ||
| Unburden loved ones | ||
| Providing information | ||
| Others will know what is best for me | Others will know | |
| What would I do without them? | Directed by others | |
| What to do without them | ||
| The future worries me | I am in a tough spot | Confronted by decline |
| It is about me now | ||
| Tough world for older people | ||
| I am keeping the future at a distance | At a safe distance | |
| Staying at home for now | ||
| I accept and embrace what life brings | I am letting go | Acceptance |
| Ways to cope | ||
| Nothing more to ask for | ||
| This is all I hope for | Hope | |
| Content with this life | ||
| The future is now | ||
| Carrying on | ||
| It ends for all of us some day | Not a taboo topic | |
| The future will tell | ||
| All taken care of |