Dignity in Older People: A Systematic Review of Studies Download PDF

Introduction: With aging, preserving the dignity of our seniors as they succumb to aging has turned into an important concept in life. This concept was primarily formed in communication with others and guarantees personal health. Given the importance of this issue, this study examines the attributes of dignity in older people. Methods: This study is a type of systematic review. A comprehensive search in databases such as SID, Iranmedex, Magiran, Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus, Ovid, Google Scholar was performed using the keywords of Dignity, Dignified care, Aged, Older people, Senior Citizen, Pensionary, Retired, Elderly from 2006 to 2016. Results: After searching the databases, screening and qualitative assessments of studies were performed on 4 articles during the systematic review. Based on the findings, seven major concepts (respect, privacy, independence, social and family relationships, pain management, integrity, participation in self-care) and three sub concepts (social participation, unique treatment, and value) were identified which are indicative of the dignity of the elderly. Discussion: One of the important demands of the elderly is the need for dignity. This concept is very complex and is influenced by a wide variety of features. As one of the care providers to the client, nurses need to be aware of the dignity of the elderly. Improving the status of the elderly requires the provision of living conditions along with dignity, respect, and reverence for them.