Older adults living in nursing homes experience aging markedly differently from those residing in the community, according to comparative qualitative research conducted in Ankara, Turkiye. Through thematic analysis, researchers identified four overarching themes and nine subthemes capturing these divergent perspectives: making sense of aging between loss and personal growth, navigating the emotional landscape of aging, maintaining agency and connection through everyday participation, and looking ahead while preserving independence amid uncertainty. While individuals across both living environments described aging in terms of change, adaptation, interpersonal relationships, and concerns regarding independence, their daily realities shaped contrasting outlooks.

Accounts from nursing home residents placed particular emphasis on physical decline, feelings of loneliness, dependency, and persistent uncertainty regarding the future. In contrast, accounts from community-dwelling participants highlighted accumulated life experience, personal independence, sustained social connection, and continuity in their everyday lives. Substantial differences also emerged in how older adults across the two environments characterized their access to everyday activities, social participation, personal autonomy, and expectations looking forward.

The comparative qualitative descriptive study involved 40 older adults aged 65 to 77 years, comprising 20 nursing home residents and 20 community-dwelling individuals. Investigators gathered data through face-to-face, semi-structured individual interviews guided by a 10-question protocol. Each session lasted approximately 20 to 30 minutes and was audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim before undergoing Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis framework.

The study authors concluded that aging experiences reflect not only chronological age and health status, but also physical and social living contexts, available opportunities for autonomy, and active social participation. Based on participants’ accounts, the findings underscore the importance of person-centered approaches designed to foster autonomy, psychological well-being, and meaningful social engagement tailored to the specific needs of older adults across varied living environments.

Subject of Research: Aging experiences of older adults in nursing homes versus community living

Article Title: Comparing the aging experiences of older adults living in nursing homes and in the community: a qualitative study

Article References: Elmas, Ö., & Cemali, M. (2026). Comparing the aging experiences of older adults living in nursing homes and in the community: a qualitative study. BMC Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-026-05644-2

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1186/s12912-026-05644-2

Keywords: aging experiences, older adults, nursing homes, community-dwelling adults, qualitative research, thematic analysis, autonomy, social participation, Comparing, aging, experiences, older