Sources and expressions of inner strength among old people who have experienced a crisis in life associated with a disease

Abstract

Inner strength is reported as an important resource associated with aging, health, and disease management. The aim was to explore inner strength in people ( n = 12) aged 65 years and older, who had experienced a crisis in life associated with a disease. The participants had self-rated their inner strength as high. We found that sources of inner strength were mutual love and support, and the fact that tough times have been managed before. Expressions of inner strength comprised focusing on possibilities instead of brooding, facing and take an active part in care and treatment, and being able to confront reality and pick yourself up again. Inner strength is a complex phenomenon. Increased knowledge of inner strength can serve as an aid in efforts to identify the need to promote inner strength.