<p>Older adults with dwarfism, marked by restricted growth, pose unique healthcare experiences due to the intersection of aging and disability. The prevalence of ascribed disability identities, occurrence of age-induced ailments and development of co-morbidities had increased their risk of functional mobility. Also, the attitudinal and infrastructural barriers limit their access to healthcare systems. Having said that, very little attention has been directed toward capturing the experiences of older adults with dwarfism in relation to healthcare settings. Hence, a descriptive qualitative investigation was carried with nine older adults with dwarfism selected through criterion sampling technique. The data gathered through semi-structured guide were then transcribed and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's six-stage thematic analysis approach. The following three themes represented the participants’ healthcare experiences: <i>‘Frailty: Fear of functional limitations,’ ‘Indignity: Interaction with healthcare practitioners’ and ‘Invisibility: Access to healthcare.’</i> The findings demonstrated their desire to remain self-sufficient amidst age-induced physical limitations, emphasized the instances of condescension during medical interactions and finally reflected on the persistent accessibility barriers in healthcare facilities. Ultimately, this paper highlights the need for an interdisciplinary approach that fosters disability-inclusive practices, training the practitioners on dwarfism-specific health needs and improving accessibility in healthcare settings, thereby promoting equitable health care.</p>

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Aging with dwarfism: exploring their healthcare experiences in later life

  • Zuvairiya Nassar,
  • Silpa G. Nair,
  • M. Swethashri,
  • Sampath Kumar Srinivasan

摘要

Older adults with dwarfism, marked by restricted growth, pose unique healthcare experiences due to the intersection of aging and disability. The prevalence of ascribed disability identities, occurrence of age-induced ailments and development of co-morbidities had increased their risk of functional mobility. Also, the attitudinal and infrastructural barriers limit their access to healthcare systems. Having said that, very little attention has been directed toward capturing the experiences of older adults with dwarfism in relation to healthcare settings. Hence, a descriptive qualitative investigation was carried with nine older adults with dwarfism selected through criterion sampling technique. The data gathered through semi-structured guide were then transcribed and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's six-stage thematic analysis approach. The following three themes represented the participants’ healthcare experiences: ‘Frailty: Fear of functional limitations,’ ‘Indignity: Interaction with healthcare practitioners’ and ‘Invisibility: Access to healthcare.’ The findings demonstrated their desire to remain self-sufficient amidst age-induced physical limitations, emphasized the instances of condescension during medical interactions and finally reflected on the persistent accessibility barriers in healthcare facilities. Ultimately, this paper highlights the need for an interdisciplinary approach that fosters disability-inclusive practices, training the practitioners on dwarfism-specific health needs and improving accessibility in healthcare settings, thereby promoting equitable health care.