“I don't take it for granted now”: A thematic analysis of healthism in older adults

Karli E Budge

Healthism is an ideology that frames health as a matter of individual responsibility and moral obligation while downplaying other factors that can determine health outcomes such as social, genetic and environmental factors. The current study examined the influence of healthism on older adults’ perceptions of their health and body. Thirteen participants completed online questionnaires containing 11-items related to health and the body. Theoretical thematic analysis of the data revealed four themes. The first theme Health literacy: what is to be done about health identifies healthist constructions around what individuals perceive as needed to maintain their health. The second theme “Functionality”: the ability to do what needs to be done revealed functional ability is perceived as an important indicator of health for the self and others. The third theme Gendered differences across the lifespan examined perceived differences in expectations of health for males and females which persist throughout the lifespan and identified a practical approach to bodily changes with age. In the last theme Health is more than the physical body health outcomes are attributed to more than just lifestyle choices but extend to aspects of positive mental health and social engagement. Findings suggest healthism is reproduced in several ways in older adults’ perceptions of their health and body. However, a pragmatic approach to health and bodily changes facilitates resistance to some negative aspects of healthism. Importance placed on other life domains might have implications for reframing health concerns that are more inclusive for all. Keywords: qualitative, healthism, older adults, perceptions, health

“I don't take it for granted now”: A thematic analysis of healthism in older adults

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