DEAF SIGN LANGUAGE USERS - Prevalence and Aspects of Quality of Life in Old Age

Very little is known about the consequences of aging and the wellbeing of deaf sign language users. This thesis contributes to filling this knowledge gap. The overarching aim was to gain further understanding and to increase the knowledge about quality of life, in terms of subjective wellbeing and health, activity and social contacts, among older deaf sign language users. After having established the prevalence (0.7 per thousand) of deaf sign language users living in a defined geographical district (Scania, Sweden), it targeted those deaf sign language users that were 65 years or older. The data collection was based on a combination of interviews in sign language - a unique feature of this thesis - with 45 deaf sign language users and established assessment instruments. This sample reported high levels of subjective wellbeing despite many ill-health symptoms and functional limitations. Furthermore, this sample reported more depressive and tension symptoms and was more dependent in daily activities than older hearing people, at the same time as they reported higher values on perceived health. Within the sample, there was a negative relationship between ill-health and productive activities, but a positive one between leisure activities and subjective wellbeing. Social activities at the deaf club were the sole category of activity that was related to subjective wellbeing. The results of this thesis point to the importance for older deaf sign language users' wellbeing of being able to relate to the deaf community and a sign-language-speaking environment. Such an interpretation has implications for health care providers and for occupational therapy practice. According to this view, older deaf sign language users should, if such measures are needed, reside together and encounter personnel with sign-language-speaking competence.