Iðjuþjálfinn - 01.06.2001, Blaðsíða 31

elderly? Are there differences in the atti-
tudes and beliefs toward autonomy and
paternalism of older persons living in
senior housing complexes and of those
living in their homes in the community?
Score means, means, standard deviations
and percentages describe the beliefs of
the elderly toward autonomy and pater-
nalism, T-tests, chi-square computations
were used to see if significant differences
existed between groups.
• Results: In this study the Icelandic
elderly from the greater Reykjavik area
supported autonomy and held neutral
beliefs toward patemalism in general
and in all subtypes and caregiving situa-
tions. Significant differences were found
between the two elderly groups. Elderly
living at home indicated stronger beliefs
on the autonomy scale compared to those
living in senior housing complexes.
Elderly women held stronger beliefs in
autonomy, while elderly men held
stronger paternalistic beliefs than did the
women. Married subjects were more
autonomous than were the single respon-
dents. Senior housing elders were gener-
ally older and in poorer health, and in
lower economical and occupational situa-
tions.
• Discussion: Much is yet to be
explored since little or no research exists
in Iceland on autonomy and paternalism
or caregiving issues in general. It remains
to be seen if trends found in this study
will remain or change in the context of
the rapid cultural changes occurring par-
ticularly in the urban Reykjavík area. It
may be interesting to examine if beliefs
in autonomy and paternalism change at
certain points in life. Future research is
also needed to determine if the expecta-
tions of the elderly change as their health
becomes poorer, if there are differences
in beliefs between different age groups of
elderly and if there are differences in
autonomous beliefs between caregiving
dyads. Turning from the elder to the
caregiver, it is also important to consider
the respect for the autonomy of the care-
givers and the caregivers'rights also need
to be studied. The cultural concept of
caregiving also needs to be defined, espe-
cially in context to the shared reciprocity
within the Icelandic family. For instance,
where does shared reciprocity end and
caregiving begin?
Without understanding and knowl-
edge of elderly autonomy it would be
difficult for health care professionals to
give relevant support to their elderly
clients. In order to add to the knowledge
base of Icelandic occupational therapy it
is recommended that autonomy and
paternalism in relation to caregiving of
the elderly be included in the academic
program and continuing education for
Icelandic occupational therapists and
occupational therapy students.
Höfundur er iðjuþjálfi MS og starfar
sem forstöðuiðjuþjálfi á Landspítala
háskólasjúkrahúsi í Fossvogi
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