Abstract

The purpose of this research was to explore the experience of restriction-freedom as described by older persons. The restriction-freedom phenomenon emerged in two prior investigations about meaning in later life. Many elderly persons described limitations due to physical impairments and diminishing opportunities. Yet, simultaneously, they also described freedoms related to discovery, learning, changing values, and time to do things differently. Freedom has been linked to dignity, self-affirmation, and future possibilities. There is an urgent need to explicate how older persons live the restriction-freedom paradox and how this rhythm relates to health and quality of life. ;The research design was phenomenological, in the generic sense, yet uniquely structured to flow from the assumptions and principles of Parse's theory of nursing. The researcher conducted in depth dialogues with 12 persons over the age of 75 about their restriction-freedom experiences. A rigorous process of analysis-synthesis generated the meaning structure of restriction-freedom. The structure was interpreted from Parse's theoretical perspective for the purpose of adding to the knowledge base of nursing science. ;The researcher identified three core concepts related to the experience of restriction-freedom, anticipating limitations, unencumbered self-direction, and yielding to change fortifies resolve for moving beyond. These concepts captured the universal meaning about the lived experience and when linked formed the structure of the experience which is the central finding. Findings are discussed in relation to participant descriptions and theoretical interpretation. This research, guided by Parse's theory, is one example of how researchers can expand nursing's unique knowledge base about the human-health interrelationship