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Cultural Meanings, Spiritual Adaptation, and Communal Resilience Following Spousal Loss Among Older Adults: An Ethnographic Study Ariyanti, Sri; Jiu, Cau Kim; Anggarawati, Tuti; Pertiwi, Gracia Herni; Sastrini, Yovita Erin
Journal of Applied Nursing and Health Vol. 8 No. 2 (2026): Journal of Applied Nursing and Health
Publisher : Chakra Brahmanda Lentera Institute

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.55018/janh.v8i2.671

Abstract

Background: Spousal loss represents a significant life transition in later life, often influencing psychological well-being, social functioning, and personal identity. In rural Indonesian communities, bereavement is embedded within sociocultural contexts where spiritual beliefs, family obligations, and communal caregiving traditions shape how older adults experience and respond to loss. Despite growing attention to bereavement among older populations, ethnographic evidence examining culturally grounded adaptation processes in rural Indonesian settings remains limited. This study aimed to explore the cultural meanings of spousal loss and the adaptation experiences of older adults residing in rural Indonesian communities. Methods: A qualitative ethnographic design guided by Spradley’s ethnographic tradition was employed. Eighteen older adults who had experienced spousal loss were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected during six months of field engagement using in-depth interviews, participant observation, field notes, and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed through thematic ethnographic analysis to identify culturally embedded patterns of meaning and adaptation. Results: Four interconnected themes emerged: spiritual acceptance of spousal loss, cultural values fostering resilience, communal caregiving practices, and loneliness after bereavement. Informants understood spousal loss not only as an emotional experience but also as a sociocultural and spiritual transition. Adaptation was facilitated through religious practices, family responsibilities, collective caregiving traditions, and community support, while loneliness and the loss of emotional companionship remained enduring challenges. Conclusion: Adaptation to spousal loss among older adults is deeply influenced by cultural values, spirituality, and community relationships. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of culturally embedded bereavement processes and provide a foundation for future cross-cultural and intervention-based research addressing grief and adaptation in later life.
Analysis of Family Knowledge about Health Diet and Nutritional Status among The Elderly Pertiwi, Gracia Herni; Sastrini, Yovita Erin; Jiu, Cau Kim; Ariyanti, Sri
Journal of Nursing Care Vol 9, No 2 (2026): Journal of Nursing Care
Publisher : Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.24198/jnc.v9i2.67105

Abstract

The increasing number of elderly people has an impact on the increase in specific problems that occur in the elderly, one of which is nutritional problems. An important aspect that families must have is adequate knowledge in preparing balance nutritional needs. If nutritional needs are not met in a balanced manner, health problems can occur in the elderly. Diseases or health problems among the elderly can lead them to limit their food intake, thereby worsening their condition. Restricting food due to dietary restrictions imposed by their condition will lead to a lack of nutrients the body needs. This study aims to determine families’ knowledge about healthy diets and nutritional, status in the elderly This research method used a descriptive-analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. The study population consisted of families with elderly members aged ≥ 55 years who voluntarily participated. The sample included families who accompanied or lived with the elderly. The respondents’ ages ranged from ≥ 26 years, and a total of 57 families with elderly members aged ≥ 55 years or older voluntarily participated in this study. The analysis in this study used univariate analysis to determine the frequency distribution and bivariate analysis using the Chi-Square test. The analysis was conducted for each family knowledge category and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Based on the distribution of family knowledge about healthy diets, 39 respondent were in the good category, 33 respondent had a normal nutritional status. Family is also an important factor in the lives of the elderly. Statistical analysis results show that there is a relationship between family knowledge about healthy diets and nutritional status fulfillment in the elderly. The results of this study indicate that there is a correlation between the level of knowledge possessed by families and the nutritional status of elderly individuals. Families with sufficient knowledge are able to provide meals that take into account the types of food, frequency of meals, and daily menus for elderly individuals in order to maintain their nutritional status within the good or normal range.