Foster Parent Experience: The Later Years.

FOSTER home care; AGE distribution; ATTITUDE (Psychology); FAMILIES; HEALTH status indicators; INTERGENERATIONAL relations; INTERVIEWING; RESEARCH methodology; MOTIVATION (Psychology); SOUND recordings; VALUES (Ethics); SOCIAL support; THEMATIC analysis; FOSTER parents; DESCRIPTIVE statistics; ECONOMICS; PSYCHOLOGY

In this qualitative study, 37 foster parents over the age of 62 from were interviewed to gain an in-depth understanding of their experiences. Older foster parents were healthy, personally flexible, and adaptable. Analysis of interviews revealed several unique themes, including: the desire to help and make a difference; the continuation of family; the influence of spouses on motivation; the desire to contribute to the well-being of younger generations; the expression of personal values; the importance of having support; the influence of stamina on activities; the roles of society and change; and the understanding that being older is a strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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