<p>Old people's life situation when receiving municipal help and care in theirlast period of life is sparsely investigated from their own perspective. Thepurpose of this study was focused on the thoughts of the aged people andtheir personal experiences on what quality is within the geriatric care. Inthis qualitative study, 10 elderly people aged 75-90 years wereinterviewed from 3 different nursing homes within Solna Municipality.Qualitative interviews, with the emphasis on their present life situationespecially what brought about a good life, were performed. The interviewswere analysed using qualitative content analysis. The implication of theterm “meaningful existence” is individual and differs from person toperson. This study has identified six categories that could lead to ameaningful existence for the elderly living in nursing homes. These were:to feel secure, maintaining self determination, maintaining relations, to berespected, to feel comfort and to be active. In conclusion it was found thata meaningful existence, what ever it may be to the single individual, isimportant the quality of life for the elderly person residing in nursing homes.</p>

Old people's life situation when receiving municipal help and care in theirlast period of life is sparsely investigated from their own perspective. Thepurpose of this study was focused on the thoughts of the aged people andtheir personal experiences on what quality is within the geriatric care. Inthis qualitative study, 10 elderly people aged 75-90 years wereinterviewed from 3 different nursing homes within Solna Municipality.Qualitative interviews, with the emphasis on their present life situationespecially what brought about a good life, were performed. The interviewswere analysed using qualitative content analysis. The implication of theterm “meaningful existence” is individual and differs from person toperson. This study has identified six categories that could lead to ameaningful existence for the elderly living in nursing homes. These were:to feel secure, maintaining self determination, maintaining relations, to berespected, to feel comfort and to be active. In conclusion it was found thata meaningful existence, what ever it may be to the single individual, isimportant the quality of life for the elderly person residing in nursing homes.