Impact of military service on physical health later in life: a qualitative study of geriatric UK veterans and non-veterans.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Military veterans often experience physical health problems in later life; however, it remains unclear whether these problems are due to military service or are a feature of the ageing process. This study aimed to explore veteran and non-veteran perceptions of the impact of their occupation on their physical well-being later in life.

Design

Semi-structured qualitative interviews analysed using thematic analysis.

Setting

Interviews were conducted face-to-face in participants' homes or via telephone.

Participants

35 veterans (≥65 years), 25 non-veterans (≥65 years) were recruited, as well as a close companion of all participants for triangulation (n=60).

Results

Most veterans reported good physical health later in life which they attributed to t

SUBMITTER: Williamson V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6661607 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature