Environmental Press in Older Adults From the Perspective of Gerontological Nursing: A Concept Analysis

Background: As adults age, most aspects of their living environment, physical and mental health, personal relationships and perspectives on life change. The ability of older adults to adapt to this myriad of physical and social changes, known as environmental press, is important for maintaining autonomy and well-being as they age. Understanding the concept of environmental press for older adults could improve person-centred care provided by gerontological nurses. Aim: To analyse the concept of environmental press in relation to aging older adults and gerontological nursing. Methods: Walker and Avant's 8-step method of concept analysis was used to examine and understand the theoretical framework of Environmental Press for older adults as it applies to gerontological nursing. A search of databases (PubMed, Library of Congress, WILEY Online Library, EBSCO, ProQuest and Scopus) with the key words “environmental” and “press” and “older” and “person” in titles and abstracts identified 169 studies. Removal of duplicates and screening of 139 abstracts produced 15 full-text articles. A total of eight articles related to environmental press were analysed for this study. Results: Three defining attributes for the concept of environmental press were identified that could help gerontology nurses provide person-centred care for aging older adults: (1) their internal and external environments; (2) their social and physical environments; and (3) their physical and psychological competence. These attributes can positively or negatively influence environmental press and outcomes of well-being and quality of life for aging older adults. Conclusion: Attributes of environmental press can influence the ability of older persons to meet the demands of aging. Understanding the concept of environmental press can help gerontological nurses provide person-centred care that includes strategies for addressing changes in the lives of older adults and improving outcomes, which could improve quality of life.