The Exploration оf Physical Pain, Physical Function, and Vitality оf Older People with Diabetes Mellitus in Kalirandu Village

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Elderly is the final phase of life where the body’s physiological functions decline. The decline in function causes older people to tend to experience susceptibility to degenerative diseases, such as diabetes mellitus (DM). The illness can be severe, causing high pain, mortality, and an increase in quality of life. The quality of life of older people is very closely related to their awareness regarding health and living habits, including physical pain, physical function, and vitality. AIM: This study aims to identify physical pain, physical function, and vitality in older people with DM. METHODS: This research used a qualitative research method with a phenomenological approach. Qualitative research is a research method that explains and provides understanding and interpretation of individual behavior and experiences in various forms. This research was conducted with semi-structured interviews, observations, and also field notes. Participants in this study were eight people selected using a purposive sampling technique. RESULTS: The results of this study stated that older people with DM experienced several complaints during the illness. Older people with DM experienced a decrease in physical function that can affect their activity. They stated that they have some resting disorders such as waking up at night and having difficulty in sleep patterns. Furthermore, the respondents also noted that they frequently felt exhausted. CONCLUSION: Physical pain, physical function, and vitality of the older people with DM in Padukuhan Kalirandu can be identified from the sub-themes obtained by researchers related to complaints of the older people during DM pain, injuries suffered by older people with DM, the experiences of the older people related to hospital treatment, older people’s daily activities, older people’s activities in the community, older people’s sports activities, disruption in activities, resting patterns, resting disorders, physical complaints related to fatigue, and how they overcome all of the pains and problems.