Palma-Candia, Oskarina, Hueso Montoro, César, Martí-García, Celia, Fernández-Alcántara, Manuel, Campos-Calderón, Concepción Petra, Montoya-Juárez, Rafael Understanding the Occupational Adaptation Process and Well-Being of Older Adults in Magallanes (Chile): A Qualitative Study Palma-Candia O, Hueso Montoro C, Martí-García C, Fernández-Alcántara M, Campos-Calderón CP, Montoya Juárez R. Understanding the Occupational Adaptation Process and Well-Being of Older Adults in Magallanes (Chile): A Qualitative Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019; 16(19):3640. doi:10.3390/ijerph16193640 URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10045/98268 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16193640 ISSN: 1661-7827 (Print) Abstract: Background: Aging and longevity are important topics nowadays. Purpose: To describe how older adults perform the occupational adaptation process in the extreme region of Magallanes (Chile), and to identify the factors that might contribute to successful occupational adaptation and well-being. Method: Qualitative study, with a phenomenological interpretative approach. In-depth interviews were carried out with 16 older adults, with high or low levels of well-being, assessed with the Ryff Scale. An inductive content analysis according to Elo and Kyngäs was performed. Findings: Resilience, self-esteem and interdependence with significant others are key elements that promote well-being. Participants develop strategies to minimize the effects of environmental factors. The occupation’s function in terms of socialization, use of time, and social participation is revealed as a conditioning factor of occupational adaptation. Implications: Interventions with older people to achieve a successful occupational adaptation process must take into consideration the commitment to meaningful activities. Keywords:Adaptation, Psychological, Aging, Life change events MDPI info:eu-repo/semantics/article