Objectives:

describe the experience of older adults with the loss of functional independence.

Methods:

qualitative, phenomenological study, carried out in Celaya, Gto; during the period of March-December 2024. Election criteria: older adult, permanent resident of Celaya, with a degree of functional dependency on the Katz Scale equal to or less than 5 points. Snowball sampling reaching 13 participants, phenomenological interviews were conducted using two trigger questions in an interview guide, which were recorded on audio. Informed consent was provided.

Results:

Four themes emerged: 1. Negative feelings, 2. Despair due to an unforeseen situation in life, 3. Memories of the past and 4. Resign to the changes that occur at this stage of life.

Conclusions:

Understanding the experience of losing functional independence leads to evidence that this is not only expressed in the physical dimension, but also has an emotional impact. The past and present are contrasted in longing, and there are feelings of sadness, frustration, and resignation. The process of reframing in resignation requires the caregiver to support the older adult's experience in adapting to the changes they have undergone.

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