Actual and imaginary abilities: changing physical capability and maintaining the lived space in old age

Ageing always involves changes in the mind and the body. Some of the changes are positive and some negative. Some of the changes are obvious and undebatable, some escape one’s own attention. This presentation is focused on descriptions of physical ability in domestic activities and the interest lies in the grey area of actual, probable and imaginary description of the performance of selected activities.
The data is part of the ongoing Vitality 90+ Study where the interviewées are 90 year old residents living in Tampere. Qualitative life story interviews (N=54) were conducted in 2023. The data was analysed using a problem-driven content analysis. The research question for this study targeted interviewées experiences, perceptions and ignorance of domestic activities that relate to maintaining the households safety and preparedness in case of a fire.
The results show a vast variety of notions to one’s own abilities, perceived change and descriptions of trust in others. Next, I applied the dimensions of the living environment described by Graham Rowles’ (1978) and focused specifically on the imaginary dimension. Imaginary dimension includes for example memories, fantasies and dreams.
In relation to literature I will reflect on the data and the interplay of actual and imaginary as well as change and stability of abilities. The presentation will conclude with suggestions of the potential of the imaginary dimension in raising new perspectives towards understanding the lived experience of the ageing body and mind and changing relationship with one’s home environment.