The Lived Experience of Ageing with Limb-Loss

Gardner, Stephanie and Murray, Craig (2026) The Lived Experience of Ageing with Limb-Loss. PhD thesis, Lancaster University.

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Abstract

This thesis consists of three sections, a systematic literature review, an empirical research paper and, a critical appraisal. The systematic literature review explored the psychosocial impact of Social Networking Sites (SNS) on older adults. The review used thematic synthesis to synthesise thirteen papers. Three themes were generated: 1. Mitigating against loneliness? A novel form of connection; 2. Learning and empowerment through occupation?; 3. Suitability for an older generation: barriers to use. This review highlighted the conflicting views of older people with regards to the connection and opportunities for occupation. Barriers to use of SNS were also discussed; these included challenges in learning to use the technology, reliance on the younger generation to troubleshoot, perception of risk within the platforms and physical health limitations. The empirical paper aimed to explore the lived experiences of older adults with lower limb loss. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data from semi-structured interviews with nine individuals who were over the age of sixty and who had lost a limb. Four key themes emerged from these interviews: 1. Outlook shapes rehabilitation: the importance of positivity, 2. Re-evaluation of identity, 3. Managing interactions with others as an older adult with limb loss, 4. Negotiating the expectations of healthcare professionals regarding ageing with limb loss. Recommendations were made for clinical practice to support individuals, as well as healthcare teams in navigating challenges faced. The critical appraisal chapter reviews the findings of these two papers alongside a discussion of epistemological influences. A reflective account concerning the process of completing the thesis is detailed, with the discussion of challenges and formation of the researcher’s identity as a scientist-practitioner. Finally, chapter four provides the ethics application and approval email for the empirical study. The associated research proposal is appended.