At the mercy of others – for better or worse

Many elderly people spend their remaining days in nursing homes and are thus affected by issues pertaining to a good life in a nursing home. The Norwegian study presented in this article aimed to gain greater knowledge and understanding of the significant factors associated with a good life in a nursing home. Qualitative in-depth interviews with six nursing home residents aged 80 to 96 years were conducted to collect data. The aim of the analysis was to identify typical aspects related to a good life in a nursing home according to descriptions provided by nursing home residents. The findings identified both physical and psychosocial elements, and the following three main themes emerged: receiving help when the body fails is good, meaningful days despite loss and limitations, and time as a friend or foe. In conclusion, our findings indicate that it is important to understand that a good life has a deeper meaning because it challenges the existential preconditions for life.