視覺障礙者的退休適應與社會支持之探究

Abstract

退休對一般人與視覺障礙者而言皆充滿挑戰，但面臨的問題卻有所不同。一般退休者主要需面對心理壓力、經濟壓力以及生活模式的重新調整，而視覺障礙者則需要克服更多層面的挑戰。本研究旨在探討視障者在退休後所面臨的困難、採取的因應策略及其社會支持情況。研究方法採用質性訪談，透過半結構式訪談深入訪談五位年齡50歲以上的退休視障者。研究結果發現視障者的挑戰涵蓋生理、心理、社會及經濟層面，包括視力及其他感官功能持續退化導致日常活動困難、工作角色轉變與生活結構改變引發孤獨與焦慮感、社交圈縮小及公共無障礙設施不足加劇社會孤立，以及收入減少與輔助設備支出增加帶來的經濟壓力，面對這些困境，視障者展現出高度的適應力，透過學習新技能，如電腦操作與按摩、使用輔助科技、參與運動與社交活動以及探索興趣，能有效重建生活目標並增強生活自信。社會支持在適應過程中扮演關鍵角色，家庭成員的陪伴、朋友的情感支持、社會團體的互動以及政府提供的技能培訓與輔助服務，均顯著提升其心理健康與生活品質。因此，本研究建議視障者保持規律作息與運動，學習新技能以增強自我能力；政府與社區應結合資源，提供心理支持、輔助設備及社會參與機會，同時建議未來研究可以進一步探索不同地區視障者的需求，以深化對相關議題的理解。Retirement presents challenges for both the general population and individuals with visual impairments, but the issues they face differ significantly. While the general retired population primarily confronts psychological stress, financial pressures, and the need to adjust their lifestyle, individuals with visual impairments must overcome a broader range of challenges. This study aims to investigate the difficulties faced by visually impaired individuals after retirement, the coping strategies they adopt, and the social support they receive. The study used qualitative interviews, employing semi-structured interviews with five retired individuals aged 50 and above who are visually impaired. The findings reveal that the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals encompass physical, psychological, social, and economic dimensions. These include the continued deterioration of vision and other sensory functions, which complicates daily activities; changes in work roles and lifestyle structure, which lead to feelings of loneliness and anxiety; a reduction in social circles and the lack of accessible public facilities, which exacerbate social isolation; and a decrease in income combined with increased spending on assistive devices, leading to economic strain. In response to these challenges, visually impaired individuals demonstrate remarkable adaptability. By acquiring new skills such as computer operation, massage therapy, using assistive technologies, participating in physical activities and social events, and exploring personal interests, they are able to effectively reconstruct life goals and enhance self-confidence. Social support plays a crucial role in this adaptation process. Family members' presence, emotional support from friends, interaction with social organizations, and government-provided skill training and assistive technology services significantly contribute to improving their psychological health and quality of life. Based on these findings, the study recommends that visually impaired individuals maintain a regular routine and engage in physical exercise, as well as learn new skills to enhance self-reliance. Additionally, it is recommended that governments and communities collaborate to provide psychological support, assistive devices, and opportunities for social participation. Future research should further explore the needs of visually impaired individuals in different regions to deepen the understanding of these issues.