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Phenomenology has become one of the most popular research approaches used by nurses in health care today. Its inherent appeal is that it assists the researcher to explore the lived experience of others. Given nurses’ concern for the needs and problems of older people this has obvious appeal. Health problems in old age are complex and it is important to appreciate them from the individual’s perspective. However, phenomenology calls for thoughtful planning and skilful interviewing. Coding of data requires analytical skill and it is important not to make excessive claims about the significance of findings.