Journal articles on the topic 'Aging – Social aspects – Case studies'
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Forbes, W. F., B. D. McPherson, and M. A. Shadbolt-Forbes. "The Validation of Longitudinal Studies: The Case of the Ontario Longitudinal Study of Aging (LSA)." Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement 8, no. 1 (1989): 51–67. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0714980800011193.
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ABSTRACTLongitudinal studies are examined with special reference to the Ontario Longitudinal Study of Aging (LSA). The specific aspects discussed are the representativeness of the sample, attrition rates, end-points, and associations, particularly the associations with age. It is concluded that, in comparison with other longitudinal studies, both in Canada and the U.S., the LSA represents a good source of longitudinal data and therefore lends itself to analyses which may be used to investigate factors expected to be important in understanding various aspects of the aging process.
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Gál, Katalin, and Rita Pásztor. "Silver Economy in Romania. Érmellék Case Study." Erdélyi Társadalom 18, no. 2 (2020): 75–98. http://dx.doi.org/10.17177/77171.249.
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After the regime change in Romania significant changes in the structure of the population can also be observed, one aspect of which is aging. Our research examines the Romanian aspects of the silver economy on the example of Érmellék micro region. The studied North Bihor area is a disadvantaged micro-region where the social and economic changes of the last 30 years have not brought an easier life. These social changes can be seen in ethnic change, aging, the feminization of aging, and low educational attainment. According to economic indicators, people living here are characterized by low income and commuting lifestyle for working purposes. Accession to the European Union is mostly reflected in the increase in the number of border crossings points and cross-border labor force migration in this region. Thus, our research concerns the examination of the situation of the aging and elderly generation in Érmellék along the measures and services of the silver economy. After defining the concept of the silver economy and presenting the dimensions of the Active Aging Index, an analysis of the empirical data follows. Our study interprets the silver economy as a set of economic opportunities that address both the public and consumer expenditures associated with an aging population and the specific needs of the population over 50 years. During the data processing, through qualitative approach of the elderly population quality of life, we sought the answer to the question of the extent to which the silver economy, or some of its dimensions, can be accessed in Érmellék. In our study, we integrated the analysis of information from focus group interviews, professional and in-depth interviews in the framework of the exploratory research into the dimensions provided by the Active Aging Index. Along with the applied analytical logic, the presentation of the individual dimensions was supplemented with the processing of qualitative empirical material in addition to the secondary data, so we could get to know the conditions of active aging in Érmellék and the possibilities of the regional silver economy. Keywords: silver economy, active aging, quality of life of the elderly, social care, employment of the elderly, social participation of the elderly
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Manoogian, Margaret. "Adopting an Intersectionality Lens Within an Undergraduate Gerontology Curriculum." Innovation in Aging 4, Supplement_1 (December 1, 2020): 534. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1727.
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Abstract Students who plan geriatric/gerontology careers typically learn the biopsychosocial domains of aging. Using intersectionality to understand older adults and family experiences (Calasanti & Kiecolt, 2012), however, offers students a deeper understanding of how aging adults may face interconnected oppressions and inequalities based on race/ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, health, and other aspects of social location within micro and macro contexts. Through systematic assessment of student learning outcomes, a planned programmatic approach to integrating intersectionality was adopted within an undergraduate gerontology program. This multifaceted approach will be highlighted including new course development, course case studies, community member voices, practicum applied practices, and research activities. Calasanti, T. & Kiecolt, K. J. (2012) Intersectionality and aging families. In Blieszner, R., & Bedford, V. H. (Eds.), Handbook of families and aging (pp. 263-286). Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger. Part of a symposium sponsored by Age-Friendly University (AFU) Interest Group.
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Almeida-Silva, Marina, Ana Monteiro, Ana Rita Carvalho, Ana Marta Teixeira, Jéssica Moreira, David Tavares, Maria Teresa Tomás, Andreia Coelho, and Vítor Manteigas. "Sustainable and Active Program—Development and Application of SAVING Methodology." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 11 (June 2, 2022): 6803. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116803.
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The SAVING project aimed to create a sustainable and active aging program to promote the transition to sustainable aging in residential structures for the elderly (RSEs), developing research activities to apply the best strategies and good practices regarding the promotion of an active, healthy, and sustainable aging regarding social, economic, environmental, and pedagogic aspects. All this innovative methodology was built on a living-lab approach applied in one RSE, that was used as a case study. The results showed that the creation of the SAVING Brigade allowed not only increased reflection and mutual learning, but also created better conditions to face uncertainties and obstacles. Moreover, the use of indicators supported the basic themes and enabled comparison with other studies, between institutions or programs. Finally, the Action Plan acted as a tool for the development of previously defined strategies. It is possible to conclude that the breadth of the concept of quality of life encompasses the physical health of the individual, their psychological state, their social relationships, their perceptions, and the relationship with the characteristics of the context in which they are inserted. Therefore, active, sustainable, and healthy aging should be the goal.
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Palacios, Antonio, Ana Mellado, and and Yazmín León. "Qualitative Methodologies for the Analysis of Intra-Urban Socio-Environmental Vulnerability in Barcelona (Spain): Case Studies." Urban Science 2, no. 4 (December 3, 2018): 116. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/urbansci2040116.
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The city of Barcelona, like other cities in the world, suffers strong internal socio-economic inequalities in its neighborhoods. Numerous works have sought to detect, quantify, characterize, and/or map existing intra-urban differences, almost always based on quantitative methodologies. With this contribution, we intend to show the importance that qualitative methodologies can play in studies on urban socio-environmental vulnerability. We consider aspects that are not quantifiable but that may be inherent to many such vulnerable spaces, both in the constructed environment and in the social ambit. These questions are considered through selected neighborhoods of Barcelona which have been shown (in prior works, mainly studies of quantitative manufacturing) to possess elements of vulnerability including a high presence of immigrants from less-developed countries, low per capita income, aging populations, or low educational levels. The results reveal the multidimensionality of vulnerability in the neighborhoods analyzed, as well as the essential complementarity among methodologies that detect and support possible public actions aimed at reducing or eliminating intra-urban inequalities.
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Beller, Johannes, and Adina Wagner. "Disentangling Loneliness: Differential Effects of Subjective Loneliness, Network Quality, Network Size, and Living Alone on Physical, Mental, and Cognitive Health." Journal of Aging and Health 30, no. 4 (January 4, 2017): 521–39. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0898264316685843.
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Objective: To examine whether different measures of social disconnectedness—subjective loneliness, network quality, network size, living alone—have differential effects on the health of older adults. Methods: We used a longitudinal sample of the German Aging Survey ( N = 4,184) and analyzed seven measures of health (life satisfaction, positive affect, negative affect, depression, cognitive performance, physical functioning, and pulmonary function) via regression analyses. Results: We found that subjective loneliness and network quality best predicted mental health; contrarily, network size and living alone best predicted physical and cognitive health. Discussion: Different measures of social disconnectedness have differential effects on health. Therefore, using only global measures or one aspect of social disconnectedness might obfuscate potential health hazards. Researchers and practitioners should be mindful of differences between these measures and should include multiple aspects of social disconnectedness in their research and practice. Future studies should explore the causes why these measures and their effects differ.
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Hu, Mengyao, Dena Schulman-Green, Emma Zang, and Bei Wu. "POSITIVE ASPECTS OF CAREGIVING IN DIFFERENT CAREGIVER GROUPS." Innovation in Aging 6, Supplement_1 (November 1, 2022): 66–67. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igac059.264.
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Abstract Previous studies have disproportionately focused on caregivers’ negative experiences while overlooking the positive aspects of caregiving (e.g., quality of caregiver – care recipient relationship, meaningfulness of caregiving, and family cohesiveness) especially for caregivers of older adults with cognitive impairment. Therefore, we aim to identify how positive aspects of caregiving varied by care recipients’ cognitive status (e.g., normal, mild cognitive impairment, dementia) and caregivers’ relation to care recipients (e.g., spouse, adult child, other family member). We applied multilevel mixed-effects models on pooled three-wave data from the National Study of Caregiving and the National Health and Aging Trends Study (N = 2,717). The findings suggested that dementia and spouse caregivers had worse relationship with their counterparts. Overall, future research needs to study caregiver’s experience integratively and focuses on caregiver’s individual need. Policy makers need to fulfill caregiver’s demands by establishing socially supportive programs.
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Smetcoren, An-Sofie, and G. A. Rixt Zijlstra. "EMPOWERING VULNERABLE GROUPS IN LATER LIFE: FOCUS ON THE ROLE OF ACTIVITIES, SOCIAL NETWORK, AND ROUND-THE-CLOCK CARE." Innovation in Aging 3, Supplement_1 (November 2019): S577. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igz038.2139.
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Abstract Europe has been challenged with an intense rise of aging populations facing for example multiple chronic health problems, functional limitations and social and psychological challenges. With increasing age people may become vulnerable, nevertheless, they can still report high levels of well-being despite their deficits. Older adults’ strengths and resources can balance negative experiences and increase positive well-being outcomes. These resources can be personal (e.g. have sufficient income) or stemming from the social environment of the older person (e.g. an involved social network). Hence, this symposium focusses on these strengths and resources and how they might (positively) affect the well-being of vulnerable groups ageing in place. The main objective of the symposium is to give insights into different aspects and strategies that can protect older adults against negative outcomes. Four different studies from Belgium will be presented: Sarah Dury starts with explaining the potential buffering predictor of leisure and civic activities, by uncovering the mechanisms underlying the relationship between multidimensional frailty and well-being. Lise Switsers examines if the absence of social and emotional loneliness can act as a buffer to maintain a good well-being for older adults at risk of frailty. An-Sofie Smetcoren examines how ‘living in solidarity’ in a co-housing project can contribute to ageing in place. Finally, Sylvia Hoens explores the experiences of the older care users and their informal caregivers with live-in migrant care workers and examines how this care can increase their well-being.
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Vidovićová, Lucie, and Tereza Menšíková. "Materiality, Corporeality, and Relationality in Older Human–Robot Interaction (OHRI)." Societies 13, no. 1 (January 4, 2023): 15. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/soc13010015.
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This article presents interdisciplinary research on the social and technological aspects of interactions between older adults and the humanoid robot Pepper (SoftBank Robotics). Our case study is based on the regular meetings that are a part of an experimental intervention taking place at the Active Ageing Centre for older adults in Prague, run by the NGO Life 90. Through the methods of participant observation, unstructured interviews, analyses of video recordings from interventions with Pepper, and subsequent reflections on the “user” experience with the robot, we have unpacked the complexity of materiality and corporeality in older human–robot interactions (OHRI) in the context of age and gender. The project brings new applied knowledge, exploring OHRI using concepts relevant to gerotechnologies, informed by studies of materiality and ageing studies.
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Silagi, Marcela Lima, Aline Rufo Peres, Eliane Schochat, and Leticia Lessa Mansur. "Communication map of elderly people: Sociodemographic and cognitive-linguistic aspects." Dementia & Neuropsychologia 7, no. 4 (December 2013): 380–86. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s1980-57642013dn74000005.
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ABSTRACT Language and communication difficulties may occur in the elderly population. This is the case of the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon and receptive and auditory comprehension difficulties. Few studies have focused on examining the effects of social exposure on maintaining communication in the aging process. Objectives: [1] To describe the communication map of healthy elderly subjects; [2] To search for associations between frequency and time dedicated to communication and cognitive and sociodemographic factors. Methods: Healthy elderly subjects were submitted to cognitive screening, the Token Test - Revised, and the Verbal Fluency test, and answered the ASHA-FACS and the Circles of Communication Partners questionnaires. Results: 55 subjects, 67% female, with ages over 60 years and varied schooling were included in the sample. Interlocutors in the circle of close friends and acquaintances predominated in the communication map, although the time devoted to communication with these partners was lower than in other circles. Overall, the elderly reported no deficits in language comprehension, with some reports of the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon. Poor performances on the Token Test - Revised and in phonemic verbal fluency along with reports of communication functionality indicated that these subjects compensate for their problems. Conclusion: Older subjects with lower schooling tended to predominantly communicate within the family circle. Within other circles, the number of hours devoted to communication and dialogue partners was not associated with age or schooling. The time devoted to the circle of communication with friends may indicate cognitive difficulties.
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Mousavi, Seyed Abolfazl, Mohammad amin Aslani, Robabeh Keshavarz Mohammadi, Elahe Bahramian, Sonia Zehtab, Fatemeh Bahramian, and Alireza Jalali. "The effect of Montessori program in the elderly with dementia: a literature review." Journal of Public Health and Development 20, no. 3 (September 9, 2022): 249–64. http://dx.doi.org/10.55131/jphd/2022/200320.
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The elderly population of the world is growing fast. The aging phenomenon causes changes in the body’s systems, leading to mental and emotional disorders. Dementia is established as one of the most important challenges associated with the aging process. In this respect, the Montessori-based cognitive rehabilitation program is an increasingly popular choice in dementia care. Therefore, we decided to conduct a review study on the effect of Montessori therapy on different psychological aspects of the elderly with dementia. This narrative review was performed using narrative synthesis. An extensive literature search was performed in databases of ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, PubMed, and ISI Web of Knowledge using OR, AND, and NOT operators and the selected keywords. Only studies published in journals between March 2010 and March 2022 were used for this purpose. The articles chosen in this study were those that have studied the effect of a Montessori-based cognitive rehabilitation program on the elderly with dementia. Studies that involved the Montessori program on other neurological disorders were excluded. Finally, 32 articles were selected from the final evaluation. It can be concluded that the Montessori program effectively reduces anxiety, destructive behavior, and agitation, increases pleasure, hope, optimism, job satisfaction, social skills, and cognitive function, and improves the quality of life and feeding capacity.
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Rohner, Shauna, Andreas Maercker, Alan Carr, and Myriam Thoma. "Aging in the Aftermath of Adversity: Later-Life Impact of Institutional Child Abuse and Disclosure." Innovation in Aging 5, Supplement_1 (December 1, 2021): 74. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igab046.283.
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Abstract Until the 1990’s in Ireland, many children in institutional care experienced abuse and neglect, with lasting negative effects, including trauma symptoms and psychopathology. While trauma disclosure can be important for recovery, findings are inconsistent and often lack consideration of wider social and interpersonal contexts. As survivors of this historical adversity enter later-life stages, research is needed on the long-term impact and to clarify the role of disclosure. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the later-life impact of institutional child abuse on health and well-being, and the role of trauma disclosure and socio-interpersonal contexts in an older adult sample. Qualitative semi-structured interviews (60-120 minutes) were conducted with 17 Irish older adults, aged 50-77 years (mean age=60.7 years), who experienced childhood institutional abuse. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed using Framework Analysis. Themes for ‘childhood and related later-life adversity’ included detrimental perceptions and interactions, re-exposure and reminders, failure of system and society, and cycle of abuse. Disclosure themes included successful, unsuccessful, and non-disclosure, as well as evidence of socio-interpersonal interactions (e.g., non-disclosure influenced by shame or fear, compounded by socio-cultural values, (lack of) social acknowledgment, or the power of the church in society). Results suggest that childhood institutional abuse can have long-term negative impacts into later life, including social, psychological, physical health, and socio-economic aspects. Disclosure results emphasize the need to consider the complex social, cultural, and interpersonal contexts within which an individual is embedded. This may enhance understanding and facilitate targeted health and social care services for this older adult population.
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Smith, Jennifer, Cate O’Brien, and Joseph Bihary. "Relative Importance of Positive Aging Dimensions Among Latino Older Adults and Service Providers." Innovation in Aging 4, Supplement_1 (December 1, 2020): 342–43. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1100.
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Abstract The variation in Latino older adults’ conceptualizations of positive aging across studies suggests greater attention should be paid to within-group factors. The purpose of the current study was to identify which factors are important to positive aging from the perspective of Latino older adults, and whether the importance of these factors varied based on participant characteristics. A second aim of this study was to examine whether there are differences in views of successful aging between Latino older adults and service providers who support aging Latinos. The current study was conducted as part of a broader research project investigating Latino older adults’ perceptions of positive aging. Latino older adults (n = 93) and aging services providers (n = 45) rated the importance of a series of statements related to positive aging. Mixed-methods analysis of the statements identified nine distinct dimensions (Positive Outlook, Spirituality/Religion, Healthy Behaviors, Independence, Self-Care, Support for Others, Social Support, Leisure Activities, and Adaptability). Latino older adults rated Positive Outlook and Spirituality highest on importance, and ratings differed based on gender and other individual difference characteristics. For example, men placed greater relative importance on Independence and Support for Others compared to women, and younger participants rated Independence higher on importance compared to older participants. In addition, Latino older adults (vs. providers) placed greater importance on all aspects of positive aging, with greatest mean differences related to providing Support for Others and Spirituality. These findings have implications for wellness programs for Latino older adults and training for service providers.
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Poirier, Donald. "J.E. Thornton and D.J. MacDougall. Law and Legal Services for an Aging Population. Vancouver: University of British Columbia, Committee on Gerontology, Faculty of Graduate Studies, 1990, pp. 180." Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement 11, no. 4 (1992): 426–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0714980800006930.
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ABSTRACTLaw and Legal Services for an Aging Population is a report in three parts. The first part deals with substantive law in areas such as access to legal services, discrimination on the basis of age, and protection of the elderly person. That first part contains a good review of some legal aspects of protection against elder abuse. Other aspects which are becoming very important such as powers of attorney in medical decisions are only touched in passing, while others such as housing accommodations and the rights of elderly persons in nursing homes are simply ignored. The second part presents the results of a survey carried in Greater Vancouver purporting to assess existing and future demands for legal services and obstacles thereto. The results are interesting mainly because so little research has been undertaken in this area. There is no conclusion and no specific recommendations result from this survey. The Third part presents a good annotated bibliography of legal cases and scholarship on selective law issues affecting elderly persons.
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Joseph, Lyndon. "Health Disparities Scientific Research in the Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology." Innovation in Aging 5, Supplement_1 (December 1, 2021): 361–62. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igab046.1403.
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Abstract The Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology (DGCG) supports clinical and translational research on health and disease in the aged, and research on aging over the human lifespan, including its relationships to health outcomes. Key areas include development of new interventions for age-related conditions and pathologies, prevention and treatment of multiple chronic conditions, geriatric palliative care, factors influencing the progression of chronic diseases over the life span, and predictive markers of aging that may inform potential interventions for extension of health span. Population diversity and health disparities are critical aspects of science that cut across DGCG research areas. This presentation will highlight several examples of DGCG-supported studies related to health disparities and discuss potential future research directions. One potential upcoming research area of interest involves leveraging large data sets to examine disparities in risks and benefits of long-term osteoporosis drug therapy and drug holidays according to racial and ethnic groupings
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Hladek, Melissa, and Hae-Ra Han. "USING PHOTOVOICE TO EXPLORE THE STRUCTURED ENVIRONMENT AND ADVANCE POLICY IN MULTIPLE CONTEXTS." Innovation in Aging 6, Supplement_1 (November 1, 2022): 377–78. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igac059.1491.
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Abstract Contextual factors, including social determinants of health, have gained recognition for greatly influencing aging trajectories and chronic disease progression. Although traditional qualitative research gives a rich understanding of the internal psychological experience, it is unable to assess socio-cultural and built environment aspects of life apart from the verbal descriptions from participants. This symposium examines the use of Photovoice as a tool to assess the socio-cultural and structural context surrounding the participant. This symposium will present a narrative review on the use of current Photovoice methodologies in dementia care; results from three studies using photovoice, one with participants with mild cognitive impairment and their caregivers to explore their perceptions of aging in their home, the second exploring the lived experience and structural barriers among older adults with pre-frailty or frailty awaiting kidney transplant, and the third exploring the older adult peer mentors’ experience providing community-delivered hearing care. The talks will also address practical aspects of using photovoice such as institutional review board tips, logistical challenges, interview preparation and coding approaches. The fifth talk will describe Photovoice result dissemination strategies, including photo exhibits and stakeholder meetings, used to engage the community and advance policy to improve disparities. Photovoice as a research tool originally aimed to reinforce empowerment for those marginalized in society to describe their lived environment. This important aim is augmented in this symposium by improving researchers’ understanding of context to design more impactful research.
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Baumbach, Abby, M. Courtney Hughes, Lily Derain, and Yujun Liu. "EFFECTS OF PARENTING STYLE IN CHILDHOOD ON MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES OF CAREGIVING IN ADULTHOOD: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS." Innovation in Aging 6, Supplement_1 (November 1, 2022): 695–96. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igac059.2548.
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Abstract The life course perspective suggests that caregivers of aging parents bring their histories of relationships with aging parents, such as childhood maltreatment, to the care environment. These histories would then impact the dynamics and consequences of caregiving. However, there is a lack of research on the impact of childhood parental interactions on adult relationships with aging parents, particularly in the context of caregiving. The study aims to understand how relationships with caregivers while growing can impact an individual's role as a caregiver later in life. The qualitative study included 47 adult family caregiver survey respondents who care for their parents, with a mean age of 46.7, ranging from 20 to 79 years old. The respondents were asked to reflect on their recent experience of providing care for their loved ones and how experiences with their caregiver growing up may have influenced their current relationship dynamic. The researchers used Dedoose V.9.0.17 to perform a codebook thematic analysis. Themes from the survey analysis linking childhood to current experience included reciprocating good care, performing obligatory care, and stopping the generational transference of negative care. When focusing on specific parental genders when receiving care in childhood, levels of presence and affection stood out as important aspects of their father’s caregiving. Themes associated with maternal caregiving included good relationships, strained relationships, and nurturing. Knowledge about the impact of childhood experiences can help program designers develop interventions to help lessen caregiver burdens that consider childhood care receiving experiences and the challenges and opportunities they present.
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Godkin, Michael A., Rosalie S. Wolf, and Karl A. Pillemer. "A Case-Comparison Analysis of Elder Abuse and Neglect." International Journal of Aging and Human Development 28, no. 3 (April 1989): 207–25. http://dx.doi.org/10.2190/ww91-l3nd-awy3-r042.
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This study examines factors which contribute to elderly abuse and neglect by caregivers in a domestic setting. Methodological and conceptual variations and problems in previous studies have led to considerable confusion as to the determinants of this important social problem. A more rigorous research design was used in this study than has been previously employed. Fifty-nine abused elders from a model project site for the study of elderly abuse were compared with forty-nine non-abused clients from a home care program in the same agency. Using a research instrument designed by the authors, data related to the following aspects of the lives of the elders and their caregivers were collected: psychological status, stressful life events, social networks, mutual dependency, and the nature of their relationships. The study indicates that members of abusive families are more likely to have emotional problems which contribute to interpersonal difficulties. Abused elders are not more dependent on caregivers for many of their daily needs. However, the abused elderly and their caregivers have become increasingly interdependent prior to the onset of abuse because of the loss of other family members, increased social isolation, and the increased financial dependency of the perpetrator on the elderly person.
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Cruceanu, Georgiana Livia, Susana Clemente-Belmonte, Rocío Herrero-Sanz, Alba Ayala, Vanessa Zorrilla-Muñoz, María Silveria Agulló-Tomás, Catalina Martínez-Miguelez, and Gloria Fernández-Mayoralas. "Evaluation of Older People Digital Images: Representations from a Land, Gender and Anti-ageist Perspective." Land 12, no. 1 (December 21, 2022): 18. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/land12010018.
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There are numerous sociological and psychosocial studies, both classic and current, that have analysed the images and representations of older people and aging. If gender, intersectional and land perspectives are added, the literature consulted is only a few years old, particularly in Spanish. In addition, research based on fieldwork from virtual image banks is still scarce and recent. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the images from some free access image banks (like Freepik, Canva, Pixabay, or Storyblocks) of older people from a gender, intersectional and socio-spatial and land perspective. Methods: 150 images have been analysed following different selected criteria: 22 variables related to gender, activity, socio-spatial environment, natural space and land, among others, briefly describe the main methods or treatments applied. The key results show a stereotyped and barely diverse image of old age and aging around positive representations, with a notable absence of images related to loneliness as opposed to the presence of social relationships. A feminization has also been observed in the representations, with an imbalance in the activities that are carried out (care in the case of women and leisure in the case of men) and in the visible space (indoor among women and outdoor among men). Older people are still identified with a rural, traditional, and more defined territory and not with more diverse and ecological spaces, which are more frequently attributed to younger profiles. This evaluation contributes to linking this necessary connection of current issues and challenges to ageism, sexism and other exclusions derived from territory and socio-spatial aspects. However, more research is still needed, and, in fact, a second phase of the fieldwork is underway to broaden the sample and to expand further evaluations of images.
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Tsentidou, Glykeria, Despina Moraitou, and Magda Tsolaki. "Similar Theory of Mind Deficits in Community Dwelling Older Adults with Vascular Risk Profile and Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment: The Case of Paradoxical Sarcasm Comprehension." Brain Sciences 11, no. 5 (May 13, 2021): 627. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11050627.
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Recent studies deal with disorders and deficits caused by vascular syndrome in efforts for prediction and prevention. Cardiovascular health declines with age due to vascular risk factors, and this leads to an increasing risk of cognitive decline. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is defined as the negative cognitive changes beyond what is expected in normal aging. The purpose of the study was to compare older adults with vascular risk factors (VRF), MCI patients, and healthy controls (HC) in social cognition and especially in theory of mind ability (ToM). The sample comprised a total of 109 adults, aged 50 to 85 years (M = 66.09, SD = 9.02). They were divided into three groups: (a) older adults with VRF, (b) MCI patients, and (c) healthy controls (HC). VRF and MCI did not differ significantly in age, educational level or gender as was the case with HC. Specifically, for assessing ToM, a social inference test was used, which was designed to measure sarcasm comprehension. Results showed that the performance of the VRF group and MCI patients is not differentiated, while HC performed higher compared to the other two groups. The findings may imply that the development of a vascular disorder affecting vessels of the brain is associated from its “first steps” to ToM decline, at least regarding specific aspects of it, such as paradoxical sarcasm understanding.
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Lee, Yeonjung, and Alex Bierman. "UNCOVERING THE POSITIVE ASPECTS OF CAREGIVING: A PROFILE OF CAREGIVERS’ DEMOGRAPHIC AND CARE CONTEXTS." Innovation in Aging 6, Supplement_1 (November 1, 2022): 742. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igac059.2701.
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Abstract Burden and benefits of caregiving experiences can coexist. The objective of this research is to describe and compare the predictors of the two intertwined caregiving experiences. This study examines how the variations in caregiving experiences can be explained in terms of both positive and negative aspects of caregiving, respectively by demographic characteristics and care related contexts. The Caregiving, Aging, and Financial Experiences study is a national survey intended to examine social conditions and well-being among a representative sample of 4,010 Canadians between age 65 and 85. Within the sample, 1,641 informal caregivers are the focus of the current analysis. Scales of positive and negative caregiving experiences are employed. Findings based on principal axis factor analysis shows that there is clear separate factor loadings between the positive and negative caregiving experiences. Subsequent seemingly unrelated regression analysis shows that there are similarities as well as differences in predictors between the two caregiving experiences. Lastly, the variance explained differs markedly between the two measures, with over 26% of the variance in negative caregiving accounted for by demographic and caregiving factors, but less than 4% of the variance in positive caregiving. This study demonstrates that positive aspects of caregiving is not simply the flip-side of negative caregiving. Standard predictors do not sufficiently explain positive caregiving as well as negative caregiving. Consequently, greater attention to factors that account for positive aspects of caregiving is warranted for an inclusive understanding of caregiving experiences.
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Ding, Hui, and Hui-Ling Li. "THE APPLICATION OF TIME BANKING IN ELDERLY CARING: A MIXED-STUDIES SYSTEMATIC REVIEW." Innovation in Aging 6, Supplement_1 (November 1, 2022): 636. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igac059.2358.
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Abstract Aging has become a universal concern of the world, and its process is accelerating, which leads to the shortage of the care resources and increased burden of social development. Based on this problem, The concept of time banking has been gradually applied to geriatric caring, forming a model of mutual support for older people, which has been practiced in different countries. However, there is no consensus about the effect of time banking for older person. Thus, the aim of this review was to integrate research on the application of time banking to summarize the benefits for older people and challenges faced in different countries. Moreover, the review put forward solutions to provide references for the localization of time banking in China. PubMed, Wiley Online Library, Web of Science, SAGE Journals Online, Science Direct, EbscoHost, SpringerLink and CNKI databases were searched to include 22 eligible studies. Qualities of included studies were assessed, evidences about the benefits for older person and challenges regarding time banking was synthesized. Although the overall study quality was medium, consistent evidence was existed to indicate that time banking has beneficial effects which containing social values and personal values on the older people. Furthermore, the comprehensive evidences also showed that time banking would be improved in the following four aspects: diversity of volunteers, improvement of service quality, variety of incentives and scientific management. Additional well-designed and high-quality studies are needed for us to better understand the opportunities and challenges of time banking.
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Ye, Jingyi, and Zhengwang Wu. "A case based study of design strategies to explore the notion of age-friendly co-housing community." E3S Web of Conferences 248 (2021): 03029. http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202124803029.
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Globally, the proportion of the older people population is growing and this will continue to rise. 1 out of every 4 people in cities will be an older person by 2050[1] (World Health Organization, 2007). An age-friendly co-housing is an sustainable community, considering long-term interests, age-friendly co-housing can not only reduce social welfare expenditure, but also give full play of older people’s positive impact in society. Age-friendly co-housing requires more theoretical support and practice. The case analysis of two co-housing projects for older people are from the United Kingdom (London) and the United States (Oakland). The article analyzes and evaluates the case studies by using the WHO domains (see Table 1) and then concludes the design strategies from three aspects- outer space, communal space, and private residential space. This essay endeavored to explore the potential of age-friendly collective housing for older people, that is to say, connect age-friendly concept which is a hot issue today with co-housing model to solve the current ageism and population aging problems. A single design method cannot satisfy older people’s psychic needs, therefore, this article provides age-friendly co-housing with authoritative scientific theoretical background of interdisciplinary as the data collected from diverse fields as architecture, ecology, psychiatry, ergonomics and human sociology.
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Choi, Mi Sun, and Hyunmin Lee. "THE AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO LIFE SATISFACTION OF OLDER ADULTS LIVING ALONE." Innovation in Aging 6, Supplement_1 (November 1, 2022): 619. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igac059.2303.
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Abstract Age-friendliness studies in Korea have investigated a few subsets of the local community environments for older adults’ well-being. Little is known about comprehensively understanding which aspects in community contexts can help older individuals living alone improve their life satisfaction. To address the knowledge gaps, this study utilized the raw data from the 2020 National Survey of Older Koreans, and responses of 3,112 older adult single-person households were investigated. From an ecological perspective, hierarchical regression analysis was performed by distinguishing the community environments into three categories of the World Health Organization’s age-friendly environments: physical, social, and service environments. The results showed that the perception of the physical environment (housing, living facilities, and space) was positively associated with life satisfaction. Second, the social environment (social involvement, neighbor interaction, respect for older individuals, and political activity) was positively related to life satisfaction. Third, perceived service environment (difficulty in utilizing service) was negatively related to life satisfaction. Based on the findings, we proposed political and practical recommendations. Specifically, as a physical environment aspect, effective budget allocation and policy attention should be required for the autonomy and independence of older adults living alone in their daily lives by ensuring that housing and circumstances are suitable for aging-in-place. As a societal component, initiatives must be established to promote participation in decision-making processes that result in a more favorable social perception through social inclusion. Finally, for the service environment, we must advocate for increased accessibility to community supportive services (mobility, health care, food delivery, communication, and information).
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Schmitz-Scherzer, Reinhard. "Reflections on Cultural Influences on Aging and Old-Age Suicide in Germany." International Psychogeriatrics 7, no. 2 (June 1995): 231–38. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1041610295001992.
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The limited attention paid to old-age suicide in Germany is likely related to society's lack of interest in the specific problems of old people. This is despite the fact that over half of all German suicides are committed by persons 65 and older. In reviewing what is known about elderly suicide based on retrospective studies, I submit that suicide in later life is not always based on pathologic mental processes. There may be a number of risk factors unique to elderly suicides, in addition to depressive disorders that involve broader cultural issues among the many motives likely present in any one suicide. Today's emphasis on individualized values may lead to a feeling of meaninglessness in the suicidal elderly. The uncertainty and fear of the inability to influence their own dying and a certain weariness of life are also likely unique risk factors for the elderly. Thus the reasons or motives for a suicide may be best considered by understanding the entire life situation and the biographical aspects of the person. Prevention of elderly suicides requires a number of approaches ranging from social assistance and improved training of care providers to more acceptance and valuing of older persons by society.
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Domino, George, Sushila Niles, and Sunita Devi Raj. "Attitudes toward Suicide: A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Singaporean and Australian University Students." OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying 28, no. 2 (March 1994): 125–37. http://dx.doi.org/10.2190/menk-8y8p-9tuj-44cy.
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The Suicide Opinion Questionnaire (SOQ), a measure of attitudes toward suicide, was administered to two samples of university students, one from Singapore ( n = 100) and one from Australia ( n = 82). Of the fifteen SOQ factors, ten showed statistically significant mean differences, with Singaporean students endorsing greater disagreement on the factors of Acceptability and Demographic aspects, and Australian students endorsing greater disagreement on the factors of Suicide as semiserious, Religion, Lethality, Normality, Irreversibility, Aging, Individual Aspects, and Sensation seeking. A regression analysis of the SOQ factors as related to self-reported religiosity indicated that for the Singaporean students religious attendance was related to the SOQ factors of Acceptability, Mental and Moral Illness, and Lethality, while self-reported degree of religiosity was related to the SOQ factor of Religion. For the Australian students degree of religiosity was related to the SOQ factors of Acceptability, Mental and Moral Illness, and Religion.
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Klinedinst, Tara, Scott Beach, Heidi Donovan, and Grace Campbell. "Predictors of Participation Restriction in Midlife Caregivers: An Exploratory Study." Innovation in Aging 5, Supplement_1 (December 1, 2021): 394. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igab046.1532.
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Abstract Mid-life family caregivers (CGs) are at risk for participation restrictions (reduced engagement in valued roles and activities) due to competing demands of work, parenting, and family caregiving responsibilities. When CGs experience participation restrictions, quality of care for care recipients (CR) decreases, yet CG burden and risk for poor health increases. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors contributing to decreased participation in mid-life CGs. Participants were CGs aged 45-64 years (n = 677) from the National Study of Caregiving/National Health and Aging Trends Study. We used multivariate logistic regression to determine attributes of CGs, CRs, and the care situation that independently contribute to participation restrictions. We found that negative aspects of caregiving (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.33, 1.71) and CR depression and anxiety (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.83, 0.99) significantly predicted participation restrictions (p < 0.05). Positive aspects of care (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.74, 1.01), frequency of helping with chores (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 0.98, 1.70), frequency of providing personal care (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 0.97, 1.59), and frequency of providing help getting around the home (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 0.97, 1.75) showed trends for association with participation restrictions (p < 0.10). We identified factors that are related to participation restriction in mid-life CGs. Some of these factors (e.g., positive and negative aspects of caregiving, frequency of assistance provided) are potentially modifiable intervention targets that could bolster participation in this at-risk group.
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Matthews, Kathleen, Grant Bauste, and Emily Luitjens. "The Behavioral Recovery Outreach (BRO) Team: A Transitional Care Model for Veterans With Complex Care Needs." Innovation in Aging 5, Supplement_1 (December 1, 2021): 46. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igab046.174.
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Abstract In 2012, VA Central Iowa developed a novel program known as the Behavioral Recovery Outreach (BRO) Team to address unmet needs of our aging Veteran population with complex medical, psychological, neurocognitive and behavioral concerns. BRO Teams provide evidence-informed treatments in inpatient VA settings, and transitional care/support post-discharge to ensure successful placement and stability in the community. We will discuss how implementation science informed the expansion of this model from a local pilot to a nationally disseminated program. We will explore the challenges of ensuring program fidelity while fostering innovation and adaptation. Given the challenges of national dissemination, we will highlight the predicted and unforeseen aspects of program evaluation and policy implications. Finally, we will discuss the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on delivery of care methods and community-based interactions, as well as how this program has improved the lives and quality of care for this high-risk Veteran population.
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Baik, Sol, and Jiweon Jun. "Social Isolation, Caregiving Alone, and Caregiving Stress in Family Caregivers of Older Adults in Korea." Innovation in Aging 5, Supplement_1 (December 1, 2021): 981–82. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igab046.3530.
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Abstract The tendency of caregiving alone is increasing, and these solo caregivers often perceive caregiving responsibilities as a burden. Still, literature on positive aspects of caregiving shows that not all caregivers experience severe distress. Little is known on which factors make a difference in experiencing caregiving distress among solo caregivers. We focused on the empirical findings on the negative impact of social isolation on caregiver’s mental health, examining if and how the intersection of solo caregiving and social isolation is related to severe caregiving stress among caregivers of older adults in Korea. We analyzed 501 family caregivers of older adults in Korea using survey data from the Care Work and the Economy research project (2018). We conducted ordinal logistic regression analysis. The findings show that solo caregivers with a lack of social time fall under the most at-risk group of caregivers in terms of experiencing severe stress (OR=3.72, SE=0.93) whereas solo caregivers with enough social time did not show significantly higher stress compared to the reference group (OR=1.50, SE=0.43). Being socially isolated caregivers still had high levels of stress despite the division of care (OR=2.16, SE=0.55), implying the need to provide caregivers more time for social interaction with others. The current public long-term care insurance in Korea provides limited hours of in-home care aide services to enable aging in place of older adults. To reduce the social isolation of caregivers, it is necessary to extend the service hours and provide support, such as creating online caregiver networks.
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Herron, Rachel, Christine Kelly, and Katie Aubrecht. "A Conversation about Ageism: Time to Deinstitutionalize Long-Term Care?" University of Toronto Quarterly 90, no. 2 (June 2021): 183–206. http://dx.doi.org/10.3138/utq.90.2.09.
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Ageism is arguably one of the least challenged forms of discrimination globally and manifests in many obvious and subtle ways. Situating our conversation within the context of COVID-19, we discuss peculiar and unchallenged forms of ageism in current times as well as the intersections with other forms of discrimination such as ableism, racism, sexism, and heterosexism. We highlight the limits of current understandings of ageism, specifically those that seek to identify positive aspects of ageism without appreciating how these forms of ageism reinforce inequalities among older adults. With regards to spatial manifestations of ageism, we explore the failure of critiques of institutionalization to include older people. Only in the context of “mass death” during COVID-19 has the public eye turned toward the problems of long-term residential care facilities as spaces of care, yet disabled, mad, and D/deaf people and allies have challenged the mass institutionalization of disabled people for decades, highlighting how physical and social segregation constitutes an obvious form of ableism. Institutions are notorious for their physical, spiritual, and emotional harms, but when it comes to residential long-term care for older people, especially older people living with dementia, responses to segregation and isolation have generally been ambivalent. Even aging studies scholars call for “transformation” but do not call for the elimination of large-scale institutions (e.g., Theurer et al.). We discuss this softer critique from aging studies, raising questions about whether institutionalized and segregated congregate living for older people is inherently discriminatory, and we consider the implications for families, health care administrators, researchers, and scholars working in the field of long-term residential care.
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Falzarano, Francesca, Jerad Moxley, Karl Pillemer, and Sara Czaja. "Cross-Cultural Differences in Caregiving: Investigating the Role of Familism and Social Support." Innovation in Aging 5, Supplement_1 (December 1, 2021): 320. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igab046.1249.
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Abstract Cultural diversity in the United States (US) reflects a demographic shift, with a growing population of minority older adults and a subsequent increase in minority family caregivers providing care to aging adults. Research has demonstrated heterogeneity in the caregiving experience, with increasing focus placed on examining the impact of cultural values on caregiver (CG) outcomes. Familism has been investigated as a driving mechanism of cross-cultural differences in caregiving outcomes, yet prior work examining this relationship has yielded mixed findings. Using the sociocultural stress and coping model as a guiding framework, we examined, in a sample of 243 CGs who participated in the Caring for the Caregiver Network Study, a randomized controlled trial examining a culturally-tailored technology-based psychosocial intervention, the influence of familism and social support on positive aspects of caregiving, depressive symptoms, and caregiver burden. We also examined how these relationships vary as a function of race/ethnicity, the CG’s relationship to the care-recipient, other sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., SES status), and acculturation. Results showed that African American and Hispanic CGs exhibited higher levels of familism compared to Whites. In African Americans, familism predicted higher positive caregiving appraisals, and social support significantly predicted lower burden and depression. In Hispanics, levels of familism varied as a function of acculturation, with lower levels of familism identified among US Hispanic natives. Our findings highlight that cultural beliefs, such as familism, as well as social support may be adaptive in protecting against adverse CG outcomes and point to directions for future culturally congruent, family-centered intervention approaches.
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ANDONE, Ioana, Cristina POPESCU, Aura SPINU, Cristina DAIA, Simona STOICA, Liliana ONOSE, Irina ANGHEL, and Gelu ONOSE. "Current aspects regarding “smart homes”/ ambient assisted living (AAL) including rehabilitation specific devices, for people with disabilities/ special needs." Balneo Research Journal, Vol.11, no.4 (December 5, 2020): 444–49. http://dx.doi.org/10.12680/balneo.2020.3760.
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Introduction: The population life expectancy has increased (“over half the EU’s population predicted to be over-65 by 2070”), according to recent prevalence studies, being a result of the advancement of technology and medical science. This aging population has implications for society because there is increased number of older people requiring better quality of life. Materials and Methods: AAL represents the systems that may support completely the living area of a person and has the potential to facilitate the elderly to live longer and more safety in their family environments, allowing them to continue their current activities, facilitating participation in more activities at home and in the community and improving the cost-effectiveness, the quality of health and social services. A practical use of technology is the introduction of home networks, which involve notions such as: "smart homes ", “tele-health / tele-care” and even, possibly, “tele-medicine” to allow people with serious illnesses / conditions / and special needs to maintain an appropriate quality of life (QOL) at home. Discussions and Conclusions: AAL can contribute to an increased autonomy, self-confidence and mobility in people whose activity is limited to home environment, such as "the oldest olds” and/ or those with severe neuro-/ loco-motors disabilities, and so to reduce the risk of institutionalization, enhance security, prevent social isolation, thus allowing “older adults to age in place”. An important role in achieving this goal is representing by working in a multidisciplinary team (experts in the field of health - rehabilitation, gerontology -, social experts, technical/ informatics experts, engineering and robotics experts). Keywords: ambient assistive living, quality of life, special needs, tele-medicine, rehabilitation,
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Heinz, Melinda, Nathan Benton, and Laura Gleissner. "SOURCES OF INTRINSIC MOTIVATION IN LATER ADULTHOOD: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS." Innovation in Aging 6, Supplement_1 (November 1, 2022): 576–77. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igac059.2169.
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Abstract A distinct sense of purpose and motivation is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor in successful aging and prolonged health in older adults. While prior studies have established the relationship between intrinsic motivation, defined purpose, and health outcomes, it is essential for care providers and researchers to understand the underlying sources of purpose and motivation for older adults. This study examined qualitative data collected over a two-week period from a sample of older adults (N = 15) in the Midwest. Participants documented daily, through written journal entries and photography, aspects of their lives that they felt illustrated sources of purpose and motivation. The journal entries were then transcribed, aggregated, coded, and analyzed for potential themes. Two researchers coded the data; and a codebook was used to increase coding consistency. Using latent thematic analysis, three distinct themes developed from the dataset. First, engagement in behaviors and activities that incorporated aspects of mindful practices, particularly sensory awareness and grounding, proved to be motivating for many of the participants. The second theme discovered that participants found purpose in active social participation, where a subtheme regarding the impact of technology on maintaining relationships emerged. In the third theme, a goal-oriented mindset proved to be a key aspect of ongoing motivation, with a particular focus on cognitive and physical development, lifelong learning, and planning for the future. Overall, the data pointed to three distinct themes that can be used to foster ongoing opportunities for greater meaning in the lives of older adults.
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Hemalatha, Sruthi Anilkumar, T. V. Sekher, and Nawaj Sarif. "GENDER DIFFERENCES IN CAREGIVING PRACTICES AND MARITAL RELATIONSHIPS OF SANDWICH GENERATION COUPLES IN MUMBAI." Innovation in Aging 6, Supplement_1 (November 1, 2022): 87. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igac059.347.
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Abstract Over the next few decades, the most important demographic trend for the Asia Pacific region will be population aging. The increasing aging population in India and the fact that the economic dependence of the older adults is high and the cost of education and child care is on the rise pose serious challenges to generations of individuals and couples who are expected to take care of both their children and their parents. This study's primary objective is to comprehensively understand the effects of giving care to their children and their parents on various aspects of the life of sandwich generation couples. The study uses primary data of 300 multigenerational households and 100 two-generation/one-generation households in Mumbai. Specifically, the study attempts to understand the effect of giving care to two generations on the marital relationship of the caregiving couples. Additionally, the study also explores gender differences in caregiving practices. Results from bivariate and multivariate analyses show that providing simultaneous care to two generations significantly impacts the marital relationship of the sandwiched couples as opposed to couples staying in one/two-generation households. Results also show considerable gender differences in caregiving roles and time spent on caregiving. Women spend more time assisting in household activities, while men are more likely to provide monetary support. Thus, extensive research on the sandwich generation in India is necessary to ensure the socio-economic well-being of the couples, the welfare of their children and parents, and the physical and psychosocial health of these couples.
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Wennberg, Alexandra, and Loretta Anderson. "Caregiver Burden Is Associated With Dementia Patient Cognitive Performance in NHATS." Innovation in Aging 5, Supplement_1 (December 1, 2021): 434. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igab046.1686.
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Abstract Informal caregivers of dementia patients engage in multicomponent care that is often stressful. In heart failure patients, caregiver burden has been associated with occurrence of cardiovascular events. However, little is known about how caregiver burden affects patient cognition in dementia care dyads. Using data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study and National Study of Caregiving, we examined the association between caregiver burden, assessed on 38 aspects of caring, and patient cognition, assessed with the immediate and delay word recall, Clock Drawing, and self-rated memory. In fully adjusted models at round 7 (2017) higher caregiver burden was cross-sectionally associated with lower immediate (B=-0.02, 95% CI -0.03, -0.01) and delayed (B=-0.03, 95% CI -0.04, -0.02) word recall. Longitudinally, across rounds 7-9 (2017-2019) higher burden was associated with lower patient Clock Draw score (B=-0.01, 95% CI -0.03, -0.001). These findings have implications for economic assistance and interventions in dementia care dyad.
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Riffin, Catherine, Francesca Falzarano, and Sara Czaja. "A POLICY- AND PRACTICE-ALIGNED RESEARCH AGENDA FOR ENGAGING AND SUPPORTING DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS IN CARE DELIVERY." Innovation in Aging 6, Supplement_1 (November 1, 2022): 71. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igac059.283.
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Abstract The Cornell Institute for Translational Research on Aging (CITRA) Research-to-Practice Consensus Workshop Model is an evidence-based method for generating practice- and policy-informed research agendas on aging-related topics. The model aims to bridge the gap between research-based knowledge and practice-based insight by involving multidisciplinary stakeholders in all aspects of the agenda-setting process. Using the CITRA model as a guiding framework, we convened an NIA-funded Conference on Engaging Family Caregivers of Persons with Dementia in Healthcare Delivery, with the goal of generating actionable research priorities that will lead to improvements in dementia caregiver identification, assessment, and support in health and long-term care settings. Conference attendees were multidisciplinary thought leaders representing five stakeholder groups: family caregivers of persons with dementia, healthcare providers, researchers, payers, and policy advocates. This symposium will describe the CITRA model, using our caregiver conference as an example, and provide practical guidance on how to use the model to promote cross-disciplinary dialogue and integrate research, policy, and practice perspectives. The first presentation will provide an overview of the CITRA model and its 5-step method (Pillemer). Subsequent presentations will describe the model’s application to the topic of improving caregiver identification and support in care delivery (Griffin) and discuss how novel technology-based adaptations to the model helped to facilitate hybrid participation of virtual and in-person attendees (Falzarano). The final presentation will delineate the major priorities that resulted from the conference, discuss ongoing and future dissemination activities, and offer practical suggestions for leveraging the CITRA model in future consensus efforts (Riffin).
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López-Ortega, Mariana. "PATHWAYS OF CARE: THE EXPERIENCE AND COSTS OF CARING FOR FAMILY MEMBERS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA IN MEXICO." Innovation in Aging 6, Supplement_1 (November 1, 2022): 168–69. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igac059.669.
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Abstract Introduction Formal health and social security institutions are not unequipped to respond to significant dementia prevalence, and currently, no publicly funded national level dementia care policies are in place. However, little is known about the economic, social and health consequences for those providing care. Methods This paper presents families’ health and social dementia care seeking trajectories and the structural factors that shape them. It is based on results of almost 2 years of highly inductive fieldwork, carried out before and during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and includes 50 in-depth interviews with 23 unpaid family caregivers. Results Lack of awareness and knowledge about dementia and normalization of cognitive impairment as part of aging result in long delays in seeking care. When there is a diagnosis, health professionals concentrate on clinical aspects of illness, but seldom explain possible changes, behaviours, symptoms, or provide care strategies. For most carers, high opportunity costs are reported with high impact as they stop or change to more flexible employment, change living arrangements, in addition to the large economic impact of paying for most care inputs such as medicines or home adaptations. Conclusions In Mexico, these unpaid family carers struggle to navigate complicated care pathways, with little or no government or public support. Health system institutions should increase awareness and knowledge about dementia and prioritize developing and coordinating programs that provide timely diagnosis within primary care services and support strategies for people living with dementia and their carers, using person centred care.
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Samuel, Laura, and Anthony Ong. "COVID-19 and Psychosocial Changes: Results From the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS)." Innovation in Aging 5, Supplement_1 (December 1, 2021): 563–64. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igab046.2164.
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Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic likely altered many aspects of daily life for older adults, including social connectedness, technology use, financial resources and hopefulness. This symposium examines these exposures and changes during the COVID-19 pandemic and tests their associations with health and related factors. Analyses are all conducted among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults aged ≥65 years who participated in the NHATS COVID-19 supplement, which was a mail-in survey with participant and proxy respondents conducted between June and October of 2020. Additional NHATS participant data collected between 2011 and 2019 was used to account for individual characteristics before COVID-19, including demographic, socioeconomic and relevant health characteristics. Sampling weights were applied to analyses to account for study design and non-response so that inferences can be drawn to the US population of adults aged ≥65 years. This symposium will present results from five COVID-19 pandemic focused studies that examine the associations between 1) financial changes and health, 2) loneliness and behavioral changes, 3) hopefulness with function, sleep and loneliness, 4) technology use and mental health, and 5) predictors of technology use. These results offer insights into the mechanisms that influence health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results have clinical, policy and public health implications because they can inform the development of interventions, programs and policies with potential to improve health and health care and advance health equity for older adults.
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Reniers, P. W. A., I. Declercq, D. Gerritsen, K. Hediger, M.-J. Enders-Slegers, and R. Leontjevas. "216 - ECN Award: ‘The Meaning of Companion-Animal Support in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: An Integrative Review’." International Psychogeriatrics 33, S1 (October 2021): 17. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1041610221001496.
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Background:Western countries face an aging population and increasing number of people with chronic illnesses. Many countries have shifted from a focus on institutional care to home-based care due to growing healthcare costs and pressure on long-term care. Despite, the increasing difficulty for contemporary family structures to support community-dwelling older adults (CDOA) who need care.However, about 50% of households own pets which may provide some social support for CDOA. A dearth of studies investigated the support pets provide to CDOA that receive long-term care but a better understanding of pets’ support in CDOA is needed to help develop healthcare protocols and interventions that account for pets in CDOA’s lives.Research Objective:To add insight into pets’ roles in support systems and the meaning this has for CDOA.Method:This integrative review was based on qualitative studies on CDOA with pets (average age 65+). Due to few studies on CDOA with pets with chronic illnesses, this review also includes CDOA without a chronic disease. PubMed and PsycINFO, were searched with (MeSH) variations on terms of older adults, pets, and qualitative study-designs. Additionally, reference lists of systematic reviews and HABRI Central were searched. The included articles were inductively analysed in ATLAS.ti.Results:A total of 15 articles were included in the review. 28 subthemes were categorised in 7 bidirectional factors: social, care, physical health, emotional, cognitive, bonding, and behavioural. CDOA indicate that pets are very important in their lives and have a positive influence on their social environment, mental, and physical health. However, also negative aspects of pet ownership were discussed. Limitations of the review were the varying research questions and diversity of participants in the included studies. Furthermore, we identified a need in some CDOA to keep their pets as long as possible.Conclusion:This review adds a more comprehensive view on the meaning and role of pets in providing support to CDOA. However, more research is needed into the effects of the revealed factors on the wellbeing of CDOA and healthcare organisations should consider the development of guidelines accounting for the pets of long-term care clients.
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Kubo, Tomoko. "Housing challenges in shrinking and aging Japanese cities." Abstracts of the ICA 1 (July 15, 2019): 1–2. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/ica-abs-1-195-2019.
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<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> The topic of shrinking cities has been one of the most important urban issues in the past three decades. Couch and Cocks (2013) reviewed studies on the outcomes of recent shrinking cities: (1) rapid out-migration from post-socialist countries such as the movement from East Germany to West Germany in the 1990s; (2) economic -decline as an additional trigger for out-migration such as in old industrial areas in Northern England and the Rust Belt of the United States; and (3) rapid demographic changes such as low fertility and longevity-led ageing of the society leading to shrinking regions in the European countries and Japan. Although many studies have been conducted in East Germany, the old industrial cities, and the aging European countries (Nordvik and Gulbrabdsen 2009, Hoekstra et al. 2018, Hollander 2018), little is known about shrinkage in Japanese cities. Over recent decades, the debates on shrinking cities have been widely studied; these studies can be classified into three categories: (1) studies to understand the background reasons that caused shrinkage, (2) those to analyze the effects or outcomes of shrinkage (e.g., increase in housing vacancies or vacant lots, growth of crime rate or political challenges), and (3) those to propose policy implications or practical solution strategies to overcome shrinkage (Hollander and Nemeth 2011).</p><p>First, Hollander (2018) and other studies identified the relationship between the neighborhood life cycle (Hoover and Vernon 1959, or studies by the Chicago schools) and urban shrinkage, with regards to old industrial cities such as those in the Rust Belt of the United States and erstwhile mining towns in North England. Hoover and Vernon (1959) proposed that a neighborhood follows a five-stage cycle, comprising the stages of development, transition, downgrading, shrinkage, and renewal; this five-stage model is linked to the discriminative housing policies from the 1930s until the 1970s in the United States (Metzger 2000). In addition to these neighborhood cycles, other factors such as economic decline, outmigration and population loss, demographic changes (Nordvik and Gulbrabdsen 2009, Couch and Cocks 2013), social transition, globalization and neo-liberalization have transformed housing, welfare, and family relations in many countries (Yui et al. 2017, Ronald and Lennarts 2018). In East Germany, housing oversupply during the post-socialist shrinking periods acted as a catalyst to form a new residential segregation pattern in Leipzig (Grobmann et al. 2015). Some neighborhood conditions can lead to an increase in the number of housing abandonments or long-term housing vacancies in specific neighborhoods, as demonstrated by various studies mentioning oversupply of housing during the housing bubble periods and longitude low demand neighborhoods in the United States (Molloy 2016), the high ratio of poverty (Immergluck 2016), and the conditions of the surrounding neighborhoods (Morckel 2014). Second, the population loss caused by massive out-migration and a rise in housing abandonment or housing vacancies were the most common outcomes of urban shrinkage. Out-migration was triggered by the movement to seek better job opportunities or quality of life, urban life cycles with growth and decline (Couch and Cocks 2013), and the longitudinal decline process of population (Alves et al. 2016). Nordvik and Gulbrandsen (2009) analyzed aging-led shrinkage with a case study in Norway and found a spatial characteristic of shrinkage that occurs more often in suburbs than in city-centers, and the positive relation between the rise in the vacant property ratio and an increase in the elderly population in a region. The out-migration of the younger generation, arising from the desire to move away from parental homes in suburbs, and the deaths among the parental generation that have occurred in the last 30 to 50 years have led to a gradual increase in vacant housing in the suburb in Norway (Nordvik and Gulbrabdsen 2009). Apparently, the Japanese suburban neighborhoods have experienced the rise in housing vacancies and ageing population through the similar mechanism with that in Norway, but the reality and spatial patterns of shrinking-related problems vary reflecting the urban and housing policies, housing market characteristics, and embedded relationship between housing and family in society. According to Couch and Cocks (2013), the rise in housing vacancies in a region arises due to several factors, as follows. The first factor is that of short-term vacancies for which there is no demand in the local housing market; this issue can be resolved through public intervention in terms of reinvestment in inner-city social housing, such as in the United Kingdom in the 1980s. The second factor is that of oversupply of housing as compared to the housing demand in a region; this is caused by lower satisfaction among residents in their residential environment or inequality in public investment and access to private financial resources by local residents. Moreover, shrinking cities with a high ratio of long-term housing vacancies tend to experience an increase in crime such as burglary. This is because the rise in housing vacancies causes a decline in neighbourhood vitality required to protect social disorder; vacant housing is used to store stolen goods or sell drugs, and there is a “broken window effect” with regard to abandoned housing vacancies (Jones and Pridemore 2016).</p><p>There have recently been more meaningful discussions on how to handle the problems of shrinking cities. As Hoekstra et al. (2018) mentioned, there have been two main approaches in these discussions: one approach has focused on increasing the population in shrinking cities again, whereas, the other accepts longitudinal shrinkage patterns and aims to increase the quality of life of present and future residents (Hollander and Nemeth 2011). The former approach advocates entrepreneurial policies to attract new residents, resulting in an increase in inequality within a region, unsold housing, and a lack of affordable housing (Hoekstra et al. 2018). The latter approach employs methodologies such as selective demolition of abandoned housing to control the housing stock of a region, promoting down-sizing or right-sizing to meet the changes in the housing demands of residents, or densification of urban buildings to recreate walkable neighborhoods (Hoekstra et al. 2018). Hollander and Nemeth (2011) proposed smart decline strategies based on the concept of social justice, with an emphasis on the following aspects: accepting voices from diverse actors, utilizing different types of technology to share information about citizens to problematize uneven power structure, transparent decision-making processes with clear evaluation, and paying attention to the scale of decision making (e.g., the total planning burden is shared among regional levels, and the required interventions are conducted at local levels). Compared to the rich accumulation of literature on shrinking cities in Western countries, the Japanese situation has not been discussed sufficiently and there is an absence of strategies to resolve the issues in Japan. Research on shrinkage and housing has clarified that factors related to housing, welfare, and family relations are embedded in the social fabric, and the relationships vary by region or by country (Ronald and Lennerts 2018). Therefore, it is necessary to obtain deeper understanding of the housing challenges in shrinking and aging Japanese cities. The present study aims to review the above-mentioned three categories of shrinking city debates in Japan, to propose practical countermeasures for shrinking and aging Japanese cities. First, we review the reasons that caused the shrinkage in Japanese cities. Second, we analyze the increase in housing vacancies as an outcome of this shrinkage. Third, we examine the political countermeasures that have been adopted in Japan and evaluate their efficacy in the Japanese situation. Finally, through these analyses, we propose policy implications to deal with the problems of aging and shrinking cities in Japan. The major findings of the study are as follows: First of all, existing systems that had been established during the economic and urban growth periods of Japan are not suitable to address the new demands of the shrinking and aging era. Therefore, a great divide in terms of residential environments has occurred within a metropolitan area or between cities. Lesser access to financial resources to reinvest in old suburban neighborhoods or local cities accelerates the divide or inequality in terms of residential environments. Second, an increase in housing vacancies can decrease the quality of life of older adults in these shrinking neighborhoods. Third, these problems could be resolved by adopting a strategy of smart decline, with selective investment to control housing stock, and by accepting aging in place in shrinking neighborhoods. We discuss the challenges in implementing these possible solutions in Japanese cities.</p>
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Albert, Isabelle. "Perceived loneliness and the role of cultural and intergenerational belonging: the case of Portuguese first-generation immigrants in Luxembourg." European Journal of Ageing 18, no. 3 (April 9, 2021): 299–310. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10433-021-00617-7.
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AbstractThe risk of loneliness for migrants, particularly in older age, has been documented across multiple studies. Migration is a life-changing transition. While often retaining links to their country of origin, an important developmental task for migrants is the establishment of bonds in the receiving country. Drawing on recent studies, I will explore the role of cultural and intergenerational belonging in order to identify both protective and risk factors regarding loneliness in middle and older age in a sample of first-generation immigrants from Portugal living in Luxembourg. The sample comprises N = 131 participants (51.9% female) between the ages of 41 and 80 (M = 56.08; SD = 7.80) who have on average spent M = 31.71 years (SD = 8.81) in Luxembourg and raised children in Luxembourg. They took part in the IRMA project (‘Intergenerational Relations in the Light of Migration and Ageing’) which was funded by the Fonds National de la Recherche Luxembourg. A standardised questionnaire assessed socio-demographic data, aspects of cultural belonging (i.e. cultural attachment to both countries, bicultural identity orientation, acculturative stress), intergenerational belonging (i.e. family cohesion, family conflict, perceived intergenerational value consensus) and perceived loneliness. Results showed that while cultural and intergenerational belonging were protective factors, the strongest predictors for participants’ perceived loneliness were cultural identity conflict and, even more so, intergenerational conflict. Our findings suggest that establishing roots and bonds in the host country is a protective factor against loneliness, whereas the feeling of not fitting in is a strong risk factor.
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Piedra, Lissette, Melissa Howe, Yadira Montoya, and Molly Hofer. "The Use of Concept-Mapping to Structure the Cultural Adaptation of Educational Curricula for Latino Older Adults." Innovation in Aging 5, Supplement_1 (December 1, 2021): 215–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igab046.831.
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Abstract Culture, embedded in language and reflected in colloquial expressions, influences behaviors and cognitive constructs that affect health. To reach Latino older adults, health promotion efforts should include congruent cultural aspects—such as relevant metaphors, values, and proverbs—that will resonate with their cognitive constructs. However, this content should also be situated within a broader social context. For community-dwelling Latino older adults, this means considering their care systems and the multiple stakeholders within. In this paper presentation, we describe an innovative, interdisciplinary collaboration to culturally and linguistically adapt existing Illinois Extension curricula to meet the needs of Latino older adults and their families living in Cook County, which includes Chicago and its neighboring suburbs. We will demonstrate how concept-mapping (CM) studies can be used to structure the cultural adaptation of educational curriculum to a Latino audience. Specifically, we describe these CM studies, which asked how multiple stakeholders and Latino older adults living in the Chicagoland area defined positive aging provided empirically-grounded direction for our 11-member steering committee, composed of investigators, service leaders, and Latino older adults. We also will describe how the current project deepens relationships in the community that facilitate dissemination efforts to Latino older adults.
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Ioannou, Byron. "Ageing in Suburban Neighbourhoods: Planning, Densities and Place Assessment." Urban Planning 4, no. 2 (June 18, 2019): 18–30. http://dx.doi.org/10.17645/up.v4i2.1863.
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The article examines the environmental qualities perceived by ageing populations in suburban low-density and car-oriented neighbourhoods in comparison to more dense and central areas. The study focuses on Nicosia, Cyprus, a city that suffers from extended sprawl and car dependency in almost every urban district. The aim of the article is to investigate how older adults perceive and evaluate their place of residence and if this assessment relates to the suburban or the city centre profile of their neighbourhoods. For this reason, the study takes five residential districts, two central and three suburban areas, as case studies. Each of the selected residential districts performs differently in terms of percentage of the population over the age of 65; scale and street layout; adequacy in supporting land uses; building density; distance from the city centre and public space availability and condition. The almost exclusive use of private cars, as the main transportation mode is a common feature of all older adults interviewed in these areas. The older adults’ perceptions of place are assessed through the Place Standard (PS), a simple recently awarded framework which structures conversations about place in regard to its physical elements as well as its social composition. PS is used as an interview tool, which allows the mapping/visualization of qualitative data. Qualitative in-depth interviews conclude to an evaluation of fourteen aspects that outline a residential district profile from mobility to green and urban image attractiveness, and from facilities to social contact and safety, covering almost every aspect of daily life. The article concludes that the neighbourhood assessment from older residents varies depending on the nature of the suburban neighbourhood. Density, layout and distance from the city centre matter according to the participants’ evaluation and there is a clear preference towards suburban low-density areas.
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Robertson, Julia M., and Barbara E. Kingsley. "Sexually Dimorphic Faciometrics in Black Racial Groups From Early Adulthood to Late Middle Age." Evolutionary Psychology 16, no. 4 (October 1, 2018): 147470491881105. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1474704918811056.
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An increasing body of research focusing on gender-related traits has utilized faciometrics in order to consider sexual dimorphism: Aspects as diverse as social heuristics, facial attractiveness, sexual orientation, aggression, and trustworthiness have all been investigated. However, the majority of these studies have tended to focus on White or Caucasian student populations and have paid little regard to either older populations or racial background. The current study therefore investigated sexual dimorphism in 450 participants (225 women) from a Black population across four age groups (20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s). In line with much previous research using White or Caucasian faces, the expected sexual dimorphism was seen in the younger age-group in three of the four indices (cheekbone prominence, facial width to lower facial height, and lower face height to full face height). However, consistent with more recent literature, the facial width to height ratio (fWHR) was not found to be significantly different between men and women in this age-group. Contrary to previous research, when considering broader age groups, the three established measures of facial sexual dimorphism, when looked at independently, remained static over time, but this was not true for fWHR. It is concluded that facial structure does not follow the same aging trajectory in all populations and care should be taken in choice of facial metric, depending on the nature of the sample under investigation.
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Solway, Erica, and Brian Lindberg. "Policy Series: Update on Polling and Policy Efforts on Loneliness, Telehealth, Caregiving, and Advance Care Planning." Innovation in Aging 5, Supplement_1 (December 1, 2021): 176. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igab046.670.
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Abstract Older adults and their caregivers experienced dramatic changes in many aspects of their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in important shifts in organizational and federal priorities and policies. To explore older adults’ changing experiences and perspectives amidst the pandemic, the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging (NPHA), a recurring, nationally representative household survey, polled over 2,000 adults age 50-80 at multiple timepoints through January 2021 about their feelings of loneliness and use of telehealth. In June 2020, the NPHA also surveyed adults age 50-80 about advance care planning before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and asked family caregivers about their care challenges in the three months since the pandemic. This session will start with a presentation of results from these polls, first exploring change over time in loneliness and telehealth use and then focusing on experiences related to advance care planning and caregiving challenges. Next, presenters from diverse national coalitions and organizations, including the Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness, the National Academy for State Health Policy, the National Alliance for Caregiving, and the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care will describe their organizations’ efforts, including their work with research and advocacy partners, state and federal agencies, and the Biden administration to facilitate dialogue and advance activities and policies related to these timely topics.
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Nishino, Akiko, Yoritaka Harazono, Moeko Tanaka, Kazunori Yoshida, Toko Funaki, Ryosuke Takada, Takenori NASU, and Taketo TOBIMATSU. "Role of Home-Modification Training for Care Managers." Innovation in Aging 5, Supplement_1 (December 1, 2021): 777–78. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igab046.2875.
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Abstract With the aging of society, the long-term care insurance system -which includes home modifications to continue living at home- was established in 2000. However, the quality of home modifications has been persistent issue, and effective training is expected to conclusively solve this problem. To this end, the purpose of this study is to clarify the rational for training care managers who plan home modifications. A survey comprising two sets of questionnaires was conducted; one set encompassed is all 62municipalities in Tokyo, whereas the other involved care manager who participated in training program. The results of the first questionnaire showed that, out of 62 municipalities, 9 (14.5%) provided training on home modification, of which 8 (88.9%) provided training on administrative procedures. In one municipality that provided training on practical aspects of home modification, we provide questionnaires to 59 care managers participating in the training. -Lectures on administrative procedures, physical conditions of invalids, and reading drawings were conducted by administrative staff, occupational therapists, and architects, respectively. Afterwards, the participants attended a planning workshop. According to the questionnaire conducted after the workshop, 80.4% of the participants could understand home modifications in the system, 85.5% understood how to modify homes based on the occupants’ symptoms and physical conditions, 81.6% could interpret drawings, 90.2% could plan modifications, and 81.6% found the training useful. These findings indicate that the training of care managers has indeed been effective in actual practice. Improving the quality of home modifications through multidisciplinary cooperation is significant in maintaining home life.
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Gallagher, Elizabeth, Kathrin Boerner, Yijung Kim, Kyungmin Kim, and Daniela Jopp. "THE ROLE OF RELATIONSHIP FACTORS IN HARMFUL CAREGIVER BEHAVIORS: OLDER CHILDREN CARING FOR PARENTS WITH DEMENTIA." Innovation in Aging 6, Supplement_1 (November 1, 2022): 615–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igac059.2291.
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Abstract Elder abuse by family caregivers is an often-overlooked phenomenon that affects many older adults. Especially, retirement-aged children caring for their oldest-old parents with dementia may be at greater risk of engaging in harmful or abusive behaviors, given their own age-related health issues and other competing caregiving demands. Most of the elder abuse literature has focused on general demographic predictors of elder abuse, regarding the caregiver, care recipient, and the care environment. Less attention has been paid towards relationship factors, which may play a large role among these parent-child dyads. This study examined how relationship factors are associated with potentially harmful caregiver behaviors (PHCB; e.g., screaming), which have been identified as “early warning signs” for elder abuse. Relationship factors of interest include positive and negative relationship quality measured by caregivers’ mean scores on the support and conflict subscales on the Quality of Relationship Inventory (QRI). We conducted in-depth interviews with 88 caregivers (65+) who are caring for their parents with dementia (90+) as the part of the Boston Aging Together Study. Regression models revealed that relationship conflict was significantly associated with higher levels of PHCB, accounting for caregiver, care recipient, and care environment characteristics. The creation of screeners to identify “high conflict” care dyads could prove useful in the early detection and intervention of potential elder abuse cases, given that caregivers may be more willing to report negative aspects of their relationship (e.g., fighting) than more obviously harmful or abusive behaviors.
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Recksiedler, Claudia, Katharina Loter, Hannah S. Klaas, Betina Hollstein, and Pasqualina Perrig-Chiello. "Social Dimensions of Personal Growth following Widowhood: A Three-Wave Study." Gerontology 64, no. 4 (December 19, 2017): 344–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000485916.
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Background: Losing one’s spouse is one of the most stressful life events in old age, yet research on positive consequences of overcoming critical life events describes experiences of personal growth for survivors. Objective: Because prior studies conceptualized personal growth as a stable accomplishment of an individual, our study challenges this assumption by examining trajectories of personal growth and its links to two aspects of social support. We assume that personal growth is boosted by heightened levels of loss-related social support seeking during early years of widowhood. However, toward the later stages in the bereavement process, we expect personal growth to be fostered by perceived social embeddedness. Data and Method: Data stem from a survey on relationships in later life conducted in 2012, 2014, and 2016 in Switzerland. The final analytical sample consisted of 508 individuals aged 50+ years, who were on average 73 years old and widowed for about 3 years at baseline. Longitudinal explorative factor analyses yielded a 3-factorial solution for personal growth. Random-effects group-specific growth curves were used to examine the trajectories of personal growth and its subdimensions, by different levels of loss-related social support seeking and embeddedness in a supportive network, over the first 8 years of widowhood. Our analyses included time-invariant and time-varying covariates. Results: On average, our findings point to a stable trajectory of personal growth after having become widowed in later life. Group-specific analyses, however, showed different courses in the trajectories for specific subdimensions of personal growth – particularly for spiritual change and appreciation of life. Average marginal effects also yielded group differences by loss-related support seeking in the level of personal growth over time, which highlight the importance of social support seeking, rather than social embeddedness, at all stages of the bereavement process. Conclusion: Findings underline the importance of a longitudinal and linked-lives perspective on personal growth and point to different pathways regarding its various subdimensions. Future research should further examine the validity of personal growth scales for other populations and consider the possibility to experience personal growth already during the anticipation of a traumatic event (e.g., in the case of long-term caretaking).
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Leggett, Amanda, and Hyun Jung Koo. "Different Statistical Approaches to Develop a Guideline for Improvement of Caregiver’s Mental Health." Innovation in Aging 5, Supplement_1 (December 1, 2021): 852. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igab046.3114.
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Abstract Caregiver burden is common, and improvement of caregivers’ mental health could lead to better quality of care and well-being for both caregivers and care recipients. We investigate ways to develop a guideline to enhance caregiver’s mental well-being by applying and comparing regression tree and ensemble tree models. Data comes from the 2017 National Health and Aging Trends Study and National Study of Caregiving. Dementia caregivers’ (n=945) aspects of caregiving, care activities, support environment, and participation along with basic demographics and health are considered. First, insignificant predictors are preselected using linear regression with backward selection, which will not be included in the tree models. Using the predetermined predictors that are not excluded in the backward selection method, regression tree and ensemble tree models are generated to predict emotional difficulty of caregivers. The regression tree with the preselected predictors predicts caregivers with low to moderate levels of overload and high levels of joy being with their care recipient associated with the lowest level of emotional difficulty. On the other hand, if caregivers have high levels of overload and low to moderately high levels of positive affect, this is linked with the highest level of emotional difficulty. Ensemble tree models showed similar results with lower error measures. Using tree-based methods can help determine the most important predictors of caregiver mental health. Easily interpretable results with applicable decision rules can provide a guideline for intervention developers.
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Chang, Yu-Ling, Di-Hua Luo, Tsung-Ren Huang, Joshua O. S. Goh, Su-Ling Yeh, and Li-Chen Fu. "Identifying Mild Cognitive Impairment by Using Human–Robot Interactions." Journal of Alzheimer's Disease 85, no. 3 (February 1, 2022): 1129–42. http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/jad-215015.
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Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is common in older adults, is a risk factor for dementia. Rapidly growing health care demand associated with global population aging has spurred the development of new digital tools for the assessment of cognitive performance in older adults. Objective: To overcome methodological drawbacks of previous studies (e.g., use of potentially imprecise screening tools that fail to include patients with MCI), this study investigated the feasibility of assessing multiple cognitive functions in older adults with and without MCI by using a social robot. Methods: This study included 33 older adults with or without MCI and 33 healthy young adults. We examined the utility of five robotic cognitive tests focused on language, episodic memory, prospective memory, and aspects of executive function to classify age-associated cognitive changes versus MCI. Standardized neuropsychological tests were collected to validate robotic test performance. Results: The assessment was well received by all participants. Robotic tests assessing delayed episodic memory, prospective memory, and aspects of executive function were optimal for differentiating between older adults with and without MCI, whereas the global cognitive test (i.e., Mini-Mental State Examination) failed to capture such subtle cognitive differences among older adults. Furthermore, robot-administered tests demonstrated sound ability to predict the results of standardized cognitive tests, even after adjustment for demographic variables and global cognitive status. Conclusion: Overall, our results suggest the human–robot interaction approach is feasible for MCI identification. Incorporating additional cognitive test measures might improve the stability and reliability of such robot-assisted MCI diagnoses.