scholarly journals Eliciting Life Priorities of Older Adults Living in Permanent Supportive Housing

2019 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah K Padgett ◽  
Lynden Bond ◽  
Kristen Gurdak ◽  
Benjamin F Henwood
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Course ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Accelerated Aging ◽  
Life Course Perspective ◽  
Supportive Housing ◽  
Card Sort ◽  
Permanent Supportive Housing ◽  
Age Related

Abstract Background and Objectives Adults who have experienced chronic homelessness are considered to be “old” by age 50 due to accelerated aging. While permanent supportive housing (PSH) has been found effective for these individuals, there is limited focus on the needs of adults “aging in place” in PSH. This study examined (1) how older adults in PSH identify and rank their life priorities, (2) how they describe these priorities in their own words, and (3) how life course adversity deepens an understanding of these priorities. Research Design and Methods A convergent parallel mixed methods design was used in which qualitative case study analyses informed by a life course perspective provided a deeper understanding of how 14 older residents of PSH viewed their life priorities using quantitative card-sort rankings of 12 life domains. Results Housing, family, mental health, physical health, and partner were the most frequently endorsed life priorities. Four themes emerged from the cross-case analyses: “aging in, aging out,” “carefully restoring relationships,” “life goes on,” and “housing is fundamental.” Convergent findings indicated that life adversity—social losses and interrupted lives—influenced both the high- and low-ranked card-sort priorities. Discussion and Implications This study demonstrated that participants were aware of their advancing years yet they sought to overcome adversity and losses through maintaining mental health and sobriety, improving physical health, and cautiously rebuilding relationships. As the numbers of older homeless rise, the inclusion of age-related services will be an important component of PSH services for residents as they age.

scholarly journals Cognition, Health, and Social Support of Formerly Homeless Older Adults in Permanent Supportive Housing

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita M Souza ◽  
Jenny Hsin-Chin Tsai ◽  
Kenneth C Pike ◽  
Francesca Martin ◽  
Susan M McCurry
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Global Mental Health ◽  
Case Managers ◽  
Supportive Housing ◽  
Homeless Population ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Permanent Supportive Housing ◽  
Formerly Homeless

Abstract Background and Objectives Formerly homeless older adults residing in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) represent an invisible subsector of two distinct, yet related populations: the homeless population and the elderly population. Little research is focused on the complex health concerns facing this aging population within the homelessness response system. Of particular concern is the identification and support of individuals with cognitive impairment and co-occurring chronic conditions. We collaborated with a leading housing services provider to develop a systematic screening system for case managers to capture the cognitive, physical, and psychosocial health of older adults served within homeless housing programs. Research Design and Methods PSH residents aged ≥50 years in four sites screened as being without cognitive impairment on the Mini-Cog were enrolled. A brief demographic survey and selected PROMIS measures were used to characterize participants’ demographics, cognition, global physical and mental health, physical functioning, self-efficacy for social interactions, and instrumental support. PSH case managers were trained to recruit participants and collect data. PROMIS scales were scored using the Health Measures Scoring Service. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and one sample t-tests were performed. Results Fifty-three residents (mean age = 60.8 years, range 50–76 years) participated. The majority self-identified as male and were military veterans; 60% reported having a history of two or more episodes of homelessness. All PROMIS scores were significantly (p < .05) lower than reference U.S. population means, with global mental health and cognition having the lowest scores. Discussion and Implications Self-reported cognitive functioning and global mental health were residents’ greatest concerns. Strengthening housing case manager capacity to assess residents’ cognitive and health status could increase support for older adults in PSH. It is feasible to train PSH staff to conduct structured interviews to identify resident cognitive and health needs to help support this “invisible” population to successfully age in place.

scholarly journals Older Adult Peer Support Specialists’ Age-Related Contributions to Self-Management Through Text Message Exchanges: A Qualitative Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mbita Mbao ◽  
Karen Fortuna
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Peer Specialists

BACKGROUND Older adults with mental health conditions experience co-morbid physical health conditions, premature nursing home admissions, and an earlier mortality compared to the general population of older adults. Older adult peer support specialists are increasingly using technology to deliver peer support services related to addressing both mental health and physical health needs of older adults. OBJECTIVE This qualitative study examined older adult peer support specialists’ age-related contributions to peer-supported integrated medical and psychiatric self-management through text message exchanges METHODS Older adult peer specialists exchanged text messages with service users as part of a 12-week peer-supported smartphone intervention. Text message exchanges between older adult peer specialists (N=3) and people with serious mental illness were examined (N=8) with a mean age of 68.8 years (SD=4.9). A total of 356 text messages were sent between the older adult peer specialist and people with serious mental illness. Older adult peer specialists sent text messages to older participants' smartphones between from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and weekends RESULTS Five themes emerged including (1) using technology to simultaneously manage mental health and physical health issues; (2) realizing new capabilities in late life; (3) sharing their roles as parents and grandparents; (4) wisdom; and (5) sharing lived experience of normal age-related changes (emerging). CONCLUSIONS The collaborative non-directive approach by the older adult peer specialists offered key experiential contributions that are important to successfully aging with a mental health condition. Promising evidence suggests older adult peer support specialists may be helpful in addressing age-related mental health and physical health needs of older adults in the community.

The Victimization of Older Adults in Prison

2021 ◽  
pp. 300-325
Author(s):  
Jane C. Daquin ◽  
Victoria Helmly ◽  
Leah E. Daigle
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Course ◽  
Routine Activities ◽  
Life Course Perspective ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Unique Experience ◽  
The Life Course

Researchers have documented the differential risks that people in prison face of victimization. Although older adults in prison—those 50 years or older—generally face lower risks of being victimized than younger people in prison, the unique experience of this group warrants investigation. Connected to the importation/deprivation and the lifestyle/routine activities perspectives, older adults in prison face challenges connected to their physical and mental health that may shape their likelihood of victimization. These challenges are considered through the lens of gerontology and the life course perspective to illuminate how those who work with people in prison may better serve older adults.

scholarly journals THE DIFFERENTIAL INFLUENCE OF REGIONAL CONTEXT ON LATER-LIFE HEALTH AND MORTALITY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S806-S806
Author(s):  
Alicia Riley
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Course ◽  
Health Effect ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Life Course Perspective ◽  
The South ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Health And Mortality ◽  
The U.S

Abstract This study examines regional disparities in later life health from a life course perspective. To sort out when and how region influences health over the life course, I focus on the sharp contrast between the South and the rest of the U.S. in health and mortality. I draw on data from the National Life Health and Aging Project (NSHAP), a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling older adults in the U.S., to estimate the differential risk of multiple health outcomes and mortality by regional trajectory. I find that older adults who leave the South are worse off in multiple outcomes than those who stay. I also find evidence of a protective health effect of community cohesion and dense social networks for the Southerners who stay in the South. My results suggest that regional trajectory influences health in later life through its associations with socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and social rootedness.

Patterns and Predictors of Preparation for Future Care Among Older Rural Chinese Adults: A Latent Profile Analysis

2020 ◽  
pp. 073346482096414
Author(s):  
Yuqin Li ◽  
Yaoyao Sun ◽  
Junxin Li ◽  
Jihui Jia
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Latent Profile Analysis ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Chinese Adults ◽  
Future Care

This study aimed to identify profiles of preparation for future care (PFC) among older rural Chinese adults. A total of 481 older adults were recruited. PFC was evaluated using Preparation for Future Care Needs and respondents’ social services knowledge. Information on individual characteristics, physical health indicators, mental health, and support system was collected. Four profiles of PFC were identified: scarce-preparation (22.42%), high-avoidance/low-action (26.91%), moderate-preparation (44.17%), and high-avoidance/high-action (6.50%). The scarce-preparation and high-avoidance/low-action profiles had the lowest levels of social services knowledge. Multinomial logistic regression showed that older adults in moderate-preparation and high-avoidance/high-action profiles had fewer illnesses, exercised more frequently, and had higher loneliness levels compared with those in the scarce-preparation profile. Compared with high-avoidance/low-action persons, high-avoidance/high-action persons had fewer illnesses, exercised more frequently, and had lower self-esteem and higher loneliness levels. People who performed poorly in physical health indicators and well in mental health need to increase PFC.

Consumption of fruits and vegetables: improved physical health, mental health, physical functioning and cognitive health in older adults from 11 European countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 634-641 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerstin H. Gehlich ◽  
Johannes Beller ◽  
Bernhard Lange-Asschenfeldt ◽  
Wolfgang Köcher ◽  
Martina C. Meinke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Physical Functioning ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Cognitive Health

A life course perspective of victimization, child welfare involvement, cumulative stress and mental health for mothers on probation and parole

2018 ◽  
Vol 86 ◽  
pp. 235-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gina Fedock ◽  
Rachel C. Garthe ◽  
Sophia Sarantakos ◽  
Seana Golder ◽  
George E. Higgins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Child Welfare ◽  
Life Course ◽  
Life Course Perspective ◽  
Cumulative Stress ◽  
Probation And Parole

scholarly journals Investigating young adults’ mental health and early working life trajectories from a life course perspective: the role of transitions

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ute Bültmann ◽  
Iris Arends ◽  
Karin Veldman ◽  
Christopher B. McLeod ◽  
Sander K.R. van Zon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Life Course ◽  
Labour Market ◽  
Research Agenda ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Working Life ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Life Course Perspective ◽  
Life Trajectories

BackgroundMany young adults leave the labour market because of mental health problems or never really enter it, through early moves onto disability benefits. Across many countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, between 30% and 50% of all new disability benefit claims are due to mental health problems; among young adults this moves up to 50%–80%.OutlineWe propose a research agenda focused on transitions in building young adults’ mental health and early working life trajectories, considering varying views for subgroups of a society. First, we briefly review five transition characteristics, then we elaborate a research agenda with specific research questions.Research agendaOur research agenda focuses on transitions as processes, in time and place and as sensitive periods, when examining young adults’ mental health and early working life trajectories from a life course perspective. As more and more childhood and adolescent cohorts mature and facilitate research on later life labour market, work and health outcomes, transition research can help guide policy and practice interventions.Future cross-disciplinary researchIn view of the many challenges young adults face when entering the changing world of work and labour markets, future research on transitions in young adults related to their mental health and early working life trajectories will provide ample opportunities for collaborative cross-disciplinary research and stimulate debate on this important challenge.

The glass is not half empty: optimism, pessimism, and health among older adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael D. Barnett ◽  
Ellen A. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Life Orientation Test ◽  
Health And Well Being

ABSTRACTObjectives:Optimism and pessimism are distinct constructs that have demonstrated independent relationships with aspects of health and well-being. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether optimism or pessimism is more closely linked with physical and mental health among older adults.Design:Cross-sectional survey.Participants:Community-dwelling older adults (N = 272) ages 59–95 in the southern United States.Measurements:The Life Orientation Test—Revised and the Short Form 8.Results:At the bivariate level, optimism was associated with higher physical health and mental health, while pessimism was associated with lower physical health and mental health. Multiple-regression analyses as well as comparison of correlation coefficients found that pessimism was more closely associated with physical health and mental health than optimism.Conclusions:These results add to the literature suggesting that, in terms of older adults’ health and well-being, avoiding pessimism may be more important than being optimistic.

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