scholarly journals “Conviv\^{e}ncia” Groups: Building Active and Healthy Communities of Older Adults in Brazil

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tânia R. Bertoldo Benedetti ◽  
Eleonora d'Orsi ◽  
Andiara Schwingel ◽  
Wojtek J. Chodzko-Zajko
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Programs ◽  
Crucial Component ◽  
Older Adult Population ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

In old age, social groups can be a crucial component for health and well-being. In 2009-2010, a follow-up survey was carried out in Florianópolis, Brazil to understand the impact of a variety of programs established since 2002 that were designed to enhance social activities among the older adult population. This study employed two surveys within the population of older adults in Florianópolis. The first survey interviewed a total of 875 older adults in 2002, and the second survey involved 1,705 older adults between 2009 and 2010. By 2010, many new programs were offered in the community and the enrollment of older adults in social programs followed similar trends. “Convivência” groups stood out as extremely popular social groups among this population. This paper discusses some of the potential outcomes associated with participation in “convivência” groups.

scholarly journals Transitions in Loneliness Among Older Adults: A 5-Year Follow-Up in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 365-387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise C. Hawkley ◽  
Masha Kocherginsky
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Functional Factors ◽  
Older Adult Population ◽  
Health And Well Being

A substantial portion of the older adult population suffers from frequent feelings of loneliness, but a large proportion remains relatively unscathed by loneliness. To date, research examining both protective and risk factors for loneliness has not included data from the United States. The present study used the first two waves of data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project to examine sociodemographic, structural, and functional factors thought to be associated with loneliness in older adults. Functional limitations and low family support were associated with an increase in loneliness frequency (as were more strained friendships) and with transitioning from nonlonely to lonely status. Better self-rated health, higher levels of socializing frequency, and lower family strain were associated with transitioning from lonely to nonlonely status. Interventions that target these factors may be effective in preventing and reducing loneliness and its effects on health and well-being in older adults.

Speaker, tell me a joke: The feasibility of using smart speaker technology for health and well-being in an older adult population (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Faulkenberry McCloud ◽  
Carly Perez ◽  
Mesfin Awoke Bekalu ◽  
Kasisomayajula Viswanath
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Lower Socioeconomic ◽  
Study Staff ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Older Adult Population ◽  
Additional Explanation ◽  
Health And Well Being

BACKGROUND Although smart speaker technology is poised to help improve the health and well-being of older adults through offering services such as music, medication reminders, and connection to others, more research is needed to determine how older adults from lower socioeconomic position (SEP) accept and use this technology. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to serve as a feasibility study for using smart speakers for improving the health and well-being of older low SEP adults. METHODS Forty nine adults between the age of 65 to 85 who lived in a subsidized housing community were recruited to take part in a three-month study. Participants had a smart speaker into their home and were given a brief orientation to its use. Over the course of the study, participants were given weekly check-in calls to help assist with any problems and newsletters with tips on how to use the speaker. Participants received a pretest and posttest to gauge comfort with technology, well-being, and perceptions of and use of the speaker. Study staff also maintained detailed process notes of interactions with participants over the course of the study, including a log of all issues reported. RESULTS At the end of the study period, 38% of the participants indicated using the speaker daily, and 38% reported using it several times per week. Seventy-two percent of the participants indicated that they wanted to continue using the speaker after the end of the study. The majority (63%) indicated that the speaker was useful, and approximately half of participants felt that the speaker gave them another voice to talk to (51%) and connected them with the outside world (47%). Although common uses were using the speaker for weather, music, and news, fewer reported using it for health-related questions. Despite initial challenges participants experienced with framing questions to the speaker, additional explanation by study staff addressed these issues in the first weeks of the study. CONCLUSIONS Results from this study indicate that there is promise for smart speaker technology with older low SEP adults, particularly to connect them to music, news, and reminders. Future studies will need to provide more up-front training on query formation, as well as develop and promote more specific options for older adults, particularly in the area of health and well-being. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.2196/jmir.4375

scholarly journals SOCIAL NETWORKS, HEALTH, AND WELL-BEING AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S71-S71
Author(s):  
Eleanor S McConnell ◽  
Kirsten Corazzini ◽  
T Robert Konrad
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sensor Technology ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Care Partners ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Although the impact of dementia on the health and well-being of those living with Alzheimer’s Disease and related Disorders (ADRD) and their care partners has been widely studied, less attention has been paid to how the disease impacts individuals within the context of their larger social networks. This symposium presents findings from a series of integrated studies aimed at strengthening measurement of health and well-being among older adults with living with dementia and well-being among members of their social networks. Findings will be presented from five studies: (1) a scoping review of social network measurement in older adults in chronic illness, including dementia, that emphasizes the use of technology in measuring older adults’ social networks; (2) a simulation study to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of sensor technology to measure social interaction among a person living with dementia and others in their immediate surroundings; (3) development of a web-based application that allows older adults to map and activate their social networks; (4) a qualitative analysis of interviews from persons living with dementia, their unpaid caregivers, and paid caregivers from an adult day health program concerning well-being focused outcomes; and (5) a mixed methods analysis of the feasibility of using both traditional and novel measures of health and well-being deployed among networks of people living with dementia. Emerging technologies for measuring social networks health and well-being hold promise for advancing the study of the relationship-based nature of care for people living with dementia.

Coping with Loneliness

2019 ◽  
pp. 216-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawn Joosten-Hagye ◽  
Anne Katz
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Transnational Feminism ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Major Predictor ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Global Growth

This chapter examines loneliness and how it affects health and well-being. It discusses how loneliness may lead to ill health but also how ill health may lead to feelings of loneliness. It reviews the evidence suggesting that loneliness is not only linked to overall morbidity and mortality in older adults but also a major predictor of psychological distress. With the global growth of the aging population, considerable research attention focuses on these issues in Europe, the United States, and Australia. The proportion of Australians aged 65 years or older is growing, with prevalence rates of loneliness among older adults as high as 30%. The impact of this is discussed in this chapter, as are recent developments, current conditions, historical trends, transnational feminism and advocacy, and how loneliness impacts the health and well-being of older women in Australia.

scholarly journals Contextualizing the COVID-19 Era in Puerto Rico: Compounding Disasters and Parallel Pandemics

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine García ◽  
Fernando I Rivera ◽  
Marc A Garcia ◽  
Giovani Burgos ◽  
María P Aranda
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Puerto Rican ◽  
Debt Crisis ◽  
Wealth Inequality ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Research Report ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Objectives The COVID-19 outbreak has worsened the ongoing economic crisis in Puerto Rico by creating “parallel pandemics” that exacerbate socioeconomic and health inequalities experienced by its most vulnerable residents. Unfortunately, conditions on the island have been largely overlooked by national media outlets and the mainland U.S. population. Thus, this research report aims to draw attention to the disparate burden multiple and compounding disasters have on older island-dwelling Puerto Rican adults’ health and well-being. Methods We characterize the lived experiences of the older population in Puerto Rico by incorporating data from multiple sources and contextualizing the effects of compounding disasters, the fiscal pandemic, and health care challenges to provide a more nuanced portrait of existing compounding factors that negatively affect the health and well-being of older adults in the era of COVID-19. Results We highlight 2 main factors that exacerbate pre-pandemic inequities experienced by the older adult population amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Puerto Rico: (a) the impact of multiple and compounding disasters; and (b) health care challenges. Discussion The human suffering of the Puerto Rican population is compounded by the consequences of fiscal austerity, increasing levels of income and wealth inequality, the debt crisis, significant emigration, and a dysfunctional health care system. Future governmental actions are required to lessen the burden of parallel pandemics on older adults in Puerto Rico.

The Use of Yoga for Physical and Mental Health Among Older Adults: A Review of the Literature

2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna Wang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Benefits ◽  
Improve Sleep Quality ◽  
Older Adult Population

The older adult population may greatly benefit from the practice of Yoga. This article reviews the scientific evidence supporting the use of Yoga with older adults. Nine studies were identified that examined either physical or mental health outcomes in older adults following a Yoga intervention. There is growing evidence that Yoga can improve physical well-being, including balance, range of motion, blood pressure, pain, fatigue, and general health. There is less evidence available that examines the cognitive and mental health benefits of Yoga for older adults. However, there is preliminary evidence that Yoga can improve sleep quality and depression. Only three of the reviewed studies were randomized controlled trials, and more studies of high methodological quality are needed. Implications for further research and practice are offered.

scholarly journals Higher Hemoglobin Levels Are Associated With Better Physical Performance Among Older Adults Without Anemia: A Longitudinal Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ligiana Pires Corona ◽  
Flavia Cristina Drummond Andrade ◽  
Tiago Silva Alexandre ◽  
Tábatta Renata Pereira Brito ◽  
Daniella Pires Nunes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Aging Study ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Anemia is the most common hematological abnormality among older adults, and it is associated with decreased physical performance. But the role of hemoglobin in the absence of anemia remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to assess the impact of hemoglobin levels on physical performance in Brazilian older adults without anemia. Methods The study is longitudinal in that it relies on two waves of the Saúde, Bem-Estar e Envelhecimento (SABE; Health, Well-being, and Aging) study: 2010 and 2015–2016. Mixed-effects linear regression was used to determine the effects of the hemoglobin concentrations on the Short Physical Performance Battery-SPPB over time among the 1,020 who had complete data and did not have anemia in 2010. In the follow-up, there were 562 without anemia. Analyses were stratified by sex. Results In analyses adjusted for age, education, grip strength, comorbidities, and body mass index, hemoglobin levels were positively associated with physical performance scores among older women (β = 0.15, p < 0.05) and men (β = 0.18, p < 0.05) without anemia. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that higher hemoglobin levels were associated with better physical performance among older men and women without anemia. This finding is important because, in clinical practice, most health professionals focus on the World Health Organization definition of anemia. Our study suggests the importance of hemoglobin levels among older adults, even those without anemia.

scholarly journals 407 - Living through the pandemic as an older person: Long-term psychological impacts in low- and middle-income countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. 33-33
Author(s):  
Clarissa Giebel ◽  
Bwire Ivan ◽  
Maria Isabel Zuluaga ◽  
Suresh Kumar ◽  
Mark Gabbay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Background:The pandemic has put a huge strain on people’s mental health, with varying restrictions affecting people’s lives. Little is known how the pandemic affects older adults’ mental health, particularly those living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where restrictions are affecting people’s access to basic necessities. Thus, the aim of this 3-country study was to understand the long- term impacts of the pandemic on the mental well-being of older adults with and without dementia in LMICs.Methods:We are collecting 30 baseline and 15 follow-up interviews with older adults (aged 60+), people with dementia, and family carers in Colombia, India, and Uganda, as well as a baseline and follow-up focus group with health and social are professionals in each country. Interviews are conducted remotely over the phone due to pandemic restrictions, with data collection taking place between March and July 2021. Transcripts are translated into English before being analysed using thematic analysis.Results:To date, we have completed close to 90 baseline interviews and 3 focus groups with health and social care professionals. Analysis is ongoing, but findings are capturing the detrimental second wave in India and follow-up interviews will capture the longitudinal impacts on mental health.Conclusions:Whilst vaccines are starting to be rolled out in LMICs, albeit at different rates, the virus will likely take much longer to be somewhat managed in LMICs. This leaves more room for people’s physical as well as mental health to be impacted by the restrictions, and with often limited mental health service coverage, it is all the more important o understand the impact of the pandemic on older people’s mental health.

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