scholarly journals Stereotypes of Aging: Their Effects on the Health of Older Adults

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rylee A. Dionigi
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Holistic Health ◽  
Mental Functioning ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Perceived Quality Of Life ◽  
Definition Of

The purpose of this review is to present findings on the effects of stereotypes of aging on health outcomes related to older adults, such as physical and mental functioning (specifically) and overall well-being and perceived quality of life (more broadly). This review shows that both positive and negative stereotypes of aging can have enabling and constraining effects on the actions, performance, decisions, attitudes, and, consequently, holistic health of an older adult. This review further highlights a variety of limitations in stereotype research in aging contexts, including a lack of qualitative studies focusing on older adult perspectives and the fluctuating definition of what constitutes “good health” during older age.

Fostering older adult care experiences to maximize well-being outcomes

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 953-977 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sertan Kabadayi ◽  
Kejia Hu ◽  
Yuna Lee ◽  
Lydia Hanks ◽  
Matthew Walsman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Service Operations ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Service Firms ◽  
Adult Care ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Care Experience ◽  
Centered Care ◽  
Definition Of

PurposeCaring for older adults is an increasingly complex and multi-dimensional global concern. This article provides a comprehensive definition of the older adult care experience and discusses its key components to help practitioners deliver older adult-centered care to maximize well-being outcomes for older adults.Design/methodology/approachBased on prior research on service operations, service experience, person-centered care and the unique, evolving needs of older adults regarding their care, this paper develops a conceptual framework in which the older adult care experience is the central construct, and key dimensions of well-being are the outcomes.FindingsThe older adult care experience is shaped by older adults' perceptions and evaluations of the care that they receive. Older adult-centered care has autonomy, dignity, unique needs and social environment as its core dimensions and results in those older adults feel empowered, respected, engaged and connected as part of their experience. The article also discusses how such experience can be evaluated by using quality dimensions from service operations, hospitality and healthcare contexts, and challenges that service firms may face in creating older adult care experience.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the changing demographics and unique needs of older adults, it is an imperative for academics and practitioners to have an understanding of what determines older adult care experience to better serve them. Such understanding is important as by creating and fostering older adult care experience, service organizations can contribute to individual and societal well-being.Originality/valueTo the authors' best knowledge, this is the first paper to provide a comprehensive conceptualization of the older adult care experience.

scholarly journals Community-Dwelling and Recently Widowed Older Adults: Effects of Spousal Loss on Psychological Well-Being, Perceived Quality of Life, and Health-Care Costs

2019 ◽  
Vol 92 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-82
Author(s):  
L. C. van Boekel ◽  
J. C. M. Cloin ◽  
K. G. Luijkx
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Costs ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Perceived Quality ◽  
Spousal Loss ◽  
Perceived Quality Of Life ◽  
Care Costs

This study is on the effects of spousal loss among older adults who continue to live independently after bereavement. Little longitudinal studies focus on this group, which is of special interest, since in many countries, care policy and system reform are aimed at increasing independent living among older adults. Using longitudinal data from a Dutch public data repository, we investigate the effects of spousal loss on psychological well-being, perceived quality of life, and (indication of) yearly health-care costs. Of the respondents who had a spouse and were living independently ( N = 9,400) at baseline, the majority had not lost their spouse after 12 months ( T12, n = 9,150), but 2.7% ( n = 250) had lost their spouse and still lived independently. We compared both groups using multivariate regression (ordinary least squares) analyses. The results show that spousal loss significantly lowers scores on psychological well-being and perceived quality of life, but we found no effect on health-care costs.

scholarly journals Promoting a musical lifecourse towards sustainable ageing: A call for policy congruence

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuulikki Laes ◽  
Patrick Schmidt
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Music Education ◽  
Lifelong Learning ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Active Ageing ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Perceived Quality Of Life ◽  
Multiple Constituencies

Today, individually perceived quality of life for a growing ageing population could be said to be significantly dependent on meaningful life experiences, social connectedness and a sense of purpose. In this article, we argue for a wider theorization of policy and the politics of ageing. The central aim is to reflect on understandings of ageing within music education and musical participation, and, in particular, shift the focus from active ageing ‐ and the ways it might support the narrow agenda of music for older adults ‐ to the potentials of holistic and sustainable learning and participation in music. To do so, we draw from the concept of policy congruence, presenting a vision of policy as a critical catalyst that may amplify parameters for concerted initiatives among multiple constituencies within music education. We argue these amplified parameters may afford renewed efforts towards transdisciplinary action that can support the actions of community musicians and strengthen their role as networked actors labouring in consonance with others in the growingly significant areas of lifelong learning and ageing populations. Our stance is that, if we can assume that music education and musical participation have a serious contribution to make in the lives and well being of individuals across the lifespan, including older adults, then we ought to consider how systematic policy engagement may actively contribute to appropriate allocation of resources and renewed pedagogical and organizational framings, which more directly use lifelong learning to support sustainable ageing.

scholarly journals Are We Missing the Target When Measuring Quality of Life?

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 373-373
Author(s):  
Leah Janssen ◽  
Kate de Medeiros
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Many Instruments ◽  
Multiple Dimensions ◽  
Universal Definition ◽  
Definition Of

Abstract Over the last several decades, many instruments have been created to measure quality of life (QoL) in older adults, particularly for intervention research on individuals living with dementia. However, since definitions of QoL lack standardization across the research literature, the question of how to holistically capture an elusive and expansive concept such as QoL remain. This research uses qualitative content analysis to explore definitions and domains of QoL with an eye toward overlap and gaps. Definitions of QoL were extracted from gerontology encyclopedia entries and other peer-reviewed supplemental resources and analyzed for themes using Dedoose qualitative software. Results revealed three over-arching themes: no standardized or universal definition of QoL, use of subjective and objective factors for measurement, and varying domains of QoL. Additionally, we further distilled theme three to identify eight unique QoL domains: 1) economic/financial, 2) environment, 3) ADL/IADL function, 4) participation in activities, 5) personal resources, 6) physical health, 7) psychological well-being, and 8) social/relational, the total of which were only found in one of 15 definitions of QoL. Overall, findings led to an overarching definition of QoL that cuts across multiple dimensions and factors. We argue that by having all eight domains our understanding and measurement of QoL is enhanced, thereby improving our assessment of existing definitions of QoL, as well as the instruments used to measure QoL.

Talk or Walk? Gait Speed over Self-Report in Association with Cognitive Speed in Healthy Older Adults

GeroPsych ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-52
Author(s):  
Matthew C. Costello ◽  
Shane J. Sizemore ◽  
Kimberly E. O’Brien ◽  
Lydia K. Manning
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Gait Speed ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Subjective Report ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Relative Value ◽  
Cognitive Speed ◽  
Age Range

Abstract. This study explores the relative value of both subjectively reported cognitive speed and gait speed in association with objectively derived cognitive speed. It also explores how these factors are affected by psychological and physical well-being. A group of 90 cognitively healthy older adults ( M = 73.38, SD = 8.06 years, range = 60–89 years) were tested in a three-task cognitive battery to determine objective cognitive speed as well as measures of gait speed, well-being, and subjective cognitive speed. Analyses indicated that gait speed was associated with objective cognitive speed to a greater degree than was subjective report, the latter being more closely related to well-being than to objective cognitive speed. These results were largely invariant across the 30-year age range of our older adult sample.

scholarly journals Sex Difference in Self-Reported Sexual Functioning Among Frail Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 313-313
Author(s):  
Brianne Olivieri-Mui ◽  
Sandra Shi ◽  
Ellen McCarthy ◽  
Dae Kim
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Sexual Functioning ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Males And Females

Abstract Frailty may differentially impact how older adult males and females perceive sexual functioning, an important part of well-being. We assessed the level of frailty (robust, pre-frail, frail) for anyone with data on 11 sexual functioning questions asked in wave 2 of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, 2010-2011 (n=2060). Questions covered five domains: overall sexual function (OSF), sexual function anxiety (SFA), changes in sexual function (CSF), erectile/vaginal dysfunction (EVD), and masturbation. Logistic regression identified sex differences in frailty and reporting worse sexual functioning. Linear regression predicted the number of domains reported as worse. Among males (n=1057), pre-frailty meant higher odds of reporting SFA (OR 1.8 95%CI 1.2-6.6), CSF (OR 1.7 95%CI 1.1-2.7), and EVD (OR 1.5 95%CI 1.0-2.2). Among females (n=1003), there was no difference in reporting by frailty. Females were more likely to report worse OSF (Robust: OR 7.4, 95%CI 4.8-11.4; Pre-frail: OR 6.2, 95%CI 3.9-9.9; Frail: OR 3.4 95%CI 1.7-6.6), but less likely to report SFA (Robust OR .3, 95%CI .2-.5; Pre-frail OR .2, 95%CI .1-.3; Frail OR .2 95%CI .1-.3). Pre-frail and frail females reported fewer domains as worse (Pre-frail coefficient -0.21 SE 0.09, Frail -0.43 SE 0.14). As frailty worsened, males reported more domains as worse (Pre-frail 0.24 SE 0.07, Frail 0.29 SE 0.08). Self-reported sexual functioning differs by sex at all levels of frailty, and reporting by males, but not females, changes with frailty. Providers should be aware that sexual functioning is of importance to both sexes despite varying degrees of frailty.

Enhancing Wellbeing for Older Adults With Serious Mental Illnesses: Co-Producing a Positive Psychology Course With Certified Older Adult Peer Specialists

2021 ◽  
pp. 104973232199204
Author(s):  
Lydia P. Ogden
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Positive Psychology ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Subjective Experiences ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Peer Specialists ◽  
Psychology Course ◽  
Serious Mental Illnesses

Compared to peers in the general population, persons aging with serious mental illnesses (SMIs) face physical health disparities, increased isolation, and decreased subjective experiences of quality of life and wellbeing. To date, limited intervention research focuses on addressing specific needs of persons aging with SMIs and no interventions targeted for that population are informed by the theory and science of positive psychology. With the aim of co-producing a positive-psychology-based program to enhance wellbeing for older adults with SMIs, the author held a series of focus groups and individual interviews with six certified older adult peer specialists. Analysis of the data developed in-depth insights into helpful processes, values, and priorities of individuals aging with SMIs, as well as the creation of a wellbeing-enhancing course curriculum.

scholarly journals Supporting Caregivers of Older Adults Through Education in Mindful Gratitude Practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 16-16
Author(s):  
Sungsim Lee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Practice Research ◽  
Relevant Research ◽  
Won Buddhism ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract This presentation describes a supportive mindfulness practice for caregivers of older adults based on the principles of Won Buddhism (an integrative, a modernized Buddhism). As the aging population grows, there is a significant increase in recognition of the negative impact of caregiver stress on older adults’ quality of life. The ability for caregivers to deal compassionately with stress is essential, as caring for older adults can awaken feelings about one’s own vulnerability and mortality. The ‘Mindful Gratitude Practice’ offers a way to cope with stress, cultivate self-care, and improve the care of others. Relevant research will be summarized, which shows mindfulness and gratitude practice respectively benefit positive influence in both physical and emotional well-being. Mindful Gratitude Practice as a spiritual approach that fosters caregivers' emotional stability, reduces their stress and improves the relationship between older adults and their caregivers. In this presentation, three processes of Mindful Gratitude Practice will be described: 1. Understanding a mindfulness practice by establishing intention, attention, and attitude, 2. Learning the principles of a gratitude practice and implementation, and 3. Incorporating mindfulness into a gratitude practice. Research results have demonstrated that through this learning process, caregivers have acquired the concept of interconnectedness, experience grateful moments, and a deep feeling of appreciation in their caregiving relationships. The presenter will guide participants in a short experience of Mindfulness Gratitude Practice. Further readings and resources will be provided for those who are interested.

scholarly journals Increasing Older Adult Involvement in Geriatric Assessment: A Mixed-Methods Process Evaluation

2021 ◽  
pp. 089826432199332
Author(s):  
Wanda Rietkerk ◽  
Jannet de Jonge-de Haan ◽  
Joris P. J. Slaets ◽  
Sytse U. Zuidema ◽  
Debby L. Gerritsen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Goal Setting ◽  
Geriatric Assessment ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Implementation Processes ◽  
Adult Involvement ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Objectives: Goal setting and motivational interviewing (MI) may increase well-being by promoting healthy behavior. Since we failed to show improved well-being in a proactive assessment service for community-dwelling older adults applying these techniques, we studied whether implementation processes could explain this. Methods: Goals set during the comprehensive geriatric assessment were evaluated on their potential for behavior change. MI and goal setting adherence wasassessed by reviewing audiotaped interactions and interviewing care professionals. Results: Among the 280 goals set with 230 frail older adults (mean age 77 ± 6.9 years, 59% women), more than 90% had a low potential for behavior change. Quality thresholds for MI were reached in only one of the 11 interactions. Application was hindered by the context and the limited proficiency of care professionals. Discussion: Implementation was suboptimal for goal setting and MI. This decreased the potential for improved well-being in the participating older adults.

scholarly journals Starting an Older Adult Lecture for First Semester Nursing Students With a Truth or Myth Game

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 14-14
Author(s):  
Lynn Brown ◽  
Pao-feng Tsai
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Final Exam ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
First Semester ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
New Information

Abstract False ideas about the physical and psychosocial characteristics of older adults exist in America. It is especially important that nurses are not susceptible to myths and stereotypes as these myths can affect the quality of patient care. For example, some people stereotype older adults as forgetful, disabled, ill, and unable to understand new information. Misconceptions and negative stereotypes are also present in first year nursing students. It is vital that students assess their own attitudes about older adults to form positive attitudes and gain knowledge about aging and health care needs. To achieve this goal, the older adult lecture in a first semester theory and fundamental course begins with a PowerPoint slide presentation asking students to distinguish truths and myths. The truth or myth topics include a) developmental tasks; b) common physiological changes; c) a comparison of delirium, dementia, and depression; and d) addressing health concerns of older adults. Active discussion follows the activity. Seventy to ninety percent of students correctly answered nine of ten questions related to older adult content on the final exam. Considering the increasing number of older adults in the health care setting, nurse educators must dismantle negative stereotypes with creative teaching strategies.

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