scholarly journals The Moderating Effects of Perceived Severity on the Generational Gap in Preventive Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the U.S.

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 2011
Author(s):  
Yunjuan Luo ◽  
Yang Cheng ◽  
Mingxiao Sui
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Moderating Effects ◽  
Preventive Behaviors ◽  
Perceived Severity ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Severity Of The Disease ◽  
The U.S

During the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults appear to be more susceptible to the coronavirus disease. Although the health stakes are higher for older adults, individuals of all ages should adopt preventive measures to contain the human-to-human transmission of the virus. This study conducted a national online survey of 1843 adults at the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. to examine age disparities in preventive behaviors against the virus. The results show that older generations, motivated by a higher perceived severity of the disease, were more likely to take the precautionary actions recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) than younger generations. This thus suggests that persuasive health messages addressing the severity of COVID-19 might reduce the generational gap and promote preventive behaviors among young people, to protect themselves and the elderly.

scholarly journals Living Alone Among Older Adults in Canada and the U.S.

Healthcare ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon M. Lee ◽  
Barry Edmonston
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Design And Technology ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
Older Immigrants ◽  
The U.S ◽  
Acculturation Factors

Increasing proportions of people, including older adults, live alone. Studying living arrangements of the elderly is important because these affect and reflect general well-being of the elderly and inform communities’ response to elderly housing needs. We analyze data from the 2006 Canadian Census and the 2006 American Community Survey to examine living alone among non-married older adults aged 55 and older in Canada and the U.S. The paper has two parts. First, we compare native- and foreign-born elderly to see if immigrants are less likely to live alone. Second, we examine factors associated with living alone among older immigrants. While older immigrants in both countries are less likely to live alone, the large differences are substantially reduced once various explanatory variables are considered. Comparisons of four gender/country groups of older immigrants show the positive role of economic and acculturation factors on living alone among older immigrants. With few exceptions, predictors of living alone are similar for older immigrants in Canada and the U.S.: living alone is mainly explained by a combination of economic and acculturation factors, taking demographic variables into account. Findings underline the need for age-friendly housing with innovative design and technology that can accommodate older people who live alone, including older immigrants who may have different needs and cultural preferences.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of the Stepping-On Fall Prevention Program on the Quality of Life, Fear of Fall, and Fall-Preventive Behaviors Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol In Press (In Press) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sakineh Gholamzadeh ◽  
Maryam Ebrahimi ◽  
Nasrin Sharifi ◽  
Masoumeh Rambod
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Fall Prevention ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Preventive Behaviors ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Background: Along with increasing population of the elderly in various countries, the incidence of falls and respective damages has also increased. Objectives: Given the numerous disagreements regarding the effectiveness of different interventions mentioned in various sources, the present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the Stepping-On fall preventive program on the quality of life, fear of fall, and fall-preventive behaviors among community-dwelling older adults in Shiraz, Iran. Methods: This study is a single-blinded randomized interventional or clinical trial study conducted on 90 elderly people under the coverage of two large health centers during 2019 - 2020 in Shiraz, Iran. Multi-stage randomized sampling was used to select the participants who were randomly allocated to either of the intervention (n = 45) or control groups (n = 45). Data collection tools were the fall efficiency scale, fall prevention behaviors, and Lipad quality of life questionnaires. The intervention group participated in a 7-session Stepping-On program, while the control group received the same routine care. Collected data were analyzed with SPSS software version 22. Results: The findings indicated that the Stepping-On program was effective on the fear of falling scores (P = 0.008) and the quality of life of the elderly under study (P = 0.019) at follow-up time. However, there was no significant difference immediately after the intervention (P > 0.05). However, the mean score of fall-preventing behaviors increased during the course of the study and reached a significant level immediately after the study was conducted (P = 0.046) and the other two months later (P = 0.028). Conclusions: The Stepping-On program may apparently affect the study variables. Therefore, further research is suggested to confirm the effectiveness of this program so that it can be used across all healthcare centers for the elderly.

scholarly journals Lifestyle Behaviors and Quality of Life among Older Adults after the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hubei China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanping Duan ◽  
D. L.I.H.K. Peiris ◽  
Min Yang ◽  
Wei Liang ◽  
Julien Steven Baker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Economic Situation ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviors ◽  
Socioeconomic Indicators ◽  
Preventive Behaviors ◽  
Living Situation

Abstract BackgroundOlder adults’ quality of life (QoL) is facing huge challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. New normal lifestyle behaviors, including getting adequate physical activity (PA), consuming sufficient fruits and vegetables (FV) and enacting individual preventive behaviors (frequent hand washing, facemask wearing, and social distancing), as a significant determinant for QoL, have not been adequately addressed in older adults during the pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of QoL in Chinese older adults after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hubei China, to examine the associations of lifestyle behaviors with QoL, and to identify the moderating role of socioeconomic indicators in the associations. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Hubei, China, from June 15, 2020, to July 10, 2020. 516 older adults completed an online survey (mean age = 67.6 ± 6.6; 57.9% women). The questionnaire consisted of demographic information, covariates (chronic diseases and infected cases of acquaintances), lifestyle behaviors (PA stage, FV intake (FVI) stage and three preventive behaviors) and QoL. T-tests, ANOVA tests, hierarchical multiple linear regression models with simple slope analyses were used to test the hypotheses. ResultsQoL significantly differed in relation to economic situation, chronic diseases, marital status, education, living situation, age group and professional status. Participants’ economic situation (β average vs. below average = 0.17, p < 0.01; β above average vs. below average = 0.15, p < 0.01), chronic diseases (β yes vs. no = 0.19, p < 0.001), FVI stage (β = 0.21, p < 0.001) and preventive behaviors (β = 0.10, p < 0.05) indicated a significant association with QoL. Education level and economic situation significantly interacted with preventive behaviors on QoL respectively (β preventive behaviors x educational level = -1.3, p < 0.01; β preventive behaviors x economic situation = -0.97, p < 0.05). ConclusionsFindings emphasize the importance of enhancing FVI and preventive behaviors on QoL improvement in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Older adults who are in a lower economic situation with lower education levels should be given priority when implementing interventions to improve preventive behaviors and QoL in older adults.

scholarly journals Lifestyle Behaviors and Quality of Life Among Older Adults After the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Hubei China

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanping Duan ◽  
D. L. I. H. K. Peiris ◽  
Min Yang ◽  
Wei Liang ◽  
Julien Steven Baker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Economic Situation ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviors ◽  
Socioeconomic Indicators ◽  
Preventive Behaviors ◽  
Living Situation

Background: Older adult quality of life (QoL) is facing huge challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. New normal lifestyle behaviors, including getting adequate physical activity (PA), consuming sufficient fruits and vegetables (FV) and enacting individual preventive behaviors (frequent hand washing, facemask wearing, and social distancing), as a significant determinant for QoL, have not been adequately addressed in older adults during the pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of QoL in Chinese older adults after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hubei China. The objective of the study was to examine any associations of lifestyle behaviors with QoL, and to identify the moderating role of socioeconomic indicators in the associations identified.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Hubei, China, from June 15, 2020, to July 10, 2020. Five hundred sixteen older adults completed an online survey (mean age = 67.6 ± 6.6; 57.9% women). The questionnaire consisted of demographic information, covariates (chronic diseases and infected cases of acquaintances), lifestyle behaviors [PA stage, FV intake (FVI) stage and three preventive behaviors], and QoL. T-tests, ANOVA tests, multiple linear regression models with simple slope analyses were used to test the hypotheses.Results: QoL significantly differed in relation to economic situation, chronic diseases, marital status, education, living situation, age group, and professional status. Participants' economic situation (βaverage vs. below average = 0.17, p &lt; 0.01; βabove average vs. below average = 0.15, p &lt; 0.01), chronic diseases (βyes vs. no = 0.19, p &lt; 0.001), FVI stage (β = 0.21, p &lt; 0.001), and preventive behaviors (β = 0.10, p &lt; 0.05) indicated a significant association with QoL. Education level and economic situation significantly interacted with preventive behaviors on QoL, respectively (βpreventive behaviors × educational level = −1.3, p &lt; 0.01; βpreventive behaviors × economic situation = −0.97, p &lt; 0.05).Conclusions: Findings emphasize the importance of enhancing FVI and preventive behaviors on QoL improvement in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Older adults who are in a lower economic situation with lower education levels should be given priority when implementing interventions to improve preventive behaviors and QoL in older adults.

Understanding Elder Victimization and Best Practice Intervention Strategies

2021 ◽  
pp. 274-299
Author(s):  
Beverly Dolinsky ◽  
Robert A. Jerin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Service ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Social Systems ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Intervention Strategies ◽  
Elder Abuse And Neglect ◽  
Abuse And Neglect ◽  
Control And Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report 1 in 10 adults over the age of 60 have experienced some form of abuse including neglect and exploitation. However, these statistics are an underestimate. Professionals who interact with the elderly describe being reluctant to report abuse due to a lack of knowledge of elder abuse, the reporting process, and the resources available to support victims. The invisibility of elder abuse has only increased during the 2020 COVID pandemic due to the increased social isolation of older adults and understaffed, overburdened health and social systems. Cross-disciplinary education for healthcare and social service practitioners, law enforcement, court personnel, families, and the older adults themselves is an essential component to identify and prevent elder abuse. This chapter provides an overview of elder abuse and neglect categories, risk factors, and best practice interventions advocated for addressing elder victimization.

scholarly journals A Survey of Dementia Knowledge and Recognition of Dementia Prevention and Practice in Healthy Older Adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 256-263
Author(s):  
Nanako Yamane ◽  
Kanto Tsukagoshi ◽  
Miharu Hisada ◽  
Mina Yamaguchi ◽  
Yukiko Suzuki
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Preventive Behaviors ◽  
Aggregation Method ◽  
Effective Response ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Resource Center ◽  
Dementia Prevention ◽  
Amount Of Knowledge

<b><i>Aim:</i></b> The aim of this study was to investigate the level of dementia knowledge and behaviors recognized as dementia-preventive and the practice thereof among healthy older adults who are highly motivated to engage in activities. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The participants were older adults registered at the Silver Human Resource Center of city A, and participants anonymously filled questionnaires through the aggregation method in January 2020. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The analysis included 78 participants (the effective response rate was 49.7%). All participants were aware of at least 4 dementia-preventive behaviors, and about 80% of all participants practiced at least 1 preventive behavior. Approximately 20% of participants were not practicing preventive behaviors at all. The elderly aged 65 to 74 years had more knowledge about dementia and more types of behavior perceived as dementia-preventive than the elderly aged 75 years and older. There was no significant correlation between the level of dementia knowledge and the number of types of dementia-preventive behaviors. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Healthy older adults were aware of numerous behaviors for dementia prevention, and most older adults practiced preventive behaviors. In contrast, even with a high amount of knowledge about dementia, a small number of healthy older adults did not translate this knowledge into preventative behavioral practices. High levels of dementia knowledge do not translate into preventive behavioral practices.

scholarly journals Psychological Challenges Among Older Adults with Early Stage Dementia: A Narrative Literature Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 748-749
Author(s):  
Mijin Jeong
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychological Adjustment ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Life Course Perspective ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Diagnosis Of Dementia ◽  
Narrative Literature Review ◽  
Development Of Identity ◽  
The U.S

Abstract Due to rapid expected growth in the population of older adults with dementia, exploring the issues and experiences related to early stage dementia (ESD) is a fundamental step toward helping individuals adjust to their diagnosis and transition into treatment. The purpose of this paper is to review the extant literature regarding how older adults adjust to and cope with the onset of dementia through major situations and difficulties. A narrative approach was applied to review 120 articles focused on ESD that were published in the U.S. and other western countries between 1995 to 2020. There were four apparent themes in the literature, which align with key chronological experiences related to ESD: diagnosis of dementia; stigma related to dementia; the development of identity with ESD; and social and service-related experiences of older adults with ESD. Stigma related to dementia was a powerful risk factor that hindered psychological adjustment to ESD. Varied cultural perspectives on dementia and a lack of knowledge of dementia symptoms among diverse older adults and their families were also major risk factors. In the U.S., there was a lack of literature, especially around the development of identity with dementia and older adults’ perspectives on available services, Also, there were insufficient U.S.-based studies that explored the challenges of psychological adjustment among racial and ethnic minority groups. Future research could benefit from taking a life course perspective to assess ESD within the context of one’s life and examine challenges associated with ESD across all four themes to promote empowerment.

scholarly journals Age differences in the relationship between threatening and coping mechanisms and preventive behaviors in the time of COVID-19 in the United States: Protection Motivation Theory

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung Ki Kim ◽  
Eileen M. Crimmins
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Behavioral Responses ◽  
The United States ◽  
Coping Resources ◽  
Motivation Theory ◽  
Preventive Behaviors ◽  
Perceived Severity ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
And Coping

It is important to understand the factors motivating people to adopt recommended behavioral changes in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and how they differ for younger and older adults. Using a nationally representative sample from the Understanding America Study (3/10-3/31/2020), we assessed how four cognitive mediators affected uptake of protective activities for younger (aged 18-34) and older adults (aged 65+) during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Confirmatory factor analysis based on Protective Motivation Theory demonstrated associations between our observed variables and the latent constructs: perceived severity and susceptibility, and response efficacy and self-efficacy. Among younger adults, coping appraisal such as perceptions of effectiveness of behaviors in protecting them from coronavirus and belief in their ability to perform recommended changes led them to adopt preventive behaviors; for older people, threat appraisal such as perception of severity was associated with behavioral responses. Younger people may rely more on their assessment of coping resources and effectiveness in their response to COVID-19; while older people base their behavioral responses on their perception of the severity of the situation, which they appraise using information from media and the severity of the epidemic in their state of residence. Different strategies are required to motivate older and younger people to adopt behavioral modifications, which are critical in reducing further spread of COVID-19.

DSM-5 alcohol use disorder features among treatment-seeking older adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
pp. 185-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silke Behrendt ◽  
Barbara Braun ◽  
Randi Bilberg ◽  
Gerhard Bühringer ◽  
Michael Bogenschutz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorder ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Treatment Seeking ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Dsm 5 ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
And Gender ◽  
International Multicenter

Abstract. Background: The number of older adults with alcohol use disorder (AUD) is expected to rise. Adapted treatments for this group are lacking and information on AUD features in treatment seeking older adults is scarce. The international multicenter randomized-controlled clinical trial “ELDERLY-Study” with few exclusion criteria was conducted to investigate two outpatient AUD-treatments for adults aged 60+ with DSM-5 AUD. Aims: To add to 1) basic methodological information on the ELDERLY-Study by providing information on AUD features in ELDERLY-participants taking into account country and gender, and 2) knowledge on AUD features in older adults seeking outpatient treatment. Methods: baseline data from the German and Danish ELDERLY-sites (n=544) were used. AUD diagnoses were obtained with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, alcohol use information with Form 90. Results: Lost control, desired control, mental/physical problem, and craving were the most prevalent (> 70 %) AUD-symptoms. 54.9 % reported severe DSM-5 AUD (moderate: 28.2 %, mild: 16.9 %). Mean daily alcohol use was 6.3 drinks at 12 grams ethanol each. 93.9 % reported binging. More intense alcohol use was associated with greater AUD-severity and male gender. Country effects showed for alcohol use and AUD-severity. Conclusion: European ELDERLY-participants presented typical dependence symptoms, a wide range of severity, and intense alcohol use. This may underline the clinical significance of AUD in treatment-seeking seniors.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document