scholarly journals Doing Aging Research Together: Innovative Perspectives on Participatory Approaches

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 388-388
Author(s):  
Anna Wanka ◽  
Anna Urbaniak
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Research Subjects ◽  
Participatory Approaches ◽  
Aging Research ◽  
Ageing Research ◽  
The Us ◽  
Socially Excluded

Abstract The symposium aims to take a closer look at what it means to involve older participants in ageing research - beyond the role of research subjects. By discussing projects that deploy different participatory approaches we investigate the manifold ways in which older adults can become co-creators of the research process. We do so comparing such approaches in different domains, with different outcomes and in different stages of the research process. Consequently, this symposium (1) looks at the research process through the lens of benefits and challenges resulting from involving older adults as co-creators; (2) showcases projects across different domains and different jurisdictions that applied participatory approach in ageing research to discuss benefits and challenges, and (3) advances scientific insights into participatory approaches involving older adults. After an introductory contribution outlining theories, concepts and developments of participatory approaches in ageing research, we present insights from three empirical studies in different cultural and thematic settings. In our first presentation, Anna Wanka and Anna Urbaniak open the symposium by presenting an overview of participatory approaches that involve older adults. In the first empirical presentation, Julia Nolte and Hamid Turker discuss the process of involving older adults in data analysis and therefor present data from the US. In the third presentation, Lillian Hunn highlights how the recent COVID-19 pandemic impacted patient involvement in research in Canada. Finally, Anna Urbaniak discusses the process of planning participatory research with hard to reach population among older adults in Austria, namely those who are socially excluded.

scholarly journals Predicting urban innovation from the US Workforce Mobility Network

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Moreno Bonaventura ◽  
Luca Maria Aiello ◽  
Daniele Quercia ◽  
Vito Latora
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Scaling Laws ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Professional Networks ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Impact

AbstractWhile great emphasis has been placed on the role of social interactions as a driver of innovation growth, very few empirical studies have explicitly investigated the impact of social network structures on the innovation performance of cities. Past research has mostly explored scaling laws of socio-economic outputs of cities as determined by, for example, the single predictor of population. Here, by drawing on a publicly available dataset of the startup ecosystem, we build the first Workforce Mobility Network among metropolitan areas in the US. We found that node centrality computed on this network accounts for most of the variability observed in cities’ innovation performance and significantly outperforms other predictors such as population size or density, suggesting that policies and initiatives aiming at sustaining innovation processes might benefit from fostering professional networks alongside other economic or systemic incentives. As opposed to previous approaches powered by census data, our model can be updated in real-time upon open databases, opening up new opportunities both for researchers in a variety of disciplines to study urban economies in new ways, and for practitioners to design tools for monitoring such economies in real-time.

scholarly journals The New Faces and New Places of Geroscience

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 300-300
Author(s):  
Felipe Sierra
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
New Approaches ◽  
The Us ◽  
Significant Interest ◽  
Basic Biology

Abstract The field of geroscience is rapidly evolving, as well as expanding worldwide. The Program will highlight new approaches and players in the field. Notably, geroscience was initiated as an effort to improve recognition of the role played by basic aging biology in our efforts to improve the health of older adults. Substantial recognition by multiple players of that role of basic aging biology have resulted in significant interest on the part of clinicians and translational biology practitioners. The program will highlight examples of hand-picked efforts in industry and academia, both in the US and in Europe, and will bring into the same stage researchers interested in the various facets of geroscience, from basic biology, translation, clinical and, ultimately, industry viewpoints.

scholarly journals A Duet on Engagement: Challenges and Dilemmas of the Researcher of Ethnicities in Poland in the Early 1990s

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-118
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Warmińska ◽  
Ewa Michna
Keyword(s):  
Ethnic Minorities ◽  
Power Relations ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Political Context ◽  
Research Subjects ◽  
Research Experiences ◽  
The Social

This article is a retrospective look at the research experiences of the two authors, who began their study of ethnic issues in Poland at the beginning of the 1990s. They discuss the place and role of the anthropologist in the research process, the social and political context of activities in the field, the researcher’s position in relation to the research subjects, power relations, positioning, and the prevailing forms of discourse. Their aim is to show the challenges and dilemmas facing a researcher of ethnic minorities, with the necessity of choosing a strategy of engagement or distance and the consequences of that choice.

scholarly journals An Analysis of Social Interaction between Novice Older Adults When Learning Gesture-based Skills Through Simple Digital Games

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Vincent Springett ◽  
Martin Mihajlov ◽  
Ezeni Brzovska ◽  
Mihaela Orozel ◽  
Vesna Elsner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Peer Interaction ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Peer To Peer ◽  
Interactive Technologies ◽  
Cooperative Action ◽  
Minimalist Approach ◽  
Verbal Encouragement

Abstract This paper reports three exploratory empirical studies with older adults that had little or no prior experience with interactive technologies. The participants were introduced to interactive technology by playing games on touchscreens, playing in pairs with the assistance of a mentor. We focus on two principle aspects, the peer-to-peer interaction during these sessions, and the role of the mentor in progressing the sessions. In the case of peer-to-peer interaction we looked for ways in which players supported each other during interaction to assess the role of peer interaction in this context. In the case of mentoring, we examined the efficacy of a minimalist approach where verbal encouragement, suggestions or (in the last resort) intervention are used to provide support to learners. The sessions showed that learners typically could play and learn basic manipulations independently after initial help and guidance from mentors. We also found that peer interaction, both in verbal and non-verbal communication and cooperative action was broadly a positive influence within sessions, suggesting that there is significant value in building confidence as well as in learning.

scholarly journals Designing Participatory Aging Research on Exclusion From Social Relations: A Citizen Science Project

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 388-389
Author(s):  
Anna Urbaniak
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Aging Research ◽  
Self Advocacy ◽  
The Social ◽  
Hard To Reach Populations ◽  
The One ◽  
Socially Excluded ◽  
Citizen Science Project

Abstract Many policies and initiatives aim at enhancing the social participation of older adults. Despite this growing interest in increasing social inclusion and combating social exclusion in older age, the voices of socially-excluded older adults and their experiences remain underrepresented in research. Based on data from the Austrian research project “Socially Excluded Older Adults: Voices and Experiences” (SEVEN), I reflect on what it means to co-create research with the hard-to-reach populations of socially excluded older adults. Data discussed is derived By inviting this group to participate in each stage of the research, the project develops an innovative approach that, on the one hand, facilitates and advances ways for socially-excluded older adults to express their voices, thereby empowering them and their self-advocacy, and, on the other hand, creates research insights that are able to grasp the life worlds of older, socially excluded adults more accurately.

scholarly journals Obesity and Multimorbidity in the USA: National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2005-2014

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 616-617
Author(s):  
David Lynch ◽  
Curtis Petersen ◽  
Hillary Spangler ◽  
Anna Kahkoska ◽  
John Batsis
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
National Health ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
The United States ◽  
Obesity Prevalence ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Declining mortality rates and an aging population have contributed to increasing rates of multimorbidity (≥2 chronic conditions) in the United States. Obesity is an important risk factor for the development of chronic diseases. We evaluated the association between obesity and multimorbidity, and how the prevalence of concomitant obesity has changed over time. We used data from 8,883 individuals aged ≥60 years with data on body mass index (BMI) and self-reported comorbidities from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2005-2014. Logistic regression was used to quantify the association between BMI categories (<18.5, 18.5-24.9, 25-29.9, ≥30 kg/m2) and multimorbidity (yes/no). Change in proportions of obesity coexisting with multimorbidity by year was tested through linear regression. All analysis used NHANES survey design and weighting to be representative of the US population. The overall proportion of individuals with concomitant multimorbidity and obesity was 75%. As compared to a normal BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), older adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) had higher odds of multimorbidity (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.49,2.12). Persons with obesity had higher odds of decline in physical (1.41 [1.06,1.88]), basic (1.56 [1.13,2.15]), and instrumental activities of daily living (OR 1.58 [1.03,2.40]). The proportion of individuals with obesity and multimorbidity increased over time, but did not reach significance (β = 0.008, p=0.051). These results emphasize the role of obesity as a contributing factor to the burden of multimorbidity among older adults and underscore the importance of identifying and addressing obesity and multimorbidity via interventions to decrease obesity prevalence.

scholarly journals THE CENTRALITY OF GENDER EXPRESSION FOR TRANSGENDER ELDERS AND CONCEPTUALIZATIONS OF SUCCESSFUL AGING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S736-S737
Author(s):  
Steffany Sloan ◽  
Jacquelyn Benson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Gender Expression ◽  
Health Service Providers

Abstract Successful aging is a construct regularly addressed in the gerontological literature, most typically referred to as living in the best physical and cognitive health possible, experiencing the least amount of disease, and engaging actively within one’s social environment. There are, however, conceptually distinct aspects of aging for older adults who identify as transgender, particularly given lifelong experiences of marginalization and stigma. In order to identify factors transgender older adults consider most relevant to successful aging, a Theory-Generating Qualitative Meta-synthesis was conducted. The study utilized systematic methods and thematic analysis with qualitative data from empirical studies focusing on transgender aging experiences, particularly drawing upon data that amplified the transgender older adult point of view. Findings of this study indicate that although trans older adults do not minimize unique challenges inherent to aging as a gender minority, successful aging rests on the relief and resilience offered by authentic gender expression. As such, data from this study informed the development of a model of successful aging that centralizes the importance of gender expression. Understanding the central role of gender expression in later life can be especially impactful for social and health service providers, as it emphasizes gender affirming experiences as highly salient to one’s own assessment of quality aging. Furthermore, conceptualizing aging for transgender elders in a way that prioritizes the importance of identity can aid in preventing an unnecessarily deficits-based perspective for service providers, and supports the necessity of amplifying a culturally specific understanding of successful aging.

Life-Threatening Injuries in Older Adults

2011 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 128-139
Author(s):  
Linda J. Scheetz
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Metabolic Response ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Goal Directed Therapy ◽  
The Us ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Older Adult Population ◽  
The Impact

Unintentional injuries are among the leading causes of death and disability in older adults. Although older adults account for approximately 12% of the US population, in 2008, they accounted for 15% of all traffic fatalities, 14% of all vehicle occupant fatalities, and 18% of all pedestrian fatalities. Severely injured older adults have far worse outcomes than younger adults. Despite this difference, many survive with aggressive resuscitation and goal-directed therapy. This article describes the impact of life-threatening injuries in the older adult population, specifically injuries sustained in motor vehicle collisions, and how these injuries relate to anatomic and physiologic changes of aging, the metabolic response to injury, the role of preexisting diseases and medications taken to treat these diseases, and complications.

scholarly journals Ageism Predicts Prioritizing COVID-19 Vaccines for Older Adults and LTC Residents

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 602-602
Author(s):  
Carly Pullen ◽  
Jenessa Steele ◽  
Julie Hicks Patrick
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Priority Group ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
The Us ◽  
Perceptions Of Aging ◽  
Racial Ethnic

Abstract Ageism and ageistic stereotypes regarding older adults have become widespread and influence many policies and practices. Benevolent ageism includes attitudes or behaviors that appear overtly positive but are actually patronizing (Cary et al., 2017). Hostile ageism, usually expressed through negative stereotypes, highlights older adults' poor physical and mental functioning (Cary et al., 2017). The aim of the current study was to examine the role of benevolent and hostile ageism on perceptions of vaccination priority during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of a larger longitudinal study on perceptions of aging, measures of benevolent and hostile ageism were collected in January 2020, before the pandemic began in the US. In March 2021, the same participants were asked to identify top vaccine priorities by ranking groups (e.g., adults 65 and older, school teachers, etc.). Participants who put older adults in the lowest priority group expressed more benevolent ageism before the pandemic than those who put older adults in the top priority group, F(2, 88) = 3.93, p < .05. Participants who put older adults in the lowest priority group expressed more hostile ageism prior to the pandemic, compared to those who put older adults in the top priority group, F(2, 88) = -3.34, p < .05. Similar to Vale and colleague (2020) findings, our results suggest that ageism influences people's ideas about triage for the vaccine. Notably, neither form of ageism related to prioritization for other high-risk groups, including members of racial/ethnic minority groups or health care workers.

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