scholarly journals Older Adults' Perceptions of College Campus Accessibility

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 764-765
Author(s):  
Ashley Ermer ◽  
Nadine Verna
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Global Network ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Age Diversity ◽  
Constant Comparative Method ◽  
Campus Initiatives ◽  
Strongly Agree

Abstract The emerging Age-Friendly University Global Network encourages universities to engage older adults in university activities (Gerontological Society of America, 2019). As such, attention should be devoted to the accessibility of campus facilities to older adults as a potential mechanism to increase age diversity. Intergenerational interactions, which may take place on college campuses, promote better perceptions of other generations (Bertram et al., 2017), making campus accessibility for all age groups a priority. The present study sought to uncover older adults’ perceptions of campus accessibility via an online survey. Participants were recruited through local newsletters, word of mouth, and included 81 community members (Age mean=71.58 years; 79% female; 89% White; 43% traveled to campus every few months). Descriptive analyses were conducted for closed-ended responses and two members of the research team used a constant comparative method (Corbin & Strauss, 2015) to code open-ended responses. Participants felt that campus was somewhat accessible (M = 2.72;1(very inaccessible) to 5(very accessible)), moderately easy to walk around (M=3.79;1(extremely difficult) to 7(extremely easy)), and felt somewhat welcome on campus (M=3.27; 1(strongly disagree) to 7(strongly agree). The following general themes emerged in the open-ended responses: 1)inaccessibility on campus was due to parking, drop-off locations, and topography (e.g., due to stairs, distance, hills) constraints; 2)feeling welcome on campus was due to people being helpful; and 3)difficulty in attending events was due to parking and lack of knowledge about events. Implications for campus initiatives that aim to attract older adults, especially for campuses that have topography constraints, will be discussed.

scholarly journals Experiencing the Unprecedented COVID-19 Lockdown: Abu Dhabi Older Adults’ Challenges and Concerns

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masood Badri ◽  
Mugheer Al Khaili ◽  
Hamad Al Dhaheri ◽  
Guang Yang ◽  
Asma Al Rashdi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Abu Dhabi ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Movement Restriction ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Sleeping Disorders ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Policy Guidance

Abstract This study focused on older adults (60 + years old) in Abu Dhabi during the COVID-19 pandemic before vaccines were made available to them. They faced more strict rules of movement restriction and isolation that might have resulted in certain psychological feelings and social reactions. Data were gathered through an online survey of community members conducted from April to July of 2020, in which 574 older adults responded. The main objective was to understand Abu Dhabi older adults’ main psychological feelings during the pandemic and to identify their main concerns and challenges considering the various COVID-19 related policies and restrictions. The influence of the pandemic on older adults’ health and weight was also investigated. Results of descriptive analyses show that some negative psychological feelings were common among older adults’ during the pandemic. However, the psychological feelings did not portray significant changes with time, except for sleeping disorders and overeating. The movement restrictions imposed on elderlies and not being able to see children and grandchildren when wanted were the two main concerns reported. The research summaries some policy guidance while noting some limitations of this study and future research directions.

scholarly journals Providing Breastfeeding Support During COVID-19: A Survey of Staff Experiences

2021 ◽  
pp. 089033442110478
Author(s):  
Rachel Hoying ◽  
Nevert Badreldin ◽  
Malika D. Shah ◽  
Janelle R. Bolden ◽  
Peter Cummings ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Breastfeeding Support ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physical Separation ◽  
Academic Center ◽  
Constant Comparative Method ◽  
Qualitative Responses ◽  
Staff Experiences

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges to maternity settings. Its effect on providing in-hospital lactation support has not been well described. Research Aim: To describe the experiences of healthcare workers as they provided in-hospital lactation support during the pandemic. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, online survey evaluated healthcare providers working with postpartum women and newborns affected by COVID-19 at an academic center during March–June 2020. Providers were queried regarding the influence of COVID-19 and COVID-19-specific policies on providing lactation support. Questions assessed guidance received, perceived stress, difficulty providing care, and solicited qualitative responses. The constant comparative method was used to analyze qualitative data. Results: Of 108 providers, 70 (65%) completed the survey. Of 57 providing direct lactation support to women affected by COVID-19, most ( n = 39, 67%) reported increased stress. Participants reported lower stress scores when receiving guidance through shift meetings or email compared to those not receiving this guidance [stress score with shift meeting guidance ( M [ SD]): 3.10 (0.88); score without guidance: 3.83 (0.66); n = 39, p = .009; score with email guidance: 3.79 (0.58); score without guidance: 4.50 (0.58); n = 18, p = .045). Qualitative responses ( n = 67; 96%) identified three themes: visitor restrictions allowed less distraction during lactation support; physical separation disrupted maternal/infant bonding; workflow challenges resulted from policy changes and supply access. Conclusions: Most participating staff providing lactation support to women affected by COVID-19 reported increased stress. Ensuring written or verbal guidance may reduce staff’s experiences of stress. Efforts to optimize lactation support during COVID-19 should consider reducing distractions, physical separation, and logistic challenges.

scholarly journals Media Portrayals of Emerging and Older Adults during COVID-19: Perceptions of Bias Among College Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 602-602
Author(s):  
Taylor Pestritto ◽  
Katherine King ◽  
Mikala Mikrut ◽  
Kirsten Graham
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Media Consumption ◽  
Media Portrayals ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Media ◽  
Qualitative Responses

Abstract This study explores media consumption and perceptions of media bias against both older adults and emerging adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of a larger study, 99 students with a mean age of 20.54 (SD = 2.97) completed an online survey in early 2020. Individuals whose media consumption had increased were significantly more likely to report that young adults have been portrayed worse, and older adults better, since the start of COVID-19. Qualitative responses demonstrated broad awareness of ageist and adultist themes in media portrayals of both age groups, e.g., that young adults are careless and reckless whereas older adults are vulnerable and in need of protection. Results suggest that the media is perceived to be perpetuating age-related biases and may be enhancing intergenerational discord at a time when generational unity is needed.

scholarly journals AGING ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM: AN EXPLORATION OF SOCIAL NETWORKS AND IMPLICATIONS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S560-S560
Author(s):  
Danielle Waldron ◽  
Caitlin Coyle ◽  
John Kramer
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Constant Comparative Method ◽  
The Life Course ◽  
Community Supports

Abstract Social isolation is associated with poor health and well-being in older adults. Little is known about isolation in persons aging on the Autism Spectrum (AS), a group with varied physical and mental health comorbidities. The purpose of this study was to explore social networks of adults aging on the AS. We conducted in-depth interviews (N=30) with adults on the AS (age 50+) and analyzed findings using a constant comparative method. Findings suggest that older adults on the AS struggle to build and maintain social networks over the life course, in large part, because of challenges with communication and trust. Implications of isolation include challenges with community supports and employment. We propose several social convoy models and intervention mechanisms to support this population--as their social networks narrow over time, and they face aging-related challenges without the buffer of strong social relations.

scholarly journals Aging during COVID-19 in Germany: A Longitudinal Analysis of Psychosocial Adaptation and Attitudes Toward Aging

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Schlomann ◽  
Mareike Bünning ◽  
Lena Hipp ◽  
Hans-Werner Wahl
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Psychosocial Adaptation ◽  
Partial Recovery ◽  
Theories Of Aging ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
The Social ◽  
Attitudes Toward Aging

Available theories of aging suggest that there may be similarities and differences in how COVID-19 impacts older peoples’ psychosocial adaptation compared to younger age groups, particularly mid-aged individuals. We analyzed data from 3,215 participants between 40 and 79 years gathered at three measurement occasions between the start of the nation-wide lock-down mid-March 2020 and its lifting early August 2020 in an online survey in Germany. The survey focused on everyday experiences during the COVID-19 crisis and collected various satisfaction ratings (e.g., general life satisfaction, satisfaction with family life, satisfaction with social contacts). Participants also provided retrospective satisfaction ratings for their situations before the COVID-19 crisis at baseline. For a small sub-sample of 29 participants (48–78 years), we explored how attitudes toward own aging (ATOA) measured prior to the crisis may have played a role in satisfaction ratings during the crisis. Both mid-aged and older participants experienced the greatest decreases in satisfaction in the social domain, with more pronounced decreases seen in mid-aged participants. We also observed a partial recovery effect in all measures at T3, and this effect was more pronounced in older adults. More negative ATOA prior to the crisis was associated with lowered psychosocial adaptation. Although ageism arose during the pandemic in the sense that older adults were labeled as a “risk group” particularly at the outbreak, we found in accordance with other studies that mid-aged adults’ satisfaction decreased to a greater extent than older adults’. Beginning evidence supports that attitudes toward aging were relevant for adaptation.

scholarly journals Collecting sexual orientation and gender identity information in the emergency department : the divide between patient and provider perspectives

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 136-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa M Kodadek ◽  
Susan Peterson ◽  
Ryan Y Shields ◽  
Danielle German ◽  
Anju Ranjit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Gender Identity ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Institute Of Medicine ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Provider Perspectives ◽  
Constant Comparative Method ◽  
The Usa ◽  
And Gender

BackgroundIn the USA, The Joint Commission and Institute of Medicine have called for collection of patient sexual orientation (SO) and gender identity (GI) information in healthcare. In a recent study, we reported that ED clinicians believe patients will refuse to provide this information; however, very few patients say they would refuse to provide SO/GI. As part of this study, we interviewed patients and providers regarding the importance of collecting this information. While these interviews were briefly summarised in our prior report, the qualitative data warranted a more thorough analysis and exposition to explore provider and patient views as well as risks and benefits of collecting SO/GI.MethodsA purposive sample of 79 participants was recruited for semi-structured interviews between August 2014 and January 2015. Participants included community members who had a previous ED encounter and ED providers from 3 community and 2 academic centres in a major US metropolitan area. Interviews were conducted one-on-one in person, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using the constant comparative method.ResultsFifty-three patients and 26 ED providers participated. Patients perceived collection of SO/GI to be important in most clinical circumstances because SO/GI is relevant to their identity and allows providers to treat the whole person. However, many providers felt SO/GI was not relevant in most clinical circumstances because similar care is provided to all patients regardless of SO/GI. Patients and providers agreed there are risks associated with collecting SO/GI in the ED.ConclusionsED clinicians do not perceive routine collection of SO/GI to be medically relevant in most circumstances. However, patients feel routine SO/GI collection allows for recognition of individual identity and improved therapeutic relationships in the ED. These discordant perspectives may be hindering patient-centred care, especially for sexual and gender minority patients.

scholarly journals Cultural competence of pre-licensure nursing faculty

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colleen Marzilli ◽  
Beth Mastel-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Competence ◽  
Nursing Faculty ◽  
Culturally Diverse ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Comparative Method ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Mixed Methods Design ◽  
Constant Comparative Method ◽  
Meaningful Experiences

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of cultural competence (CC) in Texas pre-licensure nursing faculty and examine the relationships between demographics and CC scores. The researchers conducted a study to determine if demographics predicted the level of CC and explored the perceptions of CC. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design used data from a 2014 online survey with a qualitative interview component. Demographics were evaluated with descriptive statistics and CC was measured with The Nurses’ Cultural Competence Scale (NCCS). Qualitative data were analyzed using a constant comparative method. The level of CC was low to moderate. Three themes emerged from the interviews: knowledge is experiential, skills require emotional intelligence, and desire requires a catalyst. Nursing faculty could benefit from experiences with culturally diverse patients and students. Continuing education offerings and courses should follow best practices models of CC education and focus on providing meaningful experiences may also increase the knowledge and skills to help faculty members.

scholarly journals Interfacing age: Diversity and (in)visibility in digital public service

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Sourbati ◽  
Eugène F. Loos
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Public Service ◽  
Visual Imagery ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Media Technology ◽  
Digital Service ◽  
Age Diversity ◽  
Age Relations

This article revisits the concepts of ‘diversity’ and ‘visibility’, from the perspective of age relations to consider how these key metrics in the assessment of social inclusion through media representation can be usefully applied to the analysis of digital public service interfaces. Against the backdrop of changes in the age composition of populations, and an expanding role of digital media in ‘digital by default’ public service provision age remains a neglected dimension of social inequality in media and communications research. This article investigates questions of diversity and social inclusion in old age drawing on a study of visual imagery in public sector websites in the United Kingdom. The analysis integrates insights from media, technology studies, communications policy and critical social gerontology. We identify three patterns in visual imagery: (1) stereotypical representations of group membership as homogenous in terms of age groups, sex, health status and ethnicity, with older adults typically represented as white, (un)healthy men or women; (2) new visibilities, of older adults as socially and culturally diverse groups; and (3) new approaches to inclusive digital service design where age becomes an invisible social demographic. We discuss implications for policy and research into diversity, digitalization and digital public service interfaces.

scholarly journals An exploratory study of mobile messaging preferences by age: Middle-aged and older adults compared to younger adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 205566831773325
Author(s):  
Alexis Kuerbis ◽  
Katherine van Stolk-Cooke ◽  
Frederick Muench
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Short Message Service ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
Short Message ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Message Service

Introduction Mobile technologies, such as short message service or text messaging, can be an important way to reach individuals with medical and behavioral health problems who are homebound or geographically isolated. Optimally tailoring messages in short message service interventions according to preferences can enhance engagement and positive health outcomes; however, little is known about the messaging preferences of middle-aged and older adults. Methods Utilizing secondary data, global messaging preferences were examined to inform the development of short message service interventions for adults of all ages. Two hundred and seventy-seven adults were recruited through an online labor market. They completed an online survey by evaluating message dyads in 22 content groupings. Dyads were identical in subject matter but structurally or linguistically varied. Participants selected the message in each dyad they would prefer to receive when attempting to meet a self-selected personal goal. Preferences were tested for two age groups ≤50 and 51 and older. Results Findings reveal adults 51 and older have clear messaging preferences that differ significantly from the younger group for only two content groupings; specifically, they prefer no emoticon to a smiley face emoticon and “you” statements rather than “we” statements. Conclusion Recommendations for optimizing messaging for older adults are reviewed.

scholarly journals Age differences in experiencing meaning in life: A multidimensional approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 908-908
Author(s):  
Nicole Long Ki Fung ◽  
Helene Fung
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Age Differences ◽  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Multidimensional Approach ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Two Age Groups

Abstract Coherence, purpose and significance were defined as the three facets of the presence of meaning in life (Martela & Steger, 2016). This study investigated the age differences in the three facets of meaning in life between younger and older adults. We recruited 241 younger adults (Mage=18.72, SD=1.50, 36.5% male) and 114 older adults (Mage=64.93, SD= 5.94, 52.6% male) from Hong Kong to fill out a one-hour online survey. We adapted the Multidimensional Existential Meaning Scale, which measured sense of coherence, purpose, significance. In specific, the adapted version measured significance in two sub facets: the naturalistic significance (important to other people) and cosmic significance (impact lasts beyond lifetime and space). The results showed that older adults had higher sense of coherence (t=3.47, p<.001), higher sense of cosmic significance (t=6.29, p<.001) but lower sense of purpose than younger adults (t=-2.02, p<.05). There were no significant differences in naturalistic significance between the two age groups (t=1.24, p=.22). Within both age groups, participants had the highest score in purpose, followed by coherence and naturalistic significance. They had the lowest score in cosmic significance. This study illustrated that younger and older adults have different absolute levels of meaning facets but are similar in the relative levels of meaning facets. Further studies can investigate how changes in absolute levels of meaning facet and preservation of the relative levels may affect well-being across age.

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