Enacting agency: exploring how older adults shape their neighbourhoods

AbstractWithin research on ageing in neighbourhoods, older adults are often positioned as impacted by neighbourhood features; their impact on neighbourhoods is less often considered. Drawing on a study exploring how person and place transact to shape older adults’ social connectedness, inclusion and engagement in neighbourhoods, this paper explores how older adults take action in efforts to create neighbourhoods that meet individual and collective needs and wants. We drew on ethnographic and community-based participatory approaches and employed qualitative and geospatial methods with 14 older adults in two neighbourhoods. Analysis identified three themes that described the ways that older adults enact agency at the neighbourhood level: being present and inviting casual social interaction, helping others and taking community action. The participants appeared to contribute to a collective sense of connectedness and creation of social spaces doing everyday neighbourhood activities and interacting with others. Shared territories in which others were present seemed to support such interactions. Participants also helped others in a variety of ways, often relating to gaps in services and support, becoming neighbourhood-based supports for other seniors. Finally, participants contributed to change at the community level, such as engaging politically, patronising local businesses and making improvements in public places. Study findings suggest the potential benefits of collaborating with older adults to create and maintain liveable neighbourhoods.

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The Effect of Music Therapy on Cognitive Functioning Among Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2837 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 784-784

Author(s):

Kuei-Min Chen

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Interaction ◽

Older People ◽

Music Therapy ◽

Cognitive Functioning ◽

Brain Health ◽

Community Based Interventions ◽

Community Based ◽

Therapy Interventions ◽

The Impact

Abstract Music creates and fosters connection and interrelationships between individuals and encourages social interaction. Indeed, community-based interventions are a powerful way to engage older people. This presentation will provide an overview of music therapy and the impact it can have on the cognitive functioning of older people. Examples of music therapy interventions in the community can be found in nursing homes, hospitals, or communities. Differences in receptive (passive) music therapy and active music therapy will be discussed along with the impact these therapies may have on individuals experiencing cognitive decline. Moreover, studies of music therapy combined with other activities, such as exercise or art will be discussed. This research will be presented within the context of the recommendations put forth by the Global Council on Brain Health aimed at adults aged 50+.

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“It makes me feel not so alone”: Features of the Choose to Move physical activity intervention that reduce loneliness in older adults

10.21203/rs.3.rs-65551/v3 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Thea Franke ◽

Joanie Sims-Gould ◽

Lindsay Nettlefold ◽

Callista Ottoni ◽

Heather A. McKay

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

At Risk ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Community Based ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Baseline Factors ◽

Meaningful Interaction

Abstract Background: Despite the well-known health benefits of physical activity (PA), older adults are the least active citizens. Older adults are also at risk for loneliness. Given that lonely individuals are at risk for accelerated loss of physical functioning and health with age, PA interventions that aim to enhance social connectedness may decrease loneliness and increase long-term PA participation. The objectives of this mixed-method study are to: (1) evaluate whether an evidence-based PA intervention (Choose to Move; CTM) influenced PA and loneliness differently among self-identified ‘lonely’ versus ‘not lonely’ older adults and (2) to describe factors within CTM components most likely to promote social connectedness/reduce loneliness.Methods: CTM is a flexible, scalable, community-based health promoting physical activity intervention for older adults. Two community delivery partner organizations delivered 56 CTM programs in 26 urban locations across British Columbia. We collected survey data from participants (n=458 at baseline) at 0 (baseline), 3 (mid-intervention) and 6 (post-intervention) months. We conducted in depth interviews with a subset of older adults to understand how CTM facilitated or impeded their PA and social connectedness.Results: PA increased significantly from baseline to 3 months in lonely and not lonely participants. PA decreased significantly from 3-6 months in lonely participants; however, PA at 6 months remained significantly above baseline levels in both groups. Loneliness decreased significantly from baseline to 3 and 6 months in participants identifying as lonely at baseline. Factors within CTM components that promote social connectedness/reduce loneliness include: Activity coach characteristics/personality traits and approaches; opportunity to share information and experiences and learn from others; engagement with others who share similar/familiar experiences; increased opportunity for meaningful interaction; and accountability.Conclusion: Health promoting interventions that focus on PA and social connectedness through group-based activities can effectively reduce social isolation and loneliness of older adults. Given the ‘epidemic of loneliness’ that plagues many countries currently, these kinds of interventions are timely and important. Research that further delineates mechanisms (e.g., sharing experiences vs. lectures), that modify the effect of an intervention on social connectedness outcomes for older adults engaged in community-based PA programs would be a welcome addition to the literature.

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Exploring Older Adults’ Experiences and Perceptions with a Peer-Led Wheelchair Training Program

Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy ◽

10.1177/0008417420922635 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 87 (3) ◽

pp. 192-199

Author(s):

Alice Pellichero ◽

Krista L. Best ◽

François Routhier ◽

William C. Miller

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Training Program ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Social Inclusion ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Community Based ◽

Wheelchair Users ◽

Perceived Impact

Background. Manual wheelchair (MWC) training is important, but less than 50% of new wheelchair users receive any training. The Wheelchair training Self-efficacy Enhanced for Use (WheelSeeU), a community-based peer-led MWC training program, is feasible and effective for improving wheelchair skills. However, implementing effective programs requires an understanding of stakeholders’ experiences. Purpose. Explore older adults’ perceptions about their participation in the WheelSeeU program. Method. Qualitative interviews were conducted with participants who completed the WheelSeeU program. Thematic analysis was conducted. Findings. Three themes emerged. 1. Getting my life back described participants’ perceived impact of the WheelSeeU program on their lives. 2. I can do it too, implied critical facilitators for success. 3. Social gains, revealed participants’ feelings of social inclusion through participation in the program. Implications. Older adults expressed satisfaction and quality of participation with the WheelSeeU program that increased autonomy, improved MWC mobility and self-efficacy, and enhanced social connectedness.

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“It makes me feel not so alone”: features of the Choose to Move physical activity intervention that reduce loneliness in older adults

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10363-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Thea Franke ◽

Joanie Sims-Gould ◽

Lindsay Nettlefold ◽

Callista Ottoni ◽

Heather A. McKay

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

At Risk ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Community Based ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Baseline Factors ◽

Meaningful Interaction

Abstract Background Despite the well-known health benefits of physical activity (PA), older adults are the least active citizens. Older adults are also at risk for loneliness. Given that lonely individuals are at risk for accelerated loss of physical functioning and health with age, PA interventions that aim to enhance social connectedness may decrease loneliness and increase long-term PA participation. The objectives of this mixed-method study are to: (1) evaluate whether an evidence-based PA intervention (Choose to Move; CTM) influenced PA and loneliness differently among self-identified ‘lonely’ versus ‘not lonely’ older adults and (2) to describe factors within CTM components most likely to promote social connectedness/reduce loneliness. Methods CTM is a flexible, scalable, community-based health promoting physical activity intervention for older adults. Two community delivery partner organizations delivered 56 CTM programs in 26 urban locations across British Columbia. We collected survey data from participants (n = 458 at baseline) at 0 (baseline), 3 (mid-intervention) and 6 (post-intervention) months. We conducted in depth interviews with a subset of older adults to understand how CTM facilitated or impeded their PA and social connectedness. Results PA increased significantly from baseline to 3 months in lonely and not lonely participants. PA decreased significantly from 3 to 6 months in lonely participants; however, PA at 6 months remained significantly above baseline levels in both groups. Loneliness decreased significantly from baseline to 3 and 6 months in participants identifying as lonely at baseline. Factors within CTM components that promote social connectedness/reduce loneliness include: Activity coach characteristics/personality traits and approaches; opportunity to share information and experiences and learn from others; engagement with others who share similar/familiar experiences; increased opportunity for meaningful interaction; and accountability. Conclusion Health promoting interventions that focus on PA and social connectedness through group-based activities can effectively reduce social isolation and loneliness of older adults. Given the ‘epidemic of loneliness’ that plagues many countries currently, these kinds of interventions are timely and important. Research that further delineates mechanisms (e.g., sharing experiences vs. lectures), that modify the effect of an intervention on social connectedness outcomes for older adults engaged in community-based PA programs would be a welcome addition to the literature.

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"It makes me feel not so alone”: Features of a physical activity intervention that reduce loneliness in older adults. A Choose to Move study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-65551/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Thea Franke ◽

Joanie Sims-Gould ◽

Lindsay Nettlefold ◽

Callista Ottoni ◽

Heather A. McKay

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

At Risk ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Community Based ◽

Health Promoting ◽

Baseline Factors ◽

Meaningful Interaction

Abstract Background: Despite the well-known health benefits of physical activity (PA), older adults are the least active citizens. Older adults are also at risk for loneliness. Given that lonely individuals are at risk for accelerated loss of physical functioning and health with age, PA interventions that aim to enhance social connectedness may decrease loneliness and increase long-term PA participation. The objectives of this mixed-method study are to: (1) evaluate whether an evidence-based PA intervention (Choose to Move; CTM) influenced PA and loneliness differently among self-identified ‘lonely’ versus ‘not lonely’ older adults and (2) to describe factors within CTM components most likely to promote social connectedness/reduce loneliness.Methods: Choose to Move is a flexible, scalable, community-based health promoting physical activity intervention for older adults. Two community delivery partner organizations delivered 56 CTM programs in 26 urban locations across British Columbia. We collected survey data from participants (n=458 at baseline) at 0 (baseline), 3 (mid-intervention) and 6 (post-intervention) months. We conducted in depth interviews with a subset of older adults at baseline (n=43), mid-intervention (n=38) and post-intervention (n=19).Results: PA increased significantly from baseline to 3 months in lonely and not lonely participants. PA decreased significantly from 3-6 months in lonely participants; however, PA at 6 months remained significantly above baseline levels in both groups. Loneliness decreased significantly from baseline to 3 and 6 months in participants identifying as lonely at baseline. Factors within CTM components that promote social connectedness/reduce loneliness include: Activity coach characteristics/personality traits and approaches; opportunity to share information and experiences and learn from others; engagement with others who share similar/familiar experiences; increased opportunity for meaningful interaction; and accountability.Conclusion: Health promoting interventions that focus on PA and social connectedness through group-based activities can effectively reduce social isolation and loneliness of older adults. Given the ‘epidemic of loneliness’ that plagues many countries currently, these kinds of interventions are timely and important. Research that clearly delineates mechanisms that modify the effect of an intervention on social connectedness outcomes for older adults engaged in community-based PA programs would be a welcome addition to the literature.

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Can Digital Technology Enhance Social Connectedness Among Older Adults? A Feasibility Study

Journal of Applied Gerontology ◽

10.1177/0733464817741369 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 38 (1) ◽

pp. 49-72 ◽

Cited By ~ 44

Author(s):

Barbara Barbosa Neves ◽

Rachel Franz ◽

Rebecca Judges ◽

Christian Beermann ◽

Ron Baecker

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Interaction ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Well Being ◽

Adaptation Period ◽

Communication Tool ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Psychometric Scales ◽

Usability Tests ◽

Technological Interventions

This study examined the feasibility of a novel communication technology to enhance social connectedness among older adults in residential care. Research suggests that technology can create opportunities for social connectedness, helping alleviate social isolation and loneliness. Studies on implementation and feasibility of such technological interventions, particularly among frail and institutionalized older adults, are scant. Data were gathered in a 3-month deployment with 12 older adults, including semistructured interviews with participants and relatives/friends, psychometric scales, field observations, and usability tests. Data were analyzed with qualitative profiling, thematic analysis, and Friedman tests. The technology was a feasible communication tool, although requiring an adaptation period. Use increased perceived social interaction with ties, but increased social connectedness (meaningful social interaction) was only reported by participants with geographically distant relatives. Sense of well-being and confidence with technology was enhanced, but negative effects were also observed. Findings are useful for researchers and practitioners interested in technological interventions.

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Investigation of the Associations Between Social Connectedness and Internet Usage for Older Adults

PsycEXTRA Dataset ◽

10.1037/e610952013-001 ◽

2013 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Edd D. Easton-Hogg ◽

Nicholas K. Lim ◽

Tomas Bergandi ◽

Kevin Borders

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Internet Usage

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Community-based Organizations and Issues in Community Development in an Era Constant Change

Journal of Business and Economics ◽

10.15341/jbe(2155-7950)/07.10.2019/001 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. 585-605

Author(s):

Terrence Thomas ◽

◽

Befikadu Legesse ◽

Cihat Gunden ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

Community Action ◽

Black Belt ◽

Valuable Insight ◽

Top Down ◽

Community Based ◽

Community Based Organizations ◽

Constant Change ◽

Black Belt Region ◽

Local Problems ◽

Community Based Organization

The failure of top-down categorical approaches for generating solutions to many local problems has led to the adoption of alternate approaches. Many scholars believe that a confluence of local and global forces have generated complex problems, which call for new approaches to problem solving. Previously, the top-down approach relied entirely on the knowledgeable elite. Communities were seen as passive study subjects and information flow was one way only- from knowledgeable elites to the less knowledgeable community agents or community-based organization acting on behalf of communities. The objectives of this study are to provide a review of governance as a means of organizing community action to address community problems in the Black Belt Region (BBR) of the Southeastern United States, and an assessment of community problems in the BBR from the perspectives of community-based organizations (CBOs). Data was collected from CBOs via a telephone survey in eleven Southeastern states and via listening sessions conducted with CBOs in 9 Southeastern states. The study provides valuable insight regarding the challenges faced by these organizations and strategies they employ in adapting to serve their communities.

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Innovative education and training for community-based water protection units

Water Practice & Technology ◽

10.2166/wpt.2012.094 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Frederick Kakembo

Keyword(s):

Wastewater Reuse ◽

Education And Training ◽

Economic Incentives ◽

Community Action ◽

Health Improvement ◽

Wastewater Management ◽

Water Protection ◽

Community Based ◽

And Training ◽

Innovative Education

The paper explores the centrality of community-based education and training in addressing constraints and opportunities for wastewater management in Uganda. To be sustainable, wastewater management need to be conceived in terms of socio-economic incentives, community action, group pressure and social capital. It is assumed that communities could be motivated to undertake sustainable wastewater disposal activities if concrete benefits are demonstrated. The benefits include among others; reducing expenditure on health; improvement of the fisheries sector and the use of wastewater for crop farming. The paper is based on a study that analyzed the role of socio-economic incentives and Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) in sustainable management of wastewater. Data was collected through personal interviews, documents analysis and review of recent studies on wastewater reuse in Uganda. Focus was put on districts of Mukono, Buikwe and Kayunga in central Uganda. Findings reveal that in line with the Hydro-Social-Health cycle, physical, social, political, economic, and cultural factors converge to influence wastewater management. The paper duly describes innovative education and training approaches based on Communal Water Protection Units (COWAPU) facilitated by multidisciplinary Water Professionals and Educators (WAPE).It is concluded that it is possible to operate a complete sanitation system without subsidies.

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Effects of a resistance training community programme in older adults

Ageing and Society ◽

10.1017/s0144686x20001786 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-16

Author(s):

Majid Mufaqam Syed-Abdul ◽

Chrissa L. McClellan ◽

Elizabeth J. Parks ◽

Stephen D. Ball

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Resistance Training ◽

Muscle Mass ◽

Body Mass ◽

Fat Mass ◽

Training Programme ◽

Haemoglobin A1c ◽

Community Based ◽

Resistance Training Programme

Abstract Ageing is associated with reduced muscle mass, strength, flexibility and balance, resulting in a poor quality of life (QOL). Past studies have occurred in highly controlled laboratory settings which provide strong support to determine whether similar gains can be made in community programmes. Twenty participants were enrolled in an eight-week community-based resistance training programme (mean age = 61.3 (standard error (SE) = 0.9) years); Body Mass Index = 32.0 (SE = 1.3) kg/m2). All participants completed surveys to assess outcomes associated with QOL. Given the relationship between muscle function and nerve health, nerve conduction studies (NCS) were also conducted in a separate group of participants (mean age = 64.9 (SE = 2.0) years; Body Mass Index = 32.6 (SE = 1.9) kg/m2). This community-based training programme significantly improved QOL measures in older adults (p < 0.001). Although weight loss was not the primary outcome of the study, participants reduced their body weights (p < 0.001), by primarily reducing fat mass (p = 0.007) while maintaining muscle mass. Significant improvements were observed in muscle strength (2.2%), flexibility and balance (3.2–464.2%, p ⩽ 0.05 for all). Improvements were also observed in plasma glucose (p = 0.05), haemoglobin A1C (p = 0.06) and aldolase enzyme levels (p < 0.001). Scores for surveys on memory and sleep improved (p < 0.05). Improved QOL was associated with increased lean mass (r = −0.714, p = 0.002), decreased fat mass (r = −0.702, p = 0.003) and improved flexibility and balance (r = −0.627, p = 0.008). An eight-week, community-based resistance training programme significantly improved QOL in older adults. Influence on the lipid profile and NCS still needs further investigation.

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