Social connectedness: what matters to older people?

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tessa Morgan ◽  
Janine Wiles ◽  
Hong-Jae Park ◽  
Tess Moeke-Maxwell ◽  
Ofa Dewes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Diverse Group ◽  
Cultural Backgrounds ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
What Matters

Abstract While social connectedness is heralded as a key enabler of positive health and social outcomes for older people, rarely have they themselves had the opportunity to express their views about the concept. Working with a diverse group of Pacific, Māori, Asian and New Zealand European older adults, this paper explores what matters to older people when discussing social connectedness? We draw from individual, in-depth interviews with 44 older adults, and three group interviews comprising 32 older adults. Data were analysed using thematic and narrative analyses. The three themes identified were: getting out of the house, ability to connect and feelings of burden. Fundamental to social connectedness was participants’ desire to be recognised as resourceful agents able to foster relationships on the basis of mutual respect. Social connectedness was conceptualised as multi-levelled: relating to interpersonal relationships as much as neighbourhoods and wider society. Alongside these similarities we also discuss important differences. Participants preferred to socialise with people from similar cultural backgrounds where they shared taken-for-granted social customs and knowledges. This is in the context where racism, poverty and inequalities clearly impeded already minoritised participants’ sense of social connection. Key structural ways to improve social connectedness should focus on factors that enable cohesion between levels of connection, including stable neighbourhoods serviced with accessible public transport, liveable pensions and inclusivity of cultural diversity.

Understanding Exercise Challenges and Barriers for Older Adults with Mobility Disabilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 1297-1301
Author(s):  
Qiong Nie ◽  
Lyndsie M. Koon ◽  
Madina Khamzina ◽  
Wendy A. Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Older People ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Quantitative Evaluation ◽  
Exercise Barriers ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Physical Limitations ◽  
Barriers And Challenges ◽  
Depth Interviews

Interventions to address exercise challenges in older people have been the focus of recent research, given the importance of exercise for health outcomes. However, exercise challenges for older adults with mobility disabilities have received little attention. We investigated participation of exercise among older adults with mobility disabilities to understand exercise barriers and challenges experienced by this population. We conducted a needs assessment using two archival datasets: a quantitative survey with 1,137 respondents and a qualitative in-depth interview with 23 participants. The quantitative evaluation revealed low participation of walking and less engagement of vigorous activities, and significant correlates of health status and lack of energy with vigorous activities. The in-depth interviews showed exercise challenges were attributed to difficulties with physical limitations, accessibility, and environmental limitations. Individuals with mobility disabilities may face unique challenges and barriers, affordable and effective supports to promote exercise engagement for them should be adapted to such needs.

scholarly journals Lost and unfulfilled relationships behind emotional loneliness in old age

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 1068-1088 ◽  
Author(s):  
ELISA TIILIKAINEN ◽  
MARJAANA SEPPÄNEN
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Older People ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Everyday Lives ◽  
Emotional Loneliness ◽  
The Everyday ◽  
Depth Interviews

ABSTRACTUsing a qualitative approach, this article examines how the experiences of emotional loneliness are embedded in the everyday lives and relationships of older adults. Ten in-depth interviews were conducted in 2010 with older people who reported feeling lonely, often or all the time, during a cohort study in southern Finland. The research reveals the multifaceted nature of loneliness and its causes. Behind emotional loneliness, we identified lost and unfulfilled relationships, involving the loss or lack of a partner, the absence of a meaningful friendship, complex parenthood and troubling childhood experiences. Most of the interviewees have faced loneliness that only began in old age, but for some, loneliness has been present for nearly a lifetime.

scholarly journals Older People and Social Connectedness: How Place and Activities Keep People Engaged

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene H. Yen ◽  
Janet K. Shim ◽  
Airin D. Martinez ◽  
Judith C. Barker
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Ethnic Differences ◽  
Social Distance ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Future

To understand how older adults perceive and navigate their neighborhoods, we examined the implications of activity in their neighborhoods for their health. We interviewed 38 adults (ages 62–85) who lived in San Francisco or Oakland, California. Seven key themes emerged: (1) people express a wide range of expectations for neighborliness, from “we do not bother each other” to “we have keys to each other’s houses”, (2) social distance between “other” people impede a sense of connection, (3) ethnic differences in living arrangements affect activities and activity locations, (4) people try to stay busy, (5) people able to leave their homes do many activities outside their immediate residential neighborhoods, (6) access to a car is a necessity for most, and (7) it is unusual to plan for the future when mobility might become limited. Multiple locations influence older adults’ health, including residential neighborhoods. Older adults value mobility, active lives, and social connections.

scholarly journals Exploring heterogeneous ICT use among older adults:The warm experts’ perspective

2020 ◽  
pp. 146144482091735 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riitta Hänninen ◽  
Sakari Taipale ◽  
Raija Luostari
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Ict Use ◽  
Older Users ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Extended Group

In this article, we (1) examine the various forms of support required by older users (75+) of digital technology and (2) provide a concrete, everyday life rationale for why warm experts play such a pivotal role in the processes of adopting and using ICT. Although warm experts are usually not older adults themselves, they provide an important mediating view on the technology use among older people that has not been rigorously addressed in previous studies. Thus, in our analysis we examine the younger family members’ views on acting as warm experts to their older family members. The research data consist of 22 extended group interviews (EGI) and observation carried out in Finland. Based on our analysis, we argue that older adults use ICT in very heterogeneous ways and that the roles bestowed upon warm experts can be understood precisely through this heterogeneity.

scholarly journals Experiences of Habitual Physical Activity in Maintaining Roles and Functioning among Older Adults: A Qualitative Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hadeel Halaweh ◽  
Ulla Svantesson ◽  
Carin Willén
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Habitual Physical Activity ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Status ◽  
Protective Strategy ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Age Related Changes

Physically active older adults have reduced risk of functional restrictions and role limitations. Several aspects may interrelate and influence habitual physical activity (PA). However, older adults’ own perspectives towards their PA need to be addressed. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of habitual physical activity in maintaining roles and functioning among older adult Palestinians ≥60 years. Data were collected through in-depth interviews based on a narrative approach. Seventeen participants were recruited (aged 64–84 years). Data were analyzed using a narrative interpretative method.Findings. Three central narratives were identified,“keep moving, stay healthy,”“social connectedness, a motive to stay active,”and “adapting strategies to age-related changes.” Conclusion. Habitual physical activity was perceived as an important factor to maintain functioning and to preserve active roles in older adults. Walking was the most prominent pattern of physical activity and it was viewed as a vital tool to maintain functioning among the older adults. Social connectedness was considered as a contributing factor to the status of staying active. To adapt the process of age-related changes in a context to stay active, the participants have used different adapting strategies, including protective strategy, awareness of own capabilities, and modifying or adopting new roles.

scholarly journals CHOOSE TO MOVE: IMPLEMENTATION OF A PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTERVENTION AT SCALE ACROSS BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S122-S122
Author(s):  
Joanie Sims Gould ◽  
Heather McKay ◽  
Samantha Gray ◽  
Adrian Bauman ◽  
Lindsay Nettlefold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Positive Health

Abstract Despite the many benefits of physical activity (PA), older adults remain among the least active Canadians. Regular PA effectively enhances social connectedness which in turn, is linked to positive health benefits. PA also promotes older adult’s physical mobility which is “the best guarantee of retaining independence and being able to cope” in later years. Although effective PA interventions exist, all but five were conducted at small scale. None were effectively scaled up and sustained over the longer term. To improve population health, effective interventions must be scaled-up. In 2015, BC Ministry of Health released a PA strategy and action plan--older adults were identified as one priority area. In partnership with government and community stakeholders we were entrusted to co-design, implement and evaluate a 6 month, evidence- and choice-based PA intervention (Choose to Move; CTM) across BC, Canada. Implementation and adaptation frameworks and processes we adopted were embedded within socioecological models. We evaluated CTM at scale-up in 26 communities with 458 low active older adults. Our implementation evaluation showed that relationships and infrastructure were key facilitators to delivering CTM at scale. Our impact evaluation showed that PA and social connectedness were enhanced; mental health (loneliness/happiness), grip strength and mobility all improved following participation in CTM. A flexible, adaptable PA model, designed with scalability in mind is key to enhance health indicators in low active older adults. Effectively engaging stakeholders at multiple levels in the implementation process is essential to success.

Socio-spatial aspects of ageing in an urban context: an example from three Czech Republic cities

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 1200-1220 ◽  
Author(s):  
LUCIE GALČANOVÁ ◽  
DANA SÝKOROVÁ
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Czech Republic ◽  
Older People ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Urban Environment ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Urban Context ◽  
Age In Place ◽  
Everyday Interaction ◽  
Depth Interviews

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study is to examine how older people make sense of the changing urban environment – that is, how they experience, perceive and interpret their everyday interaction with its materiality, as well as their social ties, networks and relations. The results, based on seven focus groups and 37 individual in-depth interviews with older residents of the three most populous Czech cities, show how older people maintain the continuity of their activities, autonomy and independence within the limits of their personal resources in an active relationship with a changing urban environment and within the post-socialist context. The research supports the results of former studies that emphasise the ability of older adults to negotiate their position and actively cope with change while they age in place.

scholarly journals Exploring the Impact of Age-Related COVID-19 Messaging on Internalized Ageism in Older Adulthood

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 945-945
Author(s):  
Ruheena Sangrar ◽  
Stephanie Chesser ◽  
Michelle Porter
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Constructionism ◽  
Financial Stability ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Public health messages during the COVID-19 pandemic have indicated a higher risk for older people and/or those who have multiple health conditions. Subsequent societal discourse, however, has at times arguably protested the full protection and treatment of older people from COVID-19, potentially contributing to internalized ageism. To date, how older people interpret age-related pandemic messaging and discourse has not been explored. This study examined older adults’ perspectives of age-related COVID-19 messaging and societal discourse, as well as their perceptions of vulnerability, using a social constructionism framework. Adults age 65 to 89 years participated in semi-structured interviews about their thoughts and experiences with ongoing pandemic-related public messaging. Preliminary analysis suggests that participant perspectives of COVID-19 messaging are situated along a continuum of concern associated with contracting the virus. While some, for example, describe minimal concern, others express being fearful. Individual perceptions of safety appear to be informed, in part, by the presence or absence of an underlying health condition. Individual approaches to media criticism and consumption, personal risk-taking thresholds, financial stability, and social connectedness also appear to influence how the participants perceive pandemic-related messaging. Findings suggest the framing of COVID-19 and pandemic protocols, as well as the media’s sensationalization of age-related issues, can impact older peoples’ perceived vulnerability of contracting the virus. Future research is needed to understand the long-term implications of ongoing pandemic-related messaging on older adults’ experiences of aging, as well as the consequences such messaging could pose to for their health and social behaviors.

Digitising the wisdom of our elders: connectedness through digital storytelling

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (12) ◽  
pp. 2714-2734 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Hausknecht ◽  
Michelle Vanchu-Orosco ◽  
David Kaufman
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Digital Storytelling ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Metro Vancouver ◽  
Adult Participants ◽  
Digital Story ◽  
Digital Stories ◽  
Group Interviews

AbstractDigital storytelling provides older adults with an opportunity to become digital producers, connect with others through story and explore their life history. The authors report on the results of a digital storytelling project for older adults. The study investigated the experiences and perceived benefits of older adults who created digital stories during a ten-week course and explored the reactions of story viewers to the digital stories they viewed during a special sharing event. Eighty-eight older adult participants in Metro Vancouver who attended one of 13 courses offered were included in the study. Most of the participants were female and over half were immigrants. Results from the focus group interviews demonstrated a rich array of reported social and emotional benefits experienced through the process of creating a digital story within the course. Three main themes emerged: social connectedness through shared experience and story, reminiscence and reflecting on life, and creating a legacy. Viewers who attended a ‘Sharing Our Stories’ event reported that the stories were meaningful, well constructed and invoked a range of emotions. The researchers conclude that digital storytelling may help digital storytellers increase connectedness to others and to self. Additionally, this connectedness may extend over time through the process of examining the past to create a digital story that can serve as a legacy to connect to future generations.

scholarly journals Choose to Move: A Health Promoting Physical Activity Intervention Can Also Enhance Social Connectedness

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 ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Meaningful Interaction ◽  
Depth Interviews

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 social connectedness differently among self-identified ‘lonely’ versus ‘not lonely’ older adults and (2) describe features of CTM that promote social connectedness.Methods:  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 from baseline to 3 months in lonely and not lonely participants. PA decreased from 3-6 months in lonely participants; however, PA at 6 months remained above baseline levels in both groups. Loneliness decreased from baseline to 3 and 6 months in participants identifying as lonely at baseline. Features of CTM that influence social connectedness 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: PA interventions that focus on social connectedness, through group-based activities can improve the health of older adults by addressing both loneliness and PA. Building social connectedness within a PA intervention for older adults may support long term changes in PA behaviours.

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