scholarly journals COVID-19: Pandemic Risk, Resilience and Possibilities for Aging Research

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 344-347
Author(s):  
Andrew Wister ◽  
Mark Speechley
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Canadian Society ◽  
Social Psychological ◽  
Emerging Pathogens ◽  
Aging Research ◽  
Positive Adaptation ◽  
Mortality Risks ◽  
Data Gaps ◽  
Pathogenic Analysis ◽  
Better Than

AbstractThe COVID-19 global crisis is reshaping Canadian society in unexpected and profound ways. The significantly higher morbidity and mortality risks by age suggest that this is largely a “gero-pandemic,” which has thrust the field of aging onto center stage. This editorial emphasizes that vulnerable older adults are also those most affected by COVID-19 in terms of infection risk, negative health effects, and the potential deleterious outcomes on a range of social, psychological, and economic contexts – from ageism to social isolation. We also contend that the pathogenic analysis of this pandemic needs to be balanced with a salutogenic approach that examines the positive adaptation of people, systems and society, termed COVID-19 resilience. This begs the question: how and why do some older adults and communities adapt and thrive better than others? This examination will lead to the identification and response to research and data gaps, challenges, and innovative opportunities as we plan for a future in which COVID-19 has become another endemic infection in the growing list of emerging and re-emerging pathogens.

Narrative construction of resilience: stories of older Czech adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (9) ◽  
pp. 1849-1873 ◽  
Author(s):  
EVA DUBOVSKÁ ◽  
VLADIMÍR CHRZ ◽  
PETER TAVEL ◽  
IVA POLÁČKOVÁ ŠOLCOVÁ ◽  
JIŘÍ RŮŽIČKA
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Positive Adaptation ◽  
Narrative Perspective ◽  
Values And Beliefs ◽  
Better Than

ABSTRACTSome older adults handle the pitfalls of ageing better than others. One explanation emerges from the concept of resilience, the ability to bounce back from the adversities of later life. In this study, we approached resilience from the narrative perspective. This study is a part of a project based on the DIPEx qualitative methodology, focused on different aspects of ageing. A combination of narrative and semi-structured interviews was conducted with 50 older adults (aged 75 and over). From the total number of interviews, a sub-group of 11 resilient participants was selected on the basis of the criteria set for resilience: (a) past exposure to adversity; and (b) positive adaptation to this adversity in terms of quality of life, happiness and activity. The results of the analysis are presented in the framework of five categories: (a) thematic lines, (b) agency and positioning; (c) values and beliefs; (d) reflections and perspectives; and (e) plot and genre. Both agency and reflections point to actively resisting old age as an important characteristic of resilient older adults in the Czech Republic. This resistance is often allied with irony, but we have also found genres of heroic coping and affirmation of lucky moments. Key thematic lines were love of life, emphasis on the importance of movement and positive social relationships; key values expressed by the participants were relational, existential and spiritual.

scholarly journals Depth of Processing and Text Recall in Adulthood

1984 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger A. Dixon ◽  
Alexander von Eye
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Incidental Learning ◽  
Semantic Analysis ◽  
Deep Processing ◽  
Depth Of Processing ◽  
Aging Research ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Adult Age ◽  
Intentional Condition ◽  
Better Than

The depth of processing model suggests that incidental learning occurs at various “depths” corresponding to the degree of semantic analysis. Because deep processing is associated with improved recall, and because older adults generally perform at a lower level than younger adults, this model has been applied to aging research. The present study examined the validity of this model by comparing a sample of three German adult age groups with a similar sample in an earlier American study. Specifically, subjects read a 500-word narrative under one of four conditions: (a) a shallow, nonsemantic orienting task; (b) and (c) two deep, semantic orienting tasks; or (d) an intentional condition. Results indicated that, overall, younger adults performed better than older adults, that recall in the intentional condition was significantly better than in the two deep processing conditions, and recall in these conditions was better than in the shallow condition. Cross-sample comparisons and subsequent implications for the validity of the model are discussed.

scholarly journals Physical Inactivity in Older Adult Couples: A Dyadic Analysis Using Continuous In-Home Monitoring

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 412-412
Author(s):  
Chao-Yi Wu ◽  
Lyndsey Miller ◽  
Rachel Wall ◽  
Zachary Beattie ◽  
Jeffrey Kaye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Home Monitoring ◽  
Health Determinants ◽  
Dyadic Analysis ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Aging Research

Abstract Many older adults remain inactive despite the known positive health implications of physical activity (e.g. improved mood, reduced mortality risk). Physical inactivity is a known interdependent phenomenon in couples, but the majority of research identifies determinants of physical inactivity at the individual level. We estimated the average amount of physical inactivity for older adult couples and, using dyadic analysis, identified physical and mental health determinants thereof. Forty-eight heterosexual older adult couples (mean age=70.6, SD=6.63) from the Veterans Integrated Service Network 20 cohort of the Collaborative Aging Research using Technology (CART) initiative were included in this study. Both dyad members wore actigraph devices for a month. The average number per day of inactive periods (defined as no movement or sleep activity for ≥ 30 minutes) was estimated. Multilevel modeling revealed that, within couples, there was no difference between partners in the average number of inactive periods, but on average across couples, males had more inactive periods per day (13.4, SD=4.43) than females (12.3, SD=4.87). For males, older age was the only variable associated with more inactive periods (β=0.13, p=.013). For females, more depressive symptoms in men were associated with fewer inactive periods (β=-0.37, p=.002), and more dependence in completing their own IADLs predicted more inactive periods (β=2.80, p<.001). All models were adjusted for covariates. Viewing couples’ activity as a unit, rather than as separate individuals, provides a novel approach to identifying pathways to reduce inactivity in older adults, especially when focusing on mental health issues and decreased independence within the couple.

Toward a conceptual model for successful transgender aging

2021 ◽  
pp. 147332502199466
Author(s):  
Steffany Sloan ◽  
Jacquelyn J Benson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
The Body ◽  
Aging Research ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Resilience Factors

Transgender older adults have been subject to life-long stigma and marginalization, resulting in significant social and health consequences. Despite these challenges, this population commonly reports thriving in later life. In order to attend to nuanced experiences of older transgender adults, theoretical models of successful aging must reflect complexities presented by gender minority status. In order to address theoretical gaps, a systematic qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted to summarize findings across the body of qualitative transgender aging research. Findings indicated that transgender older adults conceptualize successful aging through the process of embracing gender identity. Themes were identified to conceptualize successful transgender aging such as gender expression, shedding internalized stigma, and championing a resilience mindset. Implications for social work practice are provided, suggesting a more comprehensive understanding of both challenges and resilience factors amongst the aging transgender population.

scholarly journals LGBTQ+ Aging Research in Canada: A 30-Year Scoping Review of the Literature

Geriatrics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 60
Author(s):  
Kimberley Wilson ◽  
Arne Stinchcombe ◽  
Sophie M. Regalado
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Systematic Search ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Aging Research ◽  
Aging Populations ◽  
Diverse Groups

Canada has a unique socio-political history concerning the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people. With aging populations, understanding diverse groups of older adults is paramount. We completed a systematic search and scoping review of research in Canada to quantify and articulate the scale and scope of research on LGBTQ+ aging. Our search identified over 4000 results and, after screening for relevance, our review focused on 70 articles. Five major themes in the literature on LGBTQ+ aging in Canada were identified: (1) risk, (2) HIV, (3) stigma, and discrimination as barriers to care, (4) navigating care and identity, (5) documenting the history and changing policy landscapes. Most of the articles were not focused on the aging, yet the findings are relevant when considering the lived experiences of current older adults within LGBTQ+ communities. Advancing the evidence on LGBTQ+ aging involves improving the quality of life and aging experiences for LGBTQ+ older adults through research.

scholarly journals DISENTANGLING KNOWLEDGE AND BIAS: COMBATING AGEISM WITH THE REVISED FACTS ON AGING QUIZ

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S455-S455
Author(s):  
Jensen Davis ◽  
Linda Breytspraak ◽  
Jacob Marszalek ◽  
Joan McDowd
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Factual Knowledge ◽  
Factual Information ◽  
Age Bias ◽  
Aging Research ◽  
Response Options ◽  
Test Of Knowledge

Abstract The Facts on Aging Quiz (FoAQ) was developed in 1977 as a 25-item True/False test of knowledge about older adults. Since that time, it has been utilized in hundreds of studies involving clarifying misconceptions, measuring factual knowledge across different groups, and assessing bias toward older adults. The current study examines the psychometric properties of a revision to the FoAQ created in 2015 that modified the original items and added 25 more to better reflect contemporary aging research. Participants were sampled using Qualtrics and MTurk platforms and targeted to equally represent the following four age groups: 18-34, 35-49, 50-64, and 65 and older. Exploratory factor analysis (n=956) did not support a multi-factor structure, contrary to previous theories of it having cognitive, physical, societal, and psychological health factors. A single factor model was forced which contained 28 items that only accounted for 26% of the variance in scores. The reliability reached satisfactory levels in the younger three age groups with the 28-item version but remained inadequate among those 65 and older. Small associations with the Expectations Regarding Aging-12 and Aging Semantic Differential scales were observed. In its present format, the FoAQ is not sufficient for research use but remains a useful tool in provoking discussion about age bias and areas in which people of all ages lack factual information. Researchers suggest an expansion in response options and further clarifying the use of this instrument as a measure of knowledge or bias.

Ground Reaction Force in Sit-to-stand Reflects Lower-extremity Function Better than Timed Test in Older Adults

2011 ◽  
Vol 43 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 930-931
Author(s):  
Taishi Tsuji ◽  
Tomohiro Okura ◽  
Kenji Tsunoda ◽  
Yasuhiro Mitsuishi ◽  
Naruki Kitano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Ground Reaction Force ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Lower Extremity Function ◽  
Sit To Stand ◽  
Extremity Function ◽  
Timed Test ◽  
Better Than

scholarly journals When twice is better than once: increased liking of repeated items influences memory in younger and older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rocco Palumbo ◽  
Alberto Di Domenico ◽  
Beth Fairfield ◽  
Nicola Mammarella
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Recognition Memory ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Memory Encoding ◽  
Mere Exposure Effect ◽  
Differential Impact ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Repeated Presentation ◽  
Exposure Effect ◽  
Better Than

Abstract Background Numerous studies have reported that the repeated presentation of a stimulus leads to an increase in positive affect towards the stimulus itself (the so-called mere exposure effect). Here, we evaluate whether changes in liking due to repetition may have a differential impact on subsequent memories in younger and older adults. Method In two experiments, younger and older adults were asked to rate a series of nonwords (Experiment 1) or unfamiliar neutral faces (Experiment 2) in terms of how much they like them and then presented with a surprise yes–no recognition memory task. At study, items were repeated either consecutively (massed presentation) or with a lag of 6 intervening items (spaced presentation). Results In both experiments, participants rated spaced repeated items more positively than massed items, i.e. they liked them most. Moreover, older adults remembered spaced stimuli that they liked most better than younger adults. Conclusions The findings are discussed in accordance with the mechanisms underlying positivity effects in memory and the effect of repetition on memory encoding.

scholarly journals Predicting older adults' maintenance in exercise participation using an integrated social psychological model

2005 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maarten Stiggelbout ◽  
Marijke Hopman-Rock ◽  
Matty Crone ◽  
Lilian Lechner ◽  
Willem van Mechelen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Psychological ◽  
Psychological Model ◽  
Exercise Participation

A Comparison of Office and Adult Day Care Center Older Volunteers: Social-Psychological and Demographic Differences

1992 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morris A. Okun ◽  
Nancy Eisenberg
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Day Care ◽  
Community Organization ◽  
Function Analysis ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Social Psychological ◽  
Role Taking ◽  
Day Care Center ◽  
Older Volunteers ◽  
Minimum Age

Numerous researchers have compared older adults who volunteer with those who do not volunteer on several demographic variables. In contrast, in the present study we compared older adults (minimum age = 55 years old) who volunteered to work for a community organization at an office or in a day care center on social-psychological and demographic predictors. It was hypothesized that day care center volunteers would have higher scores than office volunteers on sympathy, role taking, and self-based salience of volunteer role (i.e., personal identity). In addition, office volunteers were expected to have higher scores than day care center volunteers on other-based salience of volunteer role (i.e., social identity). Discriminant function analysis indicated that day care center volunteers were higher than office volunteers on sympathy whereas office volunteers were higher than day care center volunteers on educational attainment, involvement in clubs and organizations, and role taking.

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