The impact of intergenerational programs on children and older adults: a review

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 451-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Rosaria Gualano ◽  
Gianluca Voglino ◽  
Fabrizio Bert ◽  
Robin Thomas ◽  
Elisa Camussi ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTBackground:Elderly are at particular risk of social isolation. This condition significantly affects health; on the contrary, social involvement can be extremely advantageous. In this context, intergenerational programs improve interactions between different ages. Then, we conducted a review regarding intergenerational programs, to summarize the effects of these activities on both elderly and children.Methods:Our review followed the PRISMA statements. We considered papers reporting data about intergenerational programs involving children (preschool and elementary) and elderly.Results:The final selection obtained 27 sources. Ten studies evaluated children's outcomes outlining the positive impact of intergenerational programs upon children's perception of elderly. The effects on older participants were variegated considering well-being, depression, self-reported health, and self-esteem. Moreover, the retrieved studies outlined the importance of a careful organization and of a specific training for all staff members. The staff involved in similar programs appeared, overall, highly satisfied.Discussion:The positive impact on children of intergenerational programs is proved at both short- and long-term. Moreover, despite the different outcomes considered and the variable results, these programs resulted overall beneficial on elderly participants. Finally, similar activities resulted feasible even in case of older adults with dementia.

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1019
Author(s):  
Barbara Frączek ◽  
Aleksandra Pięta ◽  
Adrian Burda ◽  
Paulina Mazur-Kurach ◽  
Florentyna Tyrała

The aim of this meta-analysis was to review the impact of a Paleolithic diet (PD) on selected health indicators (body composition, lipid profile, blood pressure, and carbohydrate metabolism) in the short and long term of nutrition intervention in healthy and unhealthy adults. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of 21 full-text original human studies was conducted. Both the PD and a variety of healthy diets (control diets (CDs)) caused reduction in anthropometric parameters, both in the short and long term. For many indicators, such as weight (body mass (BM)), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC), impact was stronger and especially found in the short term. All diets caused a decrease in total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG), albeit the impact of PD was stronger. Among long-term studies, only PD cased a decline in TC and LDL-C. Impact on blood pressure was observed mainly in the short term. PD caused a decrease in fasting plasma (fP) glucose, fP insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in the short run, contrary to CD. In the long term, only PD caused a decrease in fP glucose and fP insulin. Lower positive impact of PD on performance was observed in the group without exercise. Positive effects of the PD on health and the lack of experiments among professional athletes require longer-term interventions to determine the effect of the Paleo diet on athletic performance.


Out in Time ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 67-90
Author(s):  
Perry N. Halkitis

Gay men experience the process of coming out to various groups of individuals, in myriad contexts, and throughout the course of their lives. For many gay men, telling one’s parents and families represents the most significant act of disclosure. Methods used for coming out to parents, circumstances by which the men came out, and reactions of their families in both the short and long term are explored. A variety of different approaches are evidenced in the life stories. The impact of these critical life events is considered in relation to the well-being and health of each of the men. Coming out to parents and family is challenging in every generation, but the circumstances related to coming out are influenced and shaped by both the sociopolitical contexts of the time and the crisis of each generation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. 33-33
Author(s):  
Clarissa Giebel ◽  
Bwire Ivan ◽  
Maria Isabel Zuluaga ◽  
Suresh Kumar ◽  
Mark Gabbay ◽  
...  

Background:The pandemic has put a huge strain on people’s mental health, with varying restrictions affecting people’s lives. Little is known how the pandemic affects older adults’ mental health, particularly those living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where restrictions are affecting people’s access to basic necessities. Thus, the aim of this 3-country study was to understand the long- term impacts of the pandemic on the mental well-being of older adults with and without dementia in LMICs.Methods:We are collecting 30 baseline and 15 follow-up interviews with older adults (aged 60+), people with dementia, and family carers in Colombia, India, and Uganda, as well as a baseline and follow-up focus group with health and social are professionals in each country. Interviews are conducted remotely over the phone due to pandemic restrictions, with data collection taking place between March and July 2021. Transcripts are translated into English before being analysed using thematic analysis.Results:To date, we have completed close to 90 baseline interviews and 3 focus groups with health and social care professionals. Analysis is ongoing, but findings are capturing the detrimental second wave in India and follow-up interviews will capture the longitudinal impacts on mental health.Conclusions:Whilst vaccines are starting to be rolled out in LMICs, albeit at different rates, the virus will likely take much longer to be somewhat managed in LMICs. This leaves more room for people’s physical as well as mental health to be impacted by the restrictions, and with often limited mental health service coverage, it is all the more important o understand the impact of the pandemic on older people’s mental health.


2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
June J. Pilcher ◽  
Logan L. Dorsey ◽  
Samantha M. Galloway ◽  
Dylan N. Erikson

Although researchers have investigated the impact of social isolation on well-being, the recent quarantines due to COVID-19 resulted in a social isolation environment that was unique to any examined in the past. Because sleep is one of the endogenous drives that impacts short and long-term health and well-being, it is important to consider how social isolation during the COVID-19 government-mandated quarantines affected sleep and sleep habits. A number of researchers have addressed this question during the last 2 years by examining several concepts related to possible changes in sleep during the quarantines. To best understand these recent results, the current mini review provides a background on the pre-pandemic literature on the effects of social isolation and loneliness with a focus on sleep and then summarizes the recent literature on sleep and sleep habits. In general, sleep was negatively impacted for many people during the pandemics but not all. One group that seemed to benefit from the pandemic in terms of sleep patterns, were younger people who could more easily adapt their sleep times to match their internal chronobiology. Given the potential broad impact of sleep on health and well-being, better understanding how social isolation impacts sleep is an important consideration for individuals, work organizations, and governments.


Author(s):  
Anne C Krendl ◽  
Brea L Perry

Abstract Objectives We examined whether social isolation due to the COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders was associated with greater loneliness and depression for older adults, and, if so, whether declines in social engagement or relationship strength moderated that relationship. Methods Between April 21 and May 21, 2020, 93 older adults in the United States who had completed measures characterizing their personal social networks, subjective loneliness, and depression 6–9 months prior to the pandemic completed the same measures via phone interview, as well as questions about the impact of the pandemic on their social relationships. Results Older adults reported higher depression and greater loneliness following the onset of the pandemic. Loneliness positively predicted depression. Perceived relationship strength, but not social engagement, moderated this relationship such that loneliness only predicted depression for individuals who became closer to their networks during the pandemic. For those who felt less close, depression was higher irrespective of loneliness. Discussion The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected older adults’ mental health and social well-being in the short term. Potential long-term impacts are considered.


Economies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chong-Chuo Chang ◽  
Tai-Yung Kam ◽  
Chih-Chung Chien ◽  
Wan Su

As of now, very few research studies have examined the effects of financial constraints on the short- and long-term performances of companies after their announcement of convertible bonds. Due to asymmetric information, previous studies consider issuance of convertible bonds as negative news. As a result, the short- and long-term performances of companies generally decline after their convertible bond announcement. This study argues that when companies have investment plans, they are expected to have higher future cash flows. They will become increasingly more valuable regardless of the fact that they raise funds through the issue of convertible bonds (due to financial constraints), positively affecting the performance of companies. The results indicate that financial constraints have no effect on short-term performance, but did have a significantly positive impact on the long-term performance of companies after their issuance of convertible bonds.


Author(s):  
Meghan J. Price ◽  
Lucas P. Wachsmuth ◽  
Kortni A. Ferguson ◽  
Gregg A. Robbins-Welty ◽  
Paul A. Riordan ◽  
...  

Context: Healthcare workers often experience grief stemming from the loss of patients under their care. The impact of personal grief on healthcare workers’ wellbeing is less well described, particularly for trainees. To better characterize the prevalence and impact of personal grief on the mental and physical health of medical students, we conducted a survey of medical students at our institution. Methods: An electronic Qualtrics survey was distributed to all currently enrolled medical students at our institution. After an initial question screening for loss before or during medical school, our survey assessed (1) basic demographic data; (2) relationship to the deceased; (3) impact of the loss on trainee health; and (4) utilization of institutional supports for grief. Results: A total of 344 (68.8%) students responded to our survey. Two hundred and 25 (65.4%) students had experienced personal loss prior to or during medical school. 53.7% experienced more than 1 loss, with most of these losses (62.5%) occurring more than 2 years prior to the survey date. Up to 40% of respondents reported at least 1 psychologically distressing symptom that persisted beyond 1 year. Most students (93.8%) relied on family members for support; however, 23.2% of students indicated they would use institutional resources if available. Conclusion: Most medical students have experienced bereavement before or during medical school, which has had significant impact on their well-being. While medical students did not typically utilize institutionally based resources, many students expressed interest in such resources.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 742-742
Author(s):  
Rachel Ungar ◽  
Rifky Tkatch ◽  
Jane Huang ◽  
Sandra Kraemer ◽  
James Schaeffer ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically influenced the health and well-being of older adults. Changes in lifestyle patterns has required reframing communication habits and learning new skills to maintain social connections and access healthcare. Objectives: To assess 1) well-being measured prior to and during the COVID-19 era; and 2) use and comfort level of technology for social interactions and telehealth visits during this time. Methods A mailed survey to a randomly selected national sample (>65) during the summers of 2018, 2019, and 2020. Measures included mental and physical well-being and various psychosocial measures. For 2020, questions related to COVID-19 and the use of technology were included. Results A total of 4,696 (2018), 3,976 (2019) and 2,726 (2020) responded to these surveys (response rate ~27%). Overall, most constructs remained stable despite the ongoing pandemic. Most respondents reported average or high resilience (90%), high purpose (48%), stable social networks (76%), and low stress (55%). However, loneliness increased during 2020 (57%). Respondents who used technology were more likely to connect with family and friends. Only 43% reported high comfort with using technology, with older age (>75) less comfortable. At the time of the survey 37% had not seen a healthcare provider through telehealth services, and 15% felt their healthcare needs were not met by a telehealth experience. Conclusion Results demonstrate that respondents were doing well during COVID-19. Yet increases in loneliness and greater technology needs to stay socially connected and to access healthcare may result in negative long-term health outcomes.


Author(s):  
Anthony Pak-Hin Kong

Purpose Enhancing social participation and reducing emotional distress in persons with aphasia (PWA) are a critical rehabilitation goal. Social relationships and meaningful activities performed by PWA are also crucial to promote positive psychosocial well-being. As a precautionary measure specific to the COVID-19 pandemic, most PWA worldwide have generally followed the guidelines of going out less, restricting when and where to gather with friends and peers, reducing social activities, and maintaining appropriate social distance; these acts are contrary to the traditional principles of managing aphasia. This article aims to (a) highlight and add to our understanding of issues related to the impact of the currently evolving COVID-19 pandemic on PWA, (b) direct readers to relevant reports in the literature of telerehabilitation for aphasia to look for useful information regarding remote assessment and therapy to be considered during the pandemic, (c) summarize support initiatives developed and resources compiled thus far as well as provide links for caregivers and PWA to find more information about COVID-19 in their communities, and (d) offer recommendations to potentially move the field of aphasia research and clinical PWA services forward in a positive way to endure the pandemic and in the forthcoming post-COVID world. Conclusions At present, there are significant knowledge gaps regarding the short and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on PWA and their caregivers. It is crucial that different stakeholders be sensitive and flexible when addressing the psychosocial and rehabilitation needs of PWA to mitigate the negative effects during and after the COVID-19 era.


Accounting ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 1669-1674
Author(s):  
Huthaifa Al-karasneh ◽  
Ashraf Bataineh ◽  
Osama Hayajneh ◽  
Omar Khodirat

This paper aims to examine the impact of short and long-term active Foreign Portfolio Investments (FPI) on Jordan Economic Growth (EG) thru (1996-2017) by employing some econometric methods like ARDL and Error Correction Models to reach the study results. Findings reveal that FPI have a long-term statistical positive impact on EG at level (5%) and also have a short-term negative impact on EG at level (5%), where EG needs about ten years to reach a full adjustment.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document