Lonely in a crowd: loneliness in New Zealand retirement village residents

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Michal Boyd ◽  
Cheryl Calvert ◽  
Annie Tatton ◽  
Zhenqiang Wu ◽  
Katherine Bloomfield ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Assessment Instrument ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Considerable Proportion

ABSTRACT Objectives: The number of older people choosing to relocate to retirement villages (RVs) is increasing rapidly. This choice is often a way to decrease social isolation while still living independently. Loneliness is a significant health issue and contributes to overall frailty, yet RV resident loneliness is poorly understood. Our aim is to describe the prevalence of loneliness and associated factors in a New Zealand RV population. Design: A resident survey was used to collect demographics, social engagement, loneliness, and function, as well as a comprehensive geriatric assessment (international Resident Assessment Instrument [interRAI]) as part of the “Older People in Retirement Villages Study.” Setting: RVs, Auckland, New Zealand. Participants: Participants included RV residents living in 33 RVs (n = 578). Measurements: Two types of recruitment: randomly sampled cohort (n = 217) and volunteer sample (n = 361). Independently associated factors for loneliness were determined through multiple logistic regression with odds ratios (ORs). Results: Of the participants, 420 (72.7%) were female, 353 (61.1%) lived alone, with the mean age of 81.3 years. InterRAI assessment loneliness (yes/no question) was 25.8% (n = 149), and the resident survey found that 37.4% (n = 216) feel lonely sometimes/often/always. Factors independently associated with interRAI loneliness included being widowed (adjusted OR 8.27; 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.15–16.48), being divorced/separated/never married (OR 4.76; 95% CI 2.15–10.54), poor/fair quality of life (OR 3.37; 95% CI 1.43–7.94), moving to an RV to gain more social connections (OR 1.55; 95% CI 0.99–2.43), and depression risk (medium risk: OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.53–4.35; high risk: OR 4.20, 95% CI 1.47–11.95). Conclusion: A considerable proportion of older people living in RVs reported feelings of loneliness, particularly those who were without partners, at risk of depression and decreased quality of life and those who had moved into RVs to increase social connections. Early identification of factors for loneliness in RV residents could support interventions to improve quality of life and positively impact RV resident health and well-being.

scholarly journals Barriers to Social Participation in Caregivers of Older People: A Systematic Review

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Martins Pinto
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
High Level

<p><em>Some aspects of care contribute for decreased quality of life, health status and well-being among caregivers of older people. Care conditions may affect caregivers’ social participation increasing the odds of those negative outcomes. Then, to maintain a high level of social engagement configures a strategy to protect caregivers against burden and allow them to provide a better care. This study aimed at investigates what are the barriers to social participation in caregivers of older people. A systematic review of the literature was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO and Abstracts in Social Gerontology databases, using social participation, social involvement, social engagement, social activities, social relations, elderly, aged, aging, older people, seniors and caregivers as terms. Twenty-three articles fit the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The barriers to social participation were: characteristics and tasks related to care, caregiver’s mental health, low social support, sex, care receiver’s health, concurrent paid work, age, caregiver’s physical health, financial situation, education  and quality of life. Those barriers need to be approached by professionals and politicians in order to prevent social isolation and promote better quality of life among caregivers.</em></p>

scholarly journals Understanding the Link between Family Caregiver Quality of Life and the Care Provided to Older People With Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 153-154
Author(s):  
Afeez Hazzan
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Older People ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Family Caregiver ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Dementia is one of the most rapidly growing diseases in the United States. In 2018, the direct costs to American society of caring for older people with dementia was approximately $277 billion. Primary informal caregivers are mainly responsible for the care of older people with dementia including Alzheimer’s disease. Caregivers perform a myriad of duties ranging from shopping for their loved ones’ groceries, helping with medications, and managing finances. The caregiving role becomes more demanding as the disease progresses over time, and studies have shown that the quality-of-life (QoL) experienced by caregivers of older adults who have dementia is lower than the QoL of caregivers for older people who do not have dementia. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no research conducted to investigate whether lower caregiver QoL affects the level or quality of care that caregivers provide to persons with dementia. In the current study, we interviewed family caregivers living in Rochester, New York to inquire about their quality of life and the care provided to older people living with dementia. Further, caregivers completed the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) as well as a draft questionnaire for measuring the quality of care provided to older people living with dementia. Both quantitative and qualitative findings from this study reveals important relationships between family caregiver QoL and the care provided, including the impact of social support and financial well-being. The study findings could have significant impact, particularly for the provision of much needed support for family caregivers.

Psychosocial well-being and quality of life in siblings of children with congenital heart disease: A systematic review

2021 ◽  
pp. 136749352110129
Author(s):  
Alice S Schamong ◽  
Hannah Liebermann-Jordanidis ◽  
Konrad Brockmeier ◽  
Elisabeth Sticker ◽  
Elke Kalbe
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Congenital Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Congenital Heart ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a major global health problem. Until recently, the siblings of this group did not receive much attention. This review, conducted from November 2019 to October 2020, aims to summarize knowledge about psychosocial well-being and quality of life (QoL), associated factors, and interventions for siblings of children with CHD. Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Web of Science via EBSCOhost, and CENTRAL. Twelve articles were included. Results showed that psychosocial well-being was impaired in 14% to 40% of siblings. Negative impact of illness was highest for CHD siblings compared to siblings of children with cancer, cystic fibrosis, or diabetes. QoL was impaired in up to one-third. Siblings of children with CHD and cancer rated their QoL lower than those of siblings of children with cystic fibrosis or type-1 diabetes. Associated factors were sibling age, gender, socioeconomic status, miscarriage, previous sibling death, visibility of illness, and severity of condition. Only one of two interventions focused on siblings of CHD children. Although data are scarce and inhomogeneous, it indicates that siblings of CHD children suffer from lower psychosocial well-being and QoL than siblings of children with other chronic conditions. Interventions to improve their situation should be developed.

scholarly journals Community ageing research 75+ study (CARE75+): an experimental ageing and frailty research cohort

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e026744 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Heaven ◽  
Lesley Brown ◽  
John Young ◽  
Elizabeth Teale ◽  
Rebecca Hawkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Older People ◽  
Science Studies ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Ageing Research ◽  
Study Results

IntroductionThe Community Ageing Research 75+ Study (CARE75+) is a longitudinal cohort study collecting an extensive range of health, social and economic data, with a focus on frailty, independence and quality of life in older age. CARE75+ is the first international experimental frailty research cohort designed using Trial within Cohorts (TwiCs) methodology, to align applied epidemiological research with clinical trial evaluation of interventions to improve the health and well-being of older people living with frailty.Methods and analysisProspective cohort study using a TwiCs design. One thousand community-dwelling older people (≥75 years) will be recruited from UK general practices. Nursing home residents, those with an estimated life expectancy of 3 months or less and people receiving palliative care will be excluded. Data collection assessments will be face to face in the person’s home at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months and 48 months, including assessments of frailty, cognition, mood, health-related quality of life, comorbidity, medications, resilience, loneliness, pain and self-efficacy. A modified protocol for follow-up by telephone or web based will be offered at 6 months. Consent will be sought for data linkage and invitations to additional studies, including intervention studies using the TwiCs design. A blood sample biobank will be established for future basic science studies.Ethics and disseminationCARE75+ was approved by the NRES Committee Yorkshire and the Humber—Bradford Leeds 10 October 2014 (14/YH/1120). Formal written consent is sought if an individual is willing to participate and has capacity to provide informed consent. Consultee assent is sought if an individual lacks capacity.Study results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed scientific journals and scientific conferences. Key study results will be summarised and disseminated to all study participants via newsletters, local older people’s publications and local engagement events. Results will be reported on a bespoke CARE75+ website.Trial registration numberISRCTN16588124;Results stage

Quality of life and the associated factors among family caregivers of older people with dementia in Thailand

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 913-920
Author(s):  
Linchong Pothiban ◽  
Chomphoonut Srirat ◽  
Nahathai Wongpakaran ◽  
Orawan Pankong
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older People ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
People With Dementia

scholarly journals Well Being of Older Gay and Bisexual Men and Women in England: Results of a Cross-Sectional Population Based Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Grabovac ◽  
L Smith ◽  
D T McDermott ◽  
S Stefanac ◽  
L Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Older People ◽  
Sexual Satisfaction ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
And Bisexual

Abstract Background Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) older people are an under-represented population in research, with limited research noting more depression, loneliness, rejection, overall poorer health and well-being outcomes. Our study compared well-being, defined as quality of life (QOL), life satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, and depression, among LGB people with their heterosexual peers’. Methods Cross-sectional data from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging, collected 2012-2013. A total of 5691 participants were included in the analysis, with 326 (5.7%) self-identifying as LGB. We used CASP-19 questionnaire for well-being; the Satisfaction with Life Scale for life satisfaction; and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for depressive symptoms. The question “During the past three months, how satisfied have you been with your overall sex life?” was used for sexual satisfaction. T-test and chi-square tests were used for differences in sociodemographic characteristics between LGB and heterosexual participants. Regression models were used to test associations between sexual orientation and well-being outcomes. Results LGB participants reported significantly lower mean quality of life and life satisfaction, and had significantly lower odds of reporting satisfaction with their overall sex life and higher odds of reporting depressive symptoms in unadjusted models. After adjustment for sociodemographic and health-related covariates, there remained significant differences between groups in mean QOL scores (B= -0.96, 95% [CI] -1.87 to -0.06) and odds of sexual satisfaction (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.38-0.82). Conclusions LGB older people report lower quality of life and lower sexual satisfaction than their heterosexual counterparts, possibly associated with experiencing lifelong social discrimination. Main message: Older lesbian, gay and bisexual people in England report significantly lower QOL and sexual satisfaction in comparison to heterosexual counterparts.

scholarly journals Living well with dementia: a systematic review and correlational meta-analysis of factors associated with quality of life, well-being and life satisfaction in people with dementia

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (13) ◽  
pp. 2130-2139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Martyr ◽  
Sharon M. Nelis ◽  
Catherine Quinn ◽  
Yu-Tzu Wu ◽  
Ruth A. Lamont ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Living Well ◽  
People With Dementia

AbstractCurrent policy emphasises the importance of ‘living well’ with dementia, but there has been no comprehensive synthesis of the factors related to quality of life (QoL), subjective well-being or life satisfaction in people with dementia. We examined the available evidence in a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched electronic databases until 7 January 2016 for observational studies investigating factors associated with QoL, well-being and life satisfaction in people with dementia. Articles had to provide quantitative data and include ⩾75% people with dementia of any type or severity. We included 198 QoL studies taken from 272 articles in the meta-analysis. The analysis focused on 43 factors with sufficient data, relating to 37639 people with dementia. Generally, these factors were significantly associated with QoL, but effect sizes were often small (0.1–0.29) or negligible (<0.09). Factors reflecting relationships, social engagement and functional ability were associated with better QoL. Factors indicative of poorer physical and mental health (including depression and other neuropsychiatric symptoms) and poorer carer well-being were associated with poorer QoL. Longitudinal evidence about predictors of QoL was limited. There was a considerable between-study heterogeneity. The pattern of numerous predominantly small associations with QoL suggests a need to reconsider approaches to understanding and assessing living well with dementia.

scholarly journals RAISING OUR VOICES: THE BENEFITS OF AN INTERGENERATIONAL CHOIR FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR CARE PARTNERS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S751-S752
Author(s):  
Debra J Sheets ◽  
Theresa A Allison
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
The Body ◽  
Social Intervention ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
People With Dementia

Abstract This interdisciplinary symposium focuses on the Voices in Motion (ViM) choir, a novel social intervention to address issues of stigma and social isolation among older adults with dementia and their caregivers. ViM is an intergenerational choir for community-dwelling older adults with dementia (PwD) and their caregivers. Local high school students participated in the choir and added to the lively social interactions. Two professionally directed ViM choirs were fully implemented in 2018-2019 with a public performance in the Fall and Spring seasons. This symposium brings together multiple methodologies to investigate the effects of choir participation on cognition, social connections, stigma, and quality of life for the dyads. Results in the individual papers demonstrate the positive impact of choir participation on dyads (n=26) for measures that includecognition (MacDonald), well-being and quality of life (Sheets), and social connections (Smith). Taken as a whole, the papers indicate that this social intervention offers an effective non- pharmacological alternative approach for older adults with dementia. Choir participation has important and significant impacts on psycho-social well-being and quality of life. The body of evidence presented points to the importance of intergenerational programs that are dementia-friendly and that support meaningful participation by older adults with dementia in the broader community. Discussion focuses on implications for social policy with attention on the replication and sustainability of the program.

scholarly journals THE IMPACT OF A PARO INTERVENTION ON DEPRESSION AND WELL-BEING IN OLDER ADULTS WITH DEPRESSION

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S341-S341
Author(s):  
Shu-Chuan Chen ◽  
Wendy Moyle ◽  
Cindy Jones
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Facilities

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to explore the effect of a social robot Paro intervention on depression and well-being in older adults with depression living in long-term care facilities in Taiwan. Methods: This study was adopted a single group and quasi-experimental with repeated measures design. Each participant participated in two stages: observation and Paro intervention stages. Stage 1 was an 8-week observation stage in long-term care facilities where the purpose was to observe the normal mood, behaviour and activities of older adults with depression. In stage 2, each participant was given a Paro by the researcher to keep for 24 hours for 7 days in for 8 weeks. Outcome measurements were obtained 4 times: a week before the intervention (T1), immediately the end of 8-week observation (T2), mid-point of Paro intervention (T3), and immediately the end of 8-week Paro intervention (T4). Instruments included the Geriatric Depression Scale, the UCLA Loneliness Scale version 3, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-OLD. Results: There were 20 participants completed the study. The mean age of participants was 81.1years (SD = 8.2). After 8-week Paro intervention, statistically significant differences in changes were found on depression, loneliness, and quality of life from pre-intervention to post-intervention. Conclusion: This study was found that Paro intervention has beneficial effects on depression and mental well-being for older people with depression in long-term care facilities. Paro Intervention might be a suitable psychosocial intervention for older people with depression and should be considered as a useful tool in clinical practice.

scholarly journals The Best Day of the Week: New Technology Enhancing Quality of Life in a Care Home

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 1000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Juul ◽  
Raelene Wilding ◽  
Loretta Baldassar
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
The Social ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Meaningful Engagement

Older people living in residential aged care facilities tend to be physically as well as socially inactive, which leads to poorer health and reduced wellbeing. A lack of recognition of the importance of social support, limited resources, lack of training and task-oriented work routines leave little time for staff to meet the social needs of residents. Through qualitative ethnographic fieldwork, this study investigates the potential for new technologies to enhance quality of life and facilitate meaningful engagement in physical and social activities among culturally and linguistically diverse residents and staff in care facilities. A continuum from nonparticipation to full participation among residents was observed when Touch Screen Technology activities were implemented. Data indicate that resident’s engagement is impacted by five interdependent factors, including environmental, organisational, caregiver, patient, and management- &government-related. Findings show that new technologies can be used to increase meaningful physical and social engagement, including transcending language and cultural barriers. However, the successful application of new technologies to enhance quality of life is dependent on their integration into the daily routine and social relationships of staff and residents, with the full support of management. Guidelines governing the use of new technologies to support meaningful engagement of older people in residential care are lacking: this project highlights the importance of attention to the social relational dimensions of technology interventions to support best practice in their use.

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