scholarly journals 543 - Cultural Considerations for Older LGBTQ Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Case and Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. 85-86
Author(s):  
M. Alejandra Grullon ◽  
Valeriya Tsygankova ◽  
Bobbi Woolwine ◽  
Amanda Tan ◽  
Adriana P. Hermida
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Attention Deficit Disorder ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Psychiatric Treatment ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
The United States ◽  
Culturally Competent ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Prevention Method

IntroductionThroughout the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults have been disproportionately impacted by both illness and fatalities. Of the nearly 39 million adults over age 65 in the United States, approximately 2.4 million older adults identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ). LGBTQ older adults face unique challenges due to their intersecting identities and histories, including the effects of heterosexism, ageism, and being more likely to live alone, be single, and not have children. As we implement social distancing as a primary COVID-19 prevention method, older adults have faced increased isolation.MethodsWe presented a case of a lesbian older adult patient who has experienced increased depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. A table will be added featuring culturally competent recommendations for LGBTQ older adults from a literature review.ResultsA 77-year-old female with history of major depression, attention deficit disorder, hypertension, xerostomia, and polymyalgia rheumatica. The patient has been on multiple trials of medications for depression as well as ECT treatments. She was initially engaged to a man and after some years fell in love with a woman. The patient is currently single and has no children. She typically has a strong support system with her lifelong friend and attends church. She transitioned from independent living to an adult living facility, with the hope of increased social activity and connectedness. However, due to COVID-19, she experienced her move as extremely difficult, and was disappointed that all social activities were canceled. For a period of several months, she was unable to visit her chosen family, was limited to attending church via Zoom, and was restricted from multiple areas of the complex. As a result, she reported increased depression, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping with passive suicidal ideation due to isolation and no direct family support.ConclusionOlder LGBTQ populations are at disproportionately higher risk for mental health conditions and with the current social distancing measures in place, social isolation and loneliness has been exacerbated.Connection with accepting family and community are well documented in the literature as key protective factors and sources of resiliency in LGBTQ populations. Culturally competent care is integral to psychiatric treatment of older LGBTQ adults.Note:This abstract was presented at the American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry 2021 Annual Meeting.

scholarly journals THE TIPPING POINT STUDY: DIGITAL DETECTION AND DECISION SUPPORT FOR OLDER ADULTS AND FAMILIES

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S597-S597
Author(s):  
Kimberly D Shea ◽  
Kimberly D Shea
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cultural Sensitivity ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Mexican American ◽  
Wearable Sensors ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
The United States ◽  
Census Bureau ◽  
Tipping Point ◽  
Safety Issues

Abstract In 10 years, the United States will experience a “dependency” ratio of one working age adult (20-64 years old) to one non-working person (> 65 or 85 years old will comprise 19 million of the non-working people (US Census Bureau, 2008). Busy working adults will have to be vigilant to determine when to make life-changing decisions about health and safety issues for people that depend on them. Older adults have gradual and cumulative physical and/or psychological aging changes or can experience significant events. Knowing when to make a life-changing decision, such as when to intervene with independent living due to safety risks, is difficult even when situations have constant vigilance. Eventually, older adults experience a seemingly abrupt, sudden and absolute point where a life changing decision must be made. This is the Tipping Point. Health data, derived from unobtrusive wearable sensors, are algorithmically synthesized to provide critical information on impending concerns via an electronic portal will help the busy working adult to predict and prevent the Tipping Point. This application of precision health care results in targeted and personalized education thus avoiding a potentially catastrophic Tipping Point. This symposium provides insight into five aspects of the Tipping Point: 1) significance of identification, 2) theoretical foundation for environmental and cultural sensitivity, 3) feasibility outcomes from a Mexican American population, 4) methodology for synthesizing quantitative metrics from multivariate streams of data, 5) creation of a culturally sensitive electronic portal to display predictive information and education about consequences

scholarly journals Architecture of a Smart Home for Aging in Place

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 39-39
Author(s):  
Neda Norouzi
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Aging In Place ◽  
The United States ◽  
Census Bureau ◽  
United States Department ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Age In Place ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
Private Homes

Abstract The United States Department of Health and Human Services (2017) estimates that there are 65 million people age 60+ residing across the fifty states. A national survey conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) indicates that 76% of people ages 55+ prefer to age-in-place and live independently (2018). The Census Bureau American Community Survey (2015) estimates that 13 million adults have difficulties living independently, 80% of which receive assistance in their private homes. However, only 50% of these homes meet the physical needs of people who choose to age-in-place (AARP, 2018). Recent advancements in technology have led to the development of smart homes. Technology can support aging-in-place and independent living by offering necessary tools for building systems that identify behavioral patterns and offer automated decision-making. However, not all older adults are customed to using technology or comfortable with being monitored with artificial intelligence (Wang et al., 2019). In response to this concern, the current study used grounded theory framework to analyze 62 interviews of people ages 55-93 to indicate if and how older adults prefer to utilize technology in their homes. The results of the study presented that while some older adults felt they might be too old to learn and use technology, nearly 85% of the interviewers agreed that incorporating technology in the built environment could benefit them. They are especially willing to learn and use technology in their homes when the benefits are related to their health, social and emotional connection, entertainment, safety, and daily chores.

scholarly journals Pandemic Preparedness of Care Homes Serving Older Adults in the Wake of COVID-19: An Exploratory Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 482-482
Author(s):  
Iftekhar Amin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
The United States ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Predominantly Minority ◽  
Memory Care

Abstract Recent COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected the older adult population worldwide. According to CDC, among older adults over 60 years the risk increases with age, with the highest risk of serious illness and death among those over 80 years. While public has been receiving messages about the risks and how to take preventive measures, it is not clear how the care homes serving older adults have been preparing. Data have been collected as part of an ongoing study from 30 independent living, assisted living, and memory care facilities across the United States. The centers were selected with a snowball sampling technique. Administrators of the centers were interviewed with a semi-structured questionnaire. It was apparent that although awareness of risks was high, preparation appears to be inadequate with little resources available at the time of the survey. Variation of preparedness based on the sociodemographic characteristics of the residents suggests that homes that serve predominantly minority and economically disadvantaged have greater likelihood of lacking preventive resources. It is critical that facilities serving older adults be prepared to ensure an effective healthcare response in the wake of novel viruses, such as COVID-19.

scholarly journals Developing Culturally Competent Technology for Older Adults in Japan and the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 453-453
Author(s):  
Dana Bradley ◽  
Gretchen Tucker ◽  
Laura Allen
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Interdisciplinary Team ◽  
The United States ◽  
Team Approach ◽  
Culturally Competent ◽  
Collaborative Project ◽  
Integrative Research ◽  
Research Plan

Abstract The United States and Japan are experiencing an exponential growth in the number of persons age 65 and older. To address certain aging-related issues, assistive technological advancements are being developed. These technologies need to be reliable, safe, secure, and culturally accepted by older adults. In addition, technology must be developed within the unique cultural contexts of each country. One approach currently being used is an interdisciplinary team approach comprised of researchers representing gerontology, information systems, robotics, health sciences, sociology, and computer sciences between two universities in the United States and two Japanese universities. This collaborative project between institutions and countries highlights the need to understand the cultures and traditions of each of these countries. To further develop culturally competent technology, an integrative research plan is being utilized, which incorporates the use of community engagement to examine the influence of the cultural context among older adults.

scholarly journals Self-Efficacy and Participation in Physical and Social Activity Among Older Adults in Spain and the United States

2008 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica M. Perkins ◽  
Kristi S. Multhaup ◽  
H. Wesley Perkins ◽  
Cole Barton
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
The United States

scholarly journals Loneliness, Wellbeing, and Social Activity in Scottish Older Adults Resulting from Social Distancing during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4517
Author(s):  
Simone A. Tomaz ◽  
Pete Coffee ◽  
Gemma C. Ryde ◽  
Bridgitte Swales ◽  
Kacey C. Neely ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Positive Coping ◽  
The Impact

This study examined the impact of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic on loneliness, wellbeing, and social activity, including social support, in Scottish older adults. A mixed methods online survey was used to examine these factors during social distancing mid-lockdown, July 2020. Participants were asked to state whether loneliness, wellbeing, social activity, and social support had changed since pre-social distancing, and to provide details of strategies used to keep socially active. A total of 1429 adults (84% aged 60+ years) living in Scotland took part. The majority reported that social distancing regulations made them experience more loneliness and less social contact and support. Loneliness during lockdown was higher than reported norms for this age group before the pandemic. A larger social network, more social contact, and better perceived social support seemed to be protective against loneliness and poor wellbeing. Positive coping strategies reported included increasing online social contact with both existing social networks and reconnecting with previous networks, as well as increasing contact with neighbours and people in the community. This underlines the importance of addressing loneliness and social support in older adults but particularly during situations where risk of isolation is high.

scholarly journals Do Local Newspapers Mitigate the Effects of the Polarized National Rhetoric on COVID-19?

2022 ◽  
pp. 194016122110727
Author(s):  
Catie Snow Bailard
Keyword(s):  
Public Service ◽  
Alternative Hypothesis ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
The United States ◽  
Demand Side ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Local Newspapers ◽  
Market Pressures ◽  
National Rhetoric

This analysis tests two distinct predictions regarding local newspapers’ coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. A public service view of local newspapers predicts that a robust local newspaper sector would mitigate the politicized national partisan rhetoric surrounding COVID-19; reducing the disparity in social-distancing behaviors between predominantly Republican and predominantly Democratic counties by increasing compliance in Republican counties. The alternative hypothesis, informed by a demand-side view of the market pressures local newspapers face, predicts that increased competition between local newspapers will increase the degree to which local newspapers amplify the rhetoric of national officials in line with the partisan composition of their community, further polarizing adherence to social-distancing behaviors across predominantly Republican versus predominantly Democratic counties. The results of this analysis offer strong support for the second hypothesis; but, an additional analysis of vaccination rates offers a more nuanced perspective than a simple public service versus demand-side dichotomy would imply.

scholarly journals A Rare Moment of Cross-Partisan Consensus: Elite and Public Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada

2020 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 311-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Merkley ◽  
Aengus Bridgman ◽  
Peter John Loewen ◽  
Taylor Owen ◽  
Derek Ruths ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Public Opinion ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
The United States ◽  
Recent History ◽  
Political Elites ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Public Response ◽  
The Public ◽  
Multimethod Approach

The COVID-19 pandemic requires an effort to coordinate the actions of government and society in a way unmatched in recent history. Individual citizens need to voluntarily sacrifice economic and social activity for an indefinite period of time to protect others. At the same time, we know that public opinion tends to become polarized on highly salient issues, except when political elites are in consensus (Berinsky, 2009; Zaller, 1992). Avoiding elite and public polarization is thus essential for an effective societal response to the pandemic. In the United States, there appears to be elite and public polarization on the severity of the pandemic (Gadarian et al., 2020). Other evidence suggests that polarization is undermining compliance with social distancing (Cornelson and Miloucheva, 2020). Using a multimethod approach, we show that Canadian political elites and the public are in a unique period of cross-partisan consensus on important questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as its seriousness and the necessity of social distancing.

scholarly journals Active subjects of passive monitoring: responses to a passive monitoring system in low-income independent living

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 537-560 ◽  
Author(s):  
CLARA BERRIDGE
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Monitoring System ◽  
Low Income ◽  
United States Of America ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
The United States ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Passive Monitoring ◽  
Daily Lives

ABSTRACTPassive monitoring technology is beginning to be reimbursed by third-party payers in the United States of America. Given the low voluntary uptake of these technologies on the market, it is important to understand the concerns and perspectives of users, former users and non-users. In this paper, the range of ways older adults relate to passive monitoring in low-income independent-living residences is presented. This includes experiences of adoption, non-adoption, discontinuation and creative ‘misuse’. The analysis of interviews reveals three key insights. First, assumptions built into the technology about how older adults live present a problem for many users who experience unwanted disruptions and threats to their behavioural autonomy. Second, resident response is varied and challenges the dominant image of residents as passive subjects of a passive monitoring system. Third, the priorities of older adults (e.g. safety, autonomy, privacy, control, contact) are more diverse and multi-faceted than those of the housing organisation staff and family members (e.g. safety, efficiency) who drive the passive monitoring intervention. The tension between needs, desires and the daily lives of older adults and the technological solutions offered to them is made visible by their active responses, including resistance to them. This exposes the active and meaningful qualities of older adults’ decisions and practices.

scholarly journals Older Vietnamese Have the Highest Prevalence of Disability Compared to White and Other Asian Groups

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 548-548
Author(s):  
Hoang Nguyen ◽  
Christina Miyawaki ◽  
Kyriakos Markides
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Self Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
Point Estimate ◽  
Poverty Level ◽  
New Findings ◽  
Hispanic White

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of older adults with pre-existing health conditions and disabilities. A 2011 study reported that Asian older adults had lower prevalence of disability compared to non-Hispanic white. We revisited the estimate a decade later using the recently released 2015-2019 Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) from the American Community Survey (ACS). We estimated the prevalence of six types of disability in adults aged 60 years and older who self-identified as Vietnamese, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Asian Indian, or non-Hispanic White. We also compared the risk for each disability type between Vietnamese and non-Hispanic White (reference group) using the adjusted (age, sex, marital status, education and poverty level) odds ratios. All analyses used survey weights for point estimate and the jackknife method for standard error. Significantly higher prevalence of limitations in independent living, self-care, cognitive function, and blindness were reported by Vietnamese than by non-Hispanic White. Vietnamese also had the highest prevalence in all six types of disability of the Asian groups examined. The adjusted odds ratio of limitations in independent living, self-care, and cognitive function was significantly higher for Vietnamese than non-Hispanic White. These findings suggest a possible negative outcome trend with the aging of the Vietnamese population. We discuss the historical accounts of Vietnamese in the United States as war refugees and family reunion migrants, provide possible explanations for these new findings including changing demographic structures, and make recommendations for policy and practice that incorporate existing social and cultural resources in the Vietnamese community.

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