Trauma and Religious Complexity in Later Life

Abstract The present study examines the impact of traumatic life events on religious complexity in later life. We anticipated that those older adults experiencing stressors that produce significant personal vulnerability (e.g., life threatening illnesses) demonstrate reduced complexity of belief and behavior (e.g., less belief with doubt). From a sample of 278 semi-structured interviews of older adults (aged 55-101 years-old.) from six New England and New York states, we analyzed 166 interviews using grounded theory (Strauss & Corbin, 1990). Individuals who experienced trauma related to war, close familial loss, and/or severe physical illness tended to be “true believers,” (i.e., adhere to rigid belief orthodoxy; Hoffer, 1950). By contrast, those who experienced less severe trauma (e.g., minor illness, job loss) were less apt to describe rigid belief. Temporal proximity of trauma was not consistently associated with greater complexity of belief and behavior, in the sense that with great distance from trauma, individuals were able to “work through” their experiences of trauma, and thereby increase complexity of belief and behavior. This is consistent with findings by Harris and Leak (2015), Krause and Hayward (2012), and Wong (2013) that suggest that trauma leading to personal vulnerability leads to long-term physical, mental, behavioral, and spiritual deficits that rigid religious belief and behavior help to offset. These findings are discussed in terms of psychological theories of grief resolution, personal coping, and terror management.

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Characteristics of the True Believer in Later Life

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2256 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 654-654

Author(s):

Shannon Jones ◽

Austin Prusak ◽

Rennae Wigton ◽

Andrew Futterman

Keyword(s):

New York ◽

New England ◽

True Belief ◽

Later Life ◽

Religious Development ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Higher Power ◽

And Behaviors ◽

Nuanced Understanding ◽

Definition Of

Abstract This study describes the nature, causes, and outcomes of steadfast, unquestioned “true” belief in later life (Hoffer, 1950). According to some theorists, such “true” belief develops from more childish, extrinsically-motivated, compartmentalized beliefs and behaviors to become more mature, intrinsically-motivated, comprehensive and integrated beliefs and behaviors (e.g., Allport, 1950). Research, however, is equivocal regarding the validity of this position. From “grounded-theory” analysis of a sample of 278 semi-structured interviews of older adults from six New England states and New York (aged 55-101 years-old.), we demonstrate the need for a more nuanced definition of a “true” belief as a form of religiousness without commitment to rigid orthodoxy. For example, a sizable segment of this sample changed religious denominations over the course of their lives without ever doubting the presence of a diety (i.e., a God, a Higher Power, etc.), but who dramatically changed the way they expressed this belief. This prompts a reconceptualization of “true” belief by Hoffer and a more nuanced understanding of religious development than implied by Allport, one that more adequately accounts for individual differences in life experiences, personality, religious upbringing, and religious cultural expectations. We discuss these findings in light of recent research by Wink and Dillon (2002, 2008).

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Designing Age-Friendly Communities: Exploring Qualitative Perspectives on Urban Green Spaces and Ageing in Two Indian Megacities

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18041491 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 1491

Author(s):

Deepti Adlakha ◽

Mina Chandra ◽

Murali Krishna ◽

Lee Smith ◽

Mark A. Tully

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Low Income ◽

Later Life ◽

Healthy Ageing ◽

World Health ◽

Social Resilience ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Urban Green ◽

Activity Promotion

The World Health Organization and the United Nations have increasingly acknowledged the importance of urban green space (UGS) for healthy ageing. However, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like India with exponential ageing populations have inadequate UGS. This qualitative study examined the relationships between UGS and healthy ageing in two megacities in India. Participants were recruited using snowball sampling in New Delhi and Chennai and semi-structured interviews were conducted with consenting participants (N = 60, female = 51%; age > 60 years; fluent in English, Hindi, or Tamil). Interviews were recorded, transcribed, translated, and analysed using inductive and thematic analysis. Benefits of UGS included community building and social capital, improved health and social resilience, physical activity promotion, reduced exposure to noise, air pollution, and heat. Poorly maintained UGS and lack of safe, age-friendly pedestrian infrastructure were identified as barriers to health promotion in later life. Neighbourhood disorder and crime constrained older adults’ use of UGS in low-income neighbourhoods. This study underscores the role of UGS in the design of age-friendly communities in India. The findings highlight the benefits of UGS for older adults, particularly those living in socially disadvantaged or underserved communities, which often have least access to high-quality parks and green areas.

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“There Was No ‘That’s Not My Job’”: New York Area Agencies on Aging Approaches to Supporting Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Journal of Applied Gerontology ◽

10.1177/0733464821991026 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 073346482199102

Author(s):

Claire Pendergrast

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

New York ◽

New York State ◽

Well Being ◽

Contextual Influences ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Response And Recovery ◽

Pandemic Response ◽

Increasing Demand ◽

Priority Needs

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many older adults’ traditional sources of formal and informal supports, increasing demand for Area Agency on Aging services (AAAs). This study examines strategies used by AAAs to support older adults’ health and well-being during COVID-19 and identifies contextual influences on AAA pandemic response activities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives of 20 AAAs in New York State. A combined inductive and deductive approach was used to code and thematically analyze the data. AAAs rapidly expanded capacity and dramatically modified program offerings, communications activities, and service delivery protocols to address emergent needs and minimize COVID-19 exposure risk for clients. AAAs’ trusted relationships with older adults and community partners improved their capacity to identify priority needs and coordinate appropriate supports. Policymakers should ensure that AAAs receive sustained financial and technical support to ensure critical community-based services are available for older adults throughout pandemic response and recovery.

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1415. A qualitative study of intersectional stigma among older adults living with HIV who are victims of childhood sexual abuse

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofaa439.1597 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S715-S715

Author(s):

Chigozie A Nkwonta ◽

Monique Brown ◽

Titilayo James ◽

Amandeep Kaur

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Sexual Abuse ◽

South Carolina ◽

Childhood Sexual Abuse ◽

Hiv Disclosure ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Public Health Programs ◽

Intersecting Identities ◽

Living With Hiv ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Intersectional stigma is based upon co-occurring and intersecting identities or conditions and occurs at multiple levels of influence. Intersectional stigma has been repeatedly associated with poor health behaviors and outcomes. The effect of intersectional stigma among older adults are particularly challenging due to issues related to ageism, loss of social support, and comorbidities. We examined the impact of multiple stigmas on older adults living with HIV who are victims of childhood sexual abuse. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposefully selected heterogeneous sample of 24 adults living with HIV who are 50 years and older in South Carolina. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using thematic analysis. Results Participants shared experiences and perceptions of stigma and discrimination most commonly related to their HIV status and sexuality at the interpersonal/familial and community levels. Four themes emerged to explain the impact of intersectional stigma: depression, lack of HIV disclosure, limited support, and reduced intimacy. Conclusion The complexity of multiple stigmas profoundly shapes life experiences, opportunities, and mental health of older adults living with HIV. This study highlights that public health programs need to consider the impact of intersectional stigma in order to promote the wellbeing of and improve quality of life for older adults living with HIV. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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Loving Others: The Impact of Compassionate Love on Later-Life Psychological Well-Being

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1554 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 480-481

Author(s):

Eva Kahana ◽

Tirth Bhatta ◽

Boaz Kahana ◽

Nirmala Lekhak

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Negative Affect ◽

Positive Affect ◽

Emotional Support ◽

Later Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Compassionate Love ◽

The Impact

Abstract Existing scholarship in social gerontology has surprisingly paid little attention to broader loving emotions, such as compassionate and altruistic love, as potentially meaningful mechanisms for improving later life psychological well-being. This study examined the influence of feeling love toward other persons and experiencing love from others on later life psychological well-being. We conducted a 3-wave longitudinal study of a representative sample of 340 ethnically heterogeneous community dwelling older residents of Miami, Florida. The increase in feeling of being loved (β=-1.53, p<0.001) and love for others (β=-1.43, p<0.001) led to decline in odds of reporting greater level of depressive symptoms over time. The odds of reporting higher level of positive affect were significantly greater for older adults who reported feeling loved by others (β=1.16, p<0.001) and expressed love for other people (β=1.18, p<0.01). Older adults who felt loved had 0.92-point lower ordered log odds of reporting higher negative affect than those who reported lower level of love. The impact of compassionate love on depressive symptoms and negative affect remained statistically significant even after adjustment for altruistic attitudes and emotional support. The influence of loving emotions on positive affect was, however, explained by altruistic attitudes and emotional support. Our findings underscore the powerful influence of both receiving and giving love for the maintenance of later life psychological well-being. We offer support for the expectation that love is a significant force in the lives of older adults that transcends intimate relationships.

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Older Adults’ Motivations for Participating in a “Tune-Up” of Their Driving Skills: A Multi-Stakeholder Analysis

Journal of Applied Gerontology ◽

10.1177/0733464820982413 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 073346482098241

Author(s):

Ruheena Sangrar ◽

Kyung Joon Mun ◽

Lauren E. Griffith ◽

Lori Letts ◽

Brenda Vrkljan

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Stakeholder Analysis ◽

Later Life ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Older Drivers ◽

Willingness To Participate ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Driver Training ◽

Near Misses ◽

Driving Experience

Driver training has the potential to keep older adults safe behind-the-wheel for longer, yet there is limited evidence describing factors that influence their willingness to participate in training. Focus groups with community-dwelling older drivers ( n = 23; 70–90 years) and semi-structured interviews with driving instructors ( n = 6) and occupational therapists ( n = 5) were conducted to identify these factors. Qualitative descriptive analyses highlighted how self-awareness of behind-the-wheel abilities in later life can influence an older adult’s motivation to participate in driver training, as well as their willingness to discuss their behaviors. Collision-involvement and near-misses prompted participants to reflect on their driving abilities and their openness to feedback. Participants’ preferences for learning contexts that use a strengths-based approach and validate the driving experience of older drivers, while providing feedback on behind-the-wheel performance, were raised. Older driver training initiatives that consider the needs of the aging population in their design can promote road safety and community mobility.

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How Area Agencies on Aging Contribute to Social Connection for Older Adults in Rural America

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2092 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 616-616

Author(s):

Claire Pendergrast

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

New York ◽

Social Networks ◽

Service Organizations ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Social Service Organizations ◽

Upstate New York ◽

Rural Aging ◽

Rural Older Adults

Abstract Social ecological models of health identify intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, community, and policy-level contexts as social factors influencing individual and population health outcomes. However how institutions such as Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) shape rural older adults’ social networks and influence health is little explored. This research examines institutional influences of social networks for rural older adults, particularly the social connections resulting from their AAA services and programs. AAAs are local social service organizations that coordinate home- and community-based supports. Our 2020 case study of a rural AAA in upstate New York involved in-depth semi-structured interviews with AAA staff, volunteers and participants included key themes related to older adults’ social networks, social wellbeing, and physical and mental health. Our findings have both theoretical implications for rural community social structure as experienced by older adults, and practical implications to build AAA’s capacity to address social isolation for rural older adults. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Rural Aging Interest Group.

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Older adults, informal support, and the process of driving cessation

10.23889/suthesis.57737 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Amy Murray ◽

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Third Sector ◽

Holistic Approach ◽

Later Life ◽

Qualitative Inquiry ◽

Support Network ◽

Informal Support ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Driving Cessation ◽

Homogeneous Sample

The following thesis is based upon an exploration into the process of driving cessation in later life, with a specific focus upon informal support. Although informal support has been highlighted as a highly important factor across the process of driving cessation (Johnson, 2008; Hanson & Hilldebrand, 2011; Ichikawa et al, 2016; Schryer et al, 2017), there is limited research which has explored this in depth. There is even less literature available which has incorporated the views of informal support network members, to understand their lived experiences of the driving cessation process. Studies which have addressed this gap, have tended to focus upon the views of adult children only (Rosenbloom, 2010; O’Connell et al, 2013). Using a phenomenological line of qualitative inquiry, individual semi-structured interviews with current and retired older drivers (n=15), and their family, friends, and wider community members (n=15) were completed. This was to provide a holistic approach to understand the driving cessation process, for the receivers and providers of informal support. Following a detailed thematic analysis, findings revealed both the process of driving cessation and informal support, to be profoundly complex, multi-faceted phenomena’s, holding multiple meanings for participants. This included a range of practical and psychosocial outcomes, which were both positive and negative. Often, findings were inter-linked, demonstrating the complexity of experiences amongst this far from homogeneous sample. The implications of the study have important messages for a number of individuals and groups, including older adults, their informal networks, policy and practice, and third sector organisations.

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Rising above It: Status Ambivalence in Older Adults

Gerontology ◽

10.1159/000488389 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 64 (6) ◽

pp. 576-588

Author(s):

Deirdre A. Robertson ◽

David Weiss

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Status ◽

Later Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Preliminary Evidence ◽

Protective Mechanism ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Age Related ◽

The Social ◽

Implicit And Explicit

Background: Social status is the standing of a person or group in the social hierarchy, and is perceived to change across the life span from low social status in early life, to peak in midlife, and to a decline thereafter. As threats to subjective social status are known to be detrimental to individuals’ health, it is important to better understand how older adults perceive themselves and others in terms of age-related social status. Objective: We examined status ambivalence – the potential discrepancy between how older adults’ perceive social status for themselves compared to older adults in general. Method: Study 1 used qualitative data from 37 semi-structured interviews with older adults to assess perceptions of social status. Study 2 used quantitative survey data from 114 older adults who completed explicit and implicit measures of social status. Results: Study 1 (n = 37, meanage = 71.72, SDage = 5.69; 81.1% women) provided preliminary evidence for status ambivalence such that older adults reported unequivocal low social status for other older adults but a more ambivalent perception of their own social status. Study 2 (n = 114, meanage = 64.32, SDage = 8.98, 57.9% women) compared implicit and explicit measures of social status revealing that older adults consistently perceive older adults to have low social status but again show a more ambivalent perception of their own social status. Conclusion: We discuss status ambivalence as a potential protective mechanism in the context of negative societal perceptions of age-related social status that may be important for well-being in later life.

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Beyond Housing: Perceptions of Indirect Displacement, Displacement Risk, and Aging Precarity as Challenges to Aging in Place in Gentrifying Cities

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16234633 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (23) ◽

pp. 4633 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

H. Shellae Versey ◽

Serene Murad ◽

Paul Willems ◽

Mubarak Sanni

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

New York ◽

Aging In Place ◽

Neighborhood Change ◽

Age In Place ◽

Unique Character ◽

Housing Costs ◽

The Everyday ◽

The Impact ◽

Cultural Shifts

Neighborhoods within age-friendly cities and communities are an important factor in shaping the everyday lives of older adults. Yet, less is known about how neighborhoods experiencing change influence the ability to age in place. One type of rapid neighborhood change occurring across major cities nationally and globally is gentrification, a process whereby the culture of an existing neighborhood changes through the influx of more affluent residents and businesses. Few studies have considered the impact of gentrification on older adults, who are among the most vulnerable to economic and social pressures that often accompany gentrification. The current study explores one consequence of gentrification, indirect displacement. While gentrification-induced displacement can refer to the physical (e.g., direct) displacement of residents moving out of a neighborhood due to rising housing costs, it also references the replacement of the unique character and social identity of a neighborhood (e.g., indirect displacement). We examine perceptions of the latter, characterized by perceived cultural shifts and housing concerns among adults aging in place in a gentrifying neighborhood in New York City. The implications of indirect displacement for displacement risk and aging precarity are discussed as potential threats to aging in place in age-friendly cities.

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