scholarly journals Evaluation Research for Intergenerational Programs: Rigorous Methods, Best Practices, and Challenges

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 542-542
Author(s):  
Skye Leedahl ◽  
Amy Eisenstein
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Evaluation Research ◽  
Intergenerational Learning ◽  
Intergenerational Programs ◽  
Adult Day Services ◽  
Implementation Studies ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Intergenerational Classroom ◽  
Using Data

Abstract Conducting evaluative research on intergenerational programs is key to understanding if they are functioning as intended. Research on program impact is also critical for prioritization and decision-making in an increasingly competitive market with many programming choices. Implementation studies can help researchers identify needed modifications for replication or introduction to new populations, which is particularly important as universities and communities work to become Age-Friendly. There is growing demand by educational entities (e.g., universities, high schools) and organizations that serve older adults (e.g., senior centers, adult day services, lifelong learning institutes, and residential programs) to identify rigorous methods that can be used to analyze outcomes for students and older adults who take part. This symposium focuses on evaluation methods for intergenerational programs and highlights diverse examples of how researchers have evaluated their programs. The presenters will discuss best practices and challenges to conducting research on these programs as well as the findings of the studies. The first paper will discuss the creation of an intergenerational contact measure. The second paper will describe how an intergenerational classroom was examined using data from instructors and students. The third paper will detail how a quasi-experimental design was used to examine outcomes for an intergenerational program on older adult participants. The fourth paper will discuss how data was gathered from various stakeholders to examine the impacts of an intergenerational classroom. Amy Eisenstein, Senior Program Officer at RRF Foundation for Aging will serve as the discussant. Intergenerational Learning, Research, and Community Engagement Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.

scholarly journals Important Considerations in Developing and Evaluating Intergenerational Service-Learning Programs

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 543-543
Author(s):  
Laura Donorfio
Keyword(s):  
Service Learning ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Intergenerational Learning ◽  
Classroom Activities ◽  
Intergenerational Programs ◽  
Learning Programs ◽  
Key Variables ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Successes And Challenges

Abstract Very often, intergenerational programs measure their success by collecting feedback primarily from the students participating in the program. Critical stakeholders such as the adults/older adults, administrators, and service-learning personnel can be overlooked, as well as the impact of the various classroom activities and tools used. Each fall semester over a five-year period, an undergraduate adulthood and aging intergenerational service-learning course was offered, measuring and building on the successes and challenges from the previous year. No matter how much thought goes into planning a class, unexpected variables naturally unfold over time. This presentation will highlight a best practices model developed over a five-year period with feedback collected from key constituents. Engaging different generations in a purposeful service-learning experience is complex and intended outcomes are not guaranteed. Understanding the key variables and the needs of all those involved through feedback and measurement, can help ensure a more meaningful educational experience. Part of a symposium sponsored by Intergenerational Learning, Research, and Community Engagement Interest Group.

scholarly journals NON-FAMILIAL INTERGENERATIONAL NETWORK TIES: MOVING THE NEEDLE ON MEASUREMENT

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S626-S626
Author(s):  
Shannon E Jarrott
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Intergenerational Relationships ◽  
Professional Organizations ◽  
Network Ties ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Intergenerational Programs ◽  
Intergenerational Exchange ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
People’S Attitudes

Abstract GSA and other professional organizations recognize the threat that ageism poses to the country’s health and welfare, from its youngest to oldest citizens. Reframing Aging involves communication and outreach strategies to inform the conversation about aging and its implications. Non-familial intergenerational relationships can support the Reframing Aging initiative. By fostering positive, intentional, and mutually beneficial interactions, intergenerational exchange can achieve a variety of individual, relational, and community goals. Measures of their impact should reflect these goals; unfortunately, intergenerational network ties are typically represented by measures of young people’s attitudes towards older adults. Practitioners, researchers, policy makers, and funders need additional indicators to document the best practices and potential impact of non-familial intergenerational programs. Reflecting recent systematic surveys of measurements and 20 years of intergenerational research, the current paper addresses challenges of measuring non-familial intergenerational relationships and presents select measures appropriate for common network ties.

scholarly journals Using Implementation Research to Promote the Expansion and Sustainability of Intergenerational Programs

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 732-732
Author(s):  
Leslie Hasche
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Implementation Science ◽  
Organizational Context ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Implementation Strategies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Intergenerational Programs ◽  
Implementation Studies

Abstract Implementation studies provide guidance on how to reduce the gap between empirically-supported interventions and routine care. For intergenerational programs that bring older adults and other generations together to promote social connection, improve health and well being, and to reduce ageism, the role of implementation science is rarely studied. Intergenerational programs have a long-standing role in social service and housing contexts, yet the quality of the evidence and sustainability of these programs is often in question. This symposium aims to demonstrate how implementation studies can identify available evidence and influential contextual factors to examine issues of adoption, fidelity, and sustainability of intergenerational programs. First, a scoping review of the available evidence on best practices of intergenerational programs will help highlight fidelity issues. Second, an environmental scan for intergenerational housing will highlight how contextual factors may impact the adoption and spread of intergenerational programs. Third, a pre-implementation study delivering multi-modal best practices training to local community sites will share indicators of the feasibility of training staff to implement evidence-based intergenerational practices. Finally, an evaluation of a community collaborative of organizations implementing intergenerational programs will highlight the process by which organizations develop and sustain partnerships. The chair will summarize how the studies’ methodological approaches incorporate implementation science and outcomes. Implications for both future research on organizational context, funding, and implementation strategies, as well as for practice settings will be named. The discussion will identify implementation gaps that will need to be overcome to expand and sustain intergenerational programs.

scholarly journals Older Adults as Covert Operatives in a First-Year Undergraduate Course on Aging

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 554-554
Author(s):  
Brian Carpenter ◽  
Meghan McDarby ◽  
Natalie Galucia ◽  
Nancy Morrow-Howell
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Small Group Discussion ◽  
First Year ◽  
Intergenerational Learning ◽  
Classroom Dynamics ◽  
Intergenerational Classroom ◽  
Introductory Class

Abstract Age-friendly university programs are increasing in number, yet little research has evaluated how older adults shape classroom experiences. This pilot study tested one method for analyzing intergenerational classroom dynamics. Two small-group discussion sections for an introductory class on aging included older adults (n = 3 per section) and undergraduates (n = 15 per section). Class sessions on four topics (health, sexuality, housing, relationships) were video recorded. Overall, older adults spoke proportionally more during class discussions than would have been expected by chance alone. They participated most during the session about sexuality and least in the section that addressed relationships. Specific contributions from older adults included reflections on class activities, topic-specific personal anecdotes, and reactions to younger students. Research methods to investigate intergenerational learning are emerging, and this study provides one preliminary approach. We discuss additional ideas to bring empirical rigor to this emerging field of study.

Organizing and Managing Data Analytics Teams for Procurement

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Shao ◽  
Robert D. St. Louis
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Business Strategy ◽  
Data Analytics ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Procurement Process ◽  
Using Data ◽  
And Training ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
The Way

Many companies are forming data analytics teams to put data to work. To enhance procurement practices, chief procurement officers (CPOs) must work effectively with data analytics teams, from hiring and training to managing and utilizing team members. This chapter presents the findings of a study on how CPOs use data analytics teams to support the procurement process. Surveys and interviews indicate companies are exhibiting different levels of maturity in using data analytics, but both the goal of CPOs (i.e., improving performance to support the business strategy) and the way to interact with data analytics teams for achieving that goal are common across companies. However, as data become more reliably available and technologies become more intelligently embedded, the best practices of organizing and managing data analytics teams for procurement will need to be constantly updated.

scholarly journals Disability, Frailty and Depression in the community-dwelling older adults with Osteosarcopenia

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ki-Soo Park ◽  
Gyeong-Ye Lee ◽  
Young-Mi Seo ◽  
Sung-Hyo Seo ◽  
Jun-Il Yoo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Geriatric Depression Scale ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Normal Group ◽  
World Health ◽  
Common Disease ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of osteosarcopenia in the over 60-year-old community and to evaluate whether osteosarcopenia is associated with disability, frailty and depression. Methods This study was performed using the baseline data of Namgaram-2, among the 1010 surveyed subjects, 885 study subjects who were 60 years or older and had all necessary tests performed were selected. The Kaigo-Yobo checklist (frailty), World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) and Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form-Korean (GDSSF-K) were used. The Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS 2019) were applied in this study. Osteopenia was measured using data from dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and osteopenia was diagnosed when the T-score was less than − 1.0. The study subjects were divided into four groups: the normal group, in which both sarcopenia and osteopenia were undiagnosed, osteopenia only, sarcopenia only and the osteosarcopenia group, which was diagnosed with both sarcopenia and osteopenia. Results Of the 885 subjects over 60 years old evaluated, the normal group comprised 34.0%, the only osteopenia group 33.7%, the only sarcopenia group 13.1%, and the osteosarcopenia group 19.2%. WHODAS (17.5, 95% CI: 14.8-20.1), Kaigo-Yobo (3.0, 95% CI: 2.6-3.4), and GDSSF mean score (4.6, 95% CI: 3.9-5.4) were statistically significantly higher in the osteosarcopenia group compared the other groups. Partial eta squared (ηp2) of WHODAS (0.199) and Kaigo-Yobo (0.148) values ​​according to Osteosarcopenia were large, and GDSSF (0.096) was medium Conclusions Osteosarcopenia is a relatively common disease group in the older adults community that may cause deterioration of health outcomes. Therefore, when evaluating osteopenia or sarcopenia in the older adults, management of those in both disease groups should occur together.

scholarly journals Using a Quasi-Experimental Study to Examine Outcomes for Older Adult Intergenerational Program Participants

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 543-543
Author(s):  
Skye Leedahl ◽  
Melanie Brasher ◽  
Erica Estus
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Rhode Island ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Online Social Networks ◽  
Intergenerational Learning ◽  
Senior Center ◽  
Public Authorities ◽  
The Social ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The University

Abstract To more rigorously examine the University of Rhode Island Cyber-Seniors Program, we conducted a quasi-experimental study to examine if older adult senior center participants (n=25) improved scores on social and technological measures compared to a sample of senior center participants (n=25) who did not take part in the program. Findings showed that participants improved on technology measures compared to the non-participants, including searching and finding information about goods & services, obtaining information from public authorities or services, seeking health information, sending or receiving emails, and participating in online social networks (p<.05). However, participants did not change on social measures. There is either a need to identify better social measures to understand the social benefits of taking part, or to bolster the program to aid in helping older adults alleviate isolation and loneliness. Information on best practices and challenges for gathering outcomes from older participants will be discussed. Part of a symposium sponsored by Intergenerational Learning, Research, and Community Engagement Interest Group.

scholarly journals Music Interventions for Older Adults in Clinical Trials and Research Studies Across Cultures and Settings

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 930-930
Author(s):  
Tara Rose ◽  
Elyse Manzo ◽  
Katherine Erickson ◽  
Joshua Valenzuela
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Music Intervention ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
The U.S

Abstract Music interventions and music therapy have become more common globally as nonpharmacological treatment options for memory loss, pain management, reduction of behavioral and psychological symptoms, and increased quality of life. Knowledge of multiethnic interventions is important when creating evidence-based programs within culturally diverse countries, such as the U.S. The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze music interventions for older adults across the globe to better understand emerging best practices. A review of all trials registered at clinicaltrials.gov and registries in the WHO Registry Network containing the key words “music therapy” were included, regardless of intervention type. Of the 627 studies generated, 449 met the eligibility criteria, with 11% enrolling only older adults and 89% enrolling older adults along with other age groups. Studies were conducted in 6 continents, 48 countries (23% in the U.S.), and in 23 languages. Music interventions for specific medical conditions (64%) or medical procedures (24%) were the primary foci in studies. While studies crossed multiple continents, less than 2% referenced ethnicity or culture in the study details. Detailed data on intervention types, demographics, measures, settings, and methodology will be presented. Results suggest that best practices in music therapy are being developed world-wide for the multitude of health challenges faced by older adults and demonstrate the diversity of music interventions in both medical and community settings. Information from this review can be used to improve the implementation of music intervention programs and may be particularly beneficial in countries with diverse multicultural populations.

LGBTQ Older Adults in Long-Term Care Settings: An Integrative Review to Inform Best Practices

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Katherine Fasullo ◽  
Erik McIntosh ◽  
Susan W. Buchholz ◽  
Todd Ruppar ◽  
Sarah Ailey
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Integrative Review ◽  
Term Care

scholarly journals Telehealth Competencies for Interprofessional Teams Caring for Older Adults and Care Partners

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 796-796
Author(s):  
Becky Powers ◽  
Kathryn Nearing ◽  
Studi Dang ◽  
William Hung ◽  
Hillary Lum
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Veterans Health Administration ◽  
Veterans Health ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Delivery Of Care ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Evaluation Measures ◽  
Interprofessional Teams ◽  
Care Partners

Abstract Providing interprofessional geriatric care via telehealth is a unique clinical skillset that differs from providing face-to-face care. The lack of clear guidance on telehealth best practices for providing care to older adults and their care partners has created a systems-based practice educational gap. For several years, GRECC Connect has provided interprofessional telehealth visits to older adults, frequently training interprofessional learners in the process. Using our interprofessional telehealth expertise, the GRECC Connect Education Workgroup created telehealth competencies for the delivery of care to older adults and care partners for interprofessional learners. Competencies incorporate key telehealth, interprofessional and geriatric domains, and were informed by diverse stakeholders within the Veterans Health Administration. During this symposium, comments will be solicited from attendees. Once finalized, these competencies will drive the development of robust curricula and evaluation measures aimed at training the next generation of interprofessional providers to expertly care for older adults via telehealth.

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