scholarly journals Innovations in Gerontology Education: A Multifaceted Approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 545-546
Author(s):  
Melissa O’Connor ◽  
Melissa O’Connor
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Nursing Education ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Multifaceted Approach ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Older Adult Population

Abstract By 2030, older adults are projected to outnumber children. This growth among older adults presents both opportunities and challenges on how to care for this unprecedented older adult population. In 2010, there were 7.2 family caregivers for every person 80 and older; this is expected to fall to 3 by 2050. Many older adults are at risk of becoming an elder orphan - someone aging alone with no family available to address their caregiving needs. This underscores the urgent need for the education of nurses who are prepared to care for older adults with complex social and health needs, many of whom are suffering from three to five chronic conditions. This symposium highlights cutting-edge research designed to transform nursing education to better prepare students to advance the health of older adults. Our first presentation describes ageism among undergraduate students and innovative curricula to positively influence their preference for working with older adults. Next, the groundbreaking tool-kit that encourages self-reflection on beliefs about aging and reframes how students view older adults. Third, the qualitative results of a collaborative learning experience designed to introduce students earlier and more often to older adults. Finally, findings from a student-led study investigating the unique needs of caregivers of older adults with diabetes highlights the importance of funding students to conduct research related to older adults. Our symposium ends with a discussion of how these approaches are transforming nursing education to adequately prepare nurses to improve the health and health care of older adults.

scholarly journals Multimorbidity patterns and their relationship to mortality in the US older adult population

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0245053
Author(s):  
D. Diane Zheng ◽  
David A. Loewenstein ◽  
Sharon L. Christ ◽  
Daniel J. Feaster ◽  
Byron L. Lam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Cognitively Impaired ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Respiratory Condition ◽  
The Us ◽  
Older Adult Population

Background Understanding patterns of multimorbidity in the US older adult population and their relationship with mortality is important for reducing healthcare utilization and improving health. Previous investigations measured multimorbidity as counts of conditions rather than specific combination of conditions. Methods This cross-sectional study with longitudinal mortality follow-up employed latent class analysis (LCA) to develop clinically meaningful subgroups of participants aged 50 and older with different combinations of 13 chronic conditions from the National Health Interview Survey 2002–2014. Mortality linkage with National Death Index was performed through December 2015 for 166,126 participants. Survival analyses were conducted to assess the relationships between LCA classes and all-cause mortality and cause specific mortalities. Results LCA identified five multimorbidity groups with primary characteristics: “healthy” (51.5%), “age-associated chronic conditions” (33.6%), “respiratory conditions” (7.3%), “cognitively impaired” (4.3%) and “complex cardiometabolic” (3.2%). Covariate-adjusted survival analysis indicated “complex cardiometabolic” class had the highest mortality with a Hazard Ratio (HR) of 5.30, 99.5% CI [4.52, 6.22]; followed by “cognitively impaired” class (3.34 [2.93, 3.81]); “respiratory condition” class (2.14 [1.87, 2.46]); and “age-associated chronic conditions” class (1.81 [1.66, 1.98]). Patterns of multimorbidity classes were strongly associated with the primary underlying cause of death. The “cognitively impaired” class reported similar number of conditions compared to the “respiratory condition” class but had significantly higher mortality (3.8 vs 3.7 conditions, HR = 1.56 [1.32, 1.85]). Conclusion We demonstrated that LCA method is effective in classifying clinically meaningful multimorbidity subgroup. Specific combinations of conditions including cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms have a substantial detrimental impact on the mortality of older adults. The numbers of chronic conditions experienced by older adults is not always proportional to mortality risk. Our findings provide valuable information for identifying high risk older adults with multimorbidity to facilitate early intervention to treat chronic conditions and reduce mortality.

scholarly journals Flipping the Script About Aging Through Films: The Gerontological Movie Database Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 102-102
Author(s):  
Sara Hackett
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Course ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Life Course Perspective ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Innovative Strategies ◽  
The Life Course ◽  
Older Adult Population

Abstract Education about the heterogeneity of the older adult population is an important step for reducing ageist attitudes. As many undergraduate students view gerontology as an unrelatable discipline, educators are tasked with identifying innovative strategies to make course content engaging. The purpose of this presentation is to share an emerging educator’s experience with creating a novel essay assignment. Based off the International Movie Database (IMDb), the Gerontological Movie Database (GMDb) Review encourages students to use their knowledge to evaluate how older adults are portrayed in films. Explicitly, students must 1) choose a film that focuses on older adult characters and 2) apply key gerontological concepts (e.g., the life course perspective) to critique the film’s representation of aging. Though movie reviews are not a typical genre of writing, this assignment increases students’ understanding of how their perception of aging, coupled with master narratives embedded within today’s culture, influences the construction of age.

scholarly journals MEDICAL CANNABIS USE: EXPLORING THE PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF OLDER ADULTS WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S258-S258
Author(s):  
Lydia K Manning ◽  
Lauren M Bouchard
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Prescription Drugs ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Medical Cannabis ◽  
Older Adult Population

Abstract The past decade has witnessed an increased interest in the therapeutic properties of cannabis, and a growing body of research illustrates the varied uses of cannabis-based medicines for diverse symptoms, syndromes, disorder and both acute and chronic conditions, many of which are associated with advanced age (Lucas et. al, 2016). While the use of medical cannabis is on the rise in the older adult population (Kaskie et. al, 2017), more research is needed to advance the discourse on medical cannabis. With this study, we investigate older adult’s perceptions and experiences of medical cannabis use to treat and/or manage chronic conditions, specifically as a substitute for prescription drugs. Our findings suggest that older adults are open to medical cannabis as an alternative to pharmaceutical. Additionally, narratives revealed that users are hopeful that medical cannabis will provide relief with regard to the management of symptoms and relief of pain. Participants discussed their awareness and ability to manage issues related to stigma both from their primary care providers as well as family and friends. Furthermore, older adults described the frustrations with a lack of education, awareness, and support with dosing. Findings are presented as an interpretation of the participants’ perceptions of their medical cannabis use. Implications for putting medical cannabis use into everyday practice as well as policy implications are considered.

scholarly journals Frailty transitions and cognitive function among South Korean older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatima Nari ◽  
Bich Na Jang ◽  
Hin Moi Youn ◽  
Wonjeong Jeong ◽  
Sung-In Jang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Mini Mental State Examination ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Geriatric Syndrome ◽  
South Korean ◽  
Adl Disability ◽  
Older Adult Population ◽  
State Examination

AbstractFrailty is considered a multidimensional geriatric syndrome, manifested by the accumulation of age-associated deficits. The consequences of frailty transitions are still understudied. This study evaluated the influence of frailty transitions on cognitive function in the older adult population. We used data derived from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) (2008–2018) on older adults aged ≥ 65 years. Frailty was assessed using a validated Korean frailty measure known as the frailty instrument (FI), and cognitive function was measured using the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE). Transitions in frailty and their relationship with cognitive function were investigated using lagged generalized estimating equations (GEE), t-tests, and ANOVA. Respondents who experienced frailty transitions (those with ameliorating frailty), those who developed frailty, and whose frailty remained constant, were more likely to have a lower cognitive function than those who were consistently non-frail. Older age, activities of daily living (ADL) disability, and instrumental ADL disability were more negatively associated with declining cognitive function, especially in the “frail → frail” group. Changes in all individual components of the frailty instrument were significantly associated with impaired cognitive function. The results suggest an association between frailty transitions and cognitive impairment. Over a 2-year span, the remaining frail individuals had the highest rate of cognitive decline in men, while the change from non-frail to frail state in women was significantly associated with the lowest cognitive function values. We recommend early interventions and prevention strategies in older adults to help ameliorate or slow down both frailty and cognitive function decline.

The Brief Odor Detection Test (B-ODT) for Very Early Diagnosis of Cognitive Decline: A Preliminary Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-210
Author(s):  
Dimitra Savvoulidou ◽  
Efthymia Totikidou ◽  
Chariklia Varvesiotou ◽  
Magda Iakovidou ◽  
Ourania Sfakianaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Detection Threshold ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Odor Detection ◽  
Olfactory Impairment ◽  
Older Adult Population ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Olfactory impairment in older adults is associated with cognitive decline. This study describes the development of a Brief Odor Detection Test (B-ODT), and its pilot administration in community-dwelling older adults. The study aimed at examining whether the test could differentiate older adults with very mild cognitive impairment from their cognitively healthy counterparts. The sample consisted of 34 older adults (22 women), aged from 65 to 87 years. Participants were divided into two groups according to their general cognitive functioning. Odor detection was measured via vanillin solutions at the following concentrations: 150 mg/L, 30 mg/L, 15 mg/L, 3 mg/L, and .03 mg/L. The first condition of the test involved a scale administration of vanillin solutions. The second condition examined the change in air odour and it required vanillin solution of 30 mg/L and a metric ruler of 30 cm. The examiner had to place the solution at a specific distance point from each nostril. Odour identification sensitivity was secondarily measured. The results showed statistically significant differences in odour detection threshold between the two groups. In the unirhinal testing, left nostril differences of the two groups were definite. Hence, the B-ODT seems a promising instrument for very early cognitive impairment screening in older adult population.

The Association Between new Nurses’ Gerontological Education, Personal Attitudes Toward Older Adults, and Intentions to Work in Gerontological Care Settings in Ontario, Canada

2021 ◽  
pp. 084456212110637
Author(s):  
Jessica Smith ◽  
Monakshi Sawhney ◽  
Lenora Duhn ◽  
Kevin Woo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Nursing Education ◽  
Care Setting ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Clinical Placements ◽  
Long Term Care Facility ◽  
Attitudes Toward Older Adults ◽  
Personal Attitudes

Background The older adult population in Canada is increasing, and many will require care within an acute geriatric unit (AGU) or long-term care facility (LTCF). However, the nursing workforce is not growing at the same pace as the population is aging. New graduate nurses may be able to fill this gap; therefore, it is important to understand their intentions of working in gerontological care settings (i.e., AGU or LTCF). Aim To examine if nursing education and personal attitudes toward older adults influence newly registered nurses’(RNs) intentions to work in a gerontological care setting. Method Nurses (n= 1,103) who registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario for the first time in 2018 were invited to complete a questionnaire. Results The majority of participants (n = 181) reported a positive attitude toward older adults. However, only 14% reported an intention to work in a gerontological care setting. Participants who completed multiple geriatric focused clinical placements were more likely to report an intention to work in these settings. Conclusion This study provides some information regarding the attitudes and intentions of newly RNs toward a career in gerontological care settings. Further research is needed to understand nurses’ intentions regarding working in AGUs or LTCFs.

scholarly journals COLAEVA: Visual Analytics and Data Mining Web-Based Tool for Virtual Coaching of Older Adult Populations

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (23) ◽  
pp. 7991
Author(s):  
Jon Kerexeta Sarriegi ◽  
Andoni Beristain Iraola ◽  
Roberto Álvarez Sánchez ◽  
Manuel Graña ◽  
Kristin May Rebescher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Visual Analytics ◽  
Web Application ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Virtual Coaching ◽  
Evolution Analysis ◽  
Older Adult Population

The global population is aging in an unprecedented manner and the challenges for improving the lives of older adults are currently both a strong priority in the political and healthcare arena. In this sense, preventive measures and telemedicine have the potential to play an important role in improving the number of healthy years older adults may experience and virtual coaching is a promising research area to support this process. This paper presents COLAEVA, an interactive web application for older adult population clustering and evolution analysis. Its objective is to support caregivers in the design, validation and refinement of coaching plans adapted to specific population groups. COLAEVA enables coaching caregivers to interactively group similar older adults based on preliminary assessment data, using AI features, and to evaluate the influence of coaching plans once the final assessment is carried out for a baseline comparison. To evaluate COLAEVA, a usability test was carried out with 9 test participants obtaining an average SUS score of 71.1. Moreover, COLAEVA is available online to use and explore.

Communicating with the Older Adult Cancer Patient

2021 ◽  
pp. 678-684
Author(s):  
Patricia A. Parker ◽  
Smita C. Banerjee ◽  
Beatriz Korc-Grodzicki
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Multiple Morbidity ◽  
Older Adult Population

The older adult population continues to increase. Among all known risk factors for developing cancer, the most important is growing old. Thus, caring for older adults with cancer is of increasing importance. This chapter describes important considerations involved in communicating with cancer patients including sensory impairment, cognitive impairment, multiple morbidity, polypharmacy, and psychological distress. It also describes how stereotyping and ageism affect communication with older adults with cancer. Finally, the chapter discusses ways to facilitate communication with older adult cancer patients and their families and provides an example of a training program that was created specifically to enhance communication between healthcare providers and older adult cancer patients and their families.

Applying the Pikes Peak Model of Treatment Competency to the Use of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies with Older Adults

2011 ◽  
pp. 67-83
Author(s):  
Forrest Scogin ◽  
Andrew Presnell
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Problem Solving Therapy ◽  
Evidence Based Treatments ◽  
Behavioral Therapies ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral Therapies ◽  
Older Adult Population ◽  
Peak Model

Chapter 6 examines specifically the application of Beck’s cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and problem-solving therapy (PST), an adaptation of cognitive-behavioral techniques, with the older adult population. It also uses the Pikes Peak Model to identify the focal areas needed for competent delivery of these treatments with older adults. It also covers the Pikes Peak Model, which outlines six areas to be considered in the competent application of treatment: applying interventions with appropriate modifications, using evidence-based treatments, developing appropriate treatments when there is a lack of evidence available, proficiently employing common late-life intervention, using interventions to enhance the health of diverse elderly persons, and intervening across settings.

scholarly journals Inadequacy of Protein Intake in Older UK Adults

Geriatrics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Morris ◽  
James D. Cater ◽  
Mark A. Green ◽  
Alexandra M. Johnstone ◽  
Jeffrey M. Brunstrom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Protein Intake ◽  
Muscle Protein ◽  
Muscle Protein Synthesis ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Specific Recommendation ◽  
Food Diaries ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Older Adult Population

The current dietary recommendation for protein intake in the UK is 0.75 g/kg/day, however, this population-wide recommendation does not necessarily reflect altered requirements for older adults to maintain muscle protein synthesis, nor does it encompass the potential impact of intake timing. Optimal muscle protein synthesis in older adults requires both higher intake requirements and a distribution of protein intake above a 25 g threshold, three times across the day. This study aimed to describe the protein intake of older adults in a UK region and compare the results to recommendations. The study re-assessed two existing datasets with rich diet information for older adults in the South Yorkshire area. Data were extracted from food diaries of 256 adults aged between 65 and 89 years old (mean ± SD 72.4 ± 5.3 years). Quantity and timing of intake were coded using Nutritics software and compared to recommendations. The relationship between body mass index (BMI), age, and protein intake was explored. Fewer than 50% of the participants met current UK recommendations (0.75 g/kg/day) and fewer than 15% met the ESPEN 1.2 g/kg/day age-specific recommendation. Only one participant met the 25 g/meal recommendation across three meals. These findings suggest that the older adult population is not achieving recommendations to maintain muscle protein synthesis. Nonetheless it identifies several straightforward opportunities for improvement, notably elevation of morning intake.

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