scholarly journals Empowering Through Education: Understanding Financial Well-Being Among Low-Income Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 732-732
Author(s):  
Sara Powers ◽  
Sonya Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Goal Setting ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Financial Education ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Financial Situation ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Financial Exploitation ◽  
Education Workshop ◽  
Service Employment

Abstract Recognizing the need for and importance of financial capability education among low-income older adults, the non-profit agency, Empowering and Strengthening Ohio’s People (ESOP), implemented an 11-part financial education workshop series with a sample of older adults enrolled in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Over the course of 10-months, participants attended workshops that covered an array of topics (e.g., budgeting and goal setting, avoiding financial exploitation) and completed a variety of measures aimed at understanding their financial situation and well-being (e.g., CFPB Financial Well-Being Scale, Financial Shocks, Material Hardship, Financial Skill). Results indicated that financial well-being scores significantly increased from the beginning of the workshop series (M=54.49, SD=7.23) to the end (M=58.10, SD=8.10); t(48) = 3.66, p=.001. Discussion will offer insights into the subjective financial experiences of low-income older adults who were actively trying to seek and gain permanent employment to improve their financial situation.

scholarly journals Using Subjective and Objective Measures of Financial Situation to Improve Program Outcomes for Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 731-731
Author(s):  
Hector Ortiz ◽  
Jan Mutchler
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Financial Education ◽  
Well Being ◽  
National Council ◽  
Financial Security ◽  
Subjective Measures ◽  
Program Outcomes ◽  
Financial Situation ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Researchers in the field of aging rely on various measures of financial security to assess the needs of older adults and the outcomes of interventions. Recently, subjective measures have gained attention among researchers and organizations that serve older adults. This symposium brings together researchers from academia, government, and the non-profit sector to discuss the relationship between subjective financial well-being and objective financial situation. The first project describes the relationship between the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Financial Well-being Score and the Elder Index. The CFPB Financial Well-Being Score provides a standardized and validated measure of a person’s sense of financial security and freedom in the present and future. The Elder Index provides a measure of older adults’ income against the average income needed for adults age 65 or older to live independently in their communities. The second project discusses the findings of a study into the changes in outcomes among older adults assisted through the National Council on Aging’s Benefits Enrollments Centers. The third project describes the overall findings and changes in financial well-being among SCSEP participants who attended a series of financial education workshops offered through the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging’s subsidiary Empowering and Strengthening Ohio’s People. Together, the studies show that both measures are, on average, strongly correlated and predictive of a range of factual experiences such as material hardship and financial stress. The studies, however, show that subjective measures may help identify and target underlying behavioral and attitudinal factors that influence people’s satisfaction with their economic situation.

scholarly journals Increasing Older Adult Involvement in Geriatric Assessment: A Mixed-Methods Process Evaluation

2021 ◽  
pp. 089826432199332
Author(s):  
Wanda Rietkerk ◽  
Jannet de Jonge-de Haan ◽  
Joris P. J. Slaets ◽  
Sytse U. Zuidema ◽  
Debby L. Gerritsen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Goal Setting ◽  
Geriatric Assessment ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Implementation Processes ◽  
Adult Involvement ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Objectives: Goal setting and motivational interviewing (MI) may increase well-being by promoting healthy behavior. Since we failed to show improved well-being in a proactive assessment service for community-dwelling older adults applying these techniques, we studied whether implementation processes could explain this. Methods: Goals set during the comprehensive geriatric assessment were evaluated on their potential for behavior change. MI and goal setting adherence wasassessed by reviewing audiotaped interactions and interviewing care professionals. Results: Among the 280 goals set with 230 frail older adults (mean age 77 ± 6.9 years, 59% women), more than 90% had a low potential for behavior change. Quality thresholds for MI were reached in only one of the 11 interactions. Application was hindered by the context and the limited proficiency of care professionals. Discussion: Implementation was suboptimal for goal setting and MI. This decreased the potential for improved well-being in the participating older adults.

scholarly journals Nutrition Education Among Low-Income Older Adults: A Randomized Intervention Trial in Congregate Nutrition Sites

2006 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 374-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger E. Mitchell ◽  
Sarah L. Ash ◽  
Jacquelyn W. McClelland
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Hierarchical Linear Modeling ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Limited Resource ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Linear Modeling ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Randomized Intervention ◽  
And Control

Nutritional well-being among older adults is critical for maintaining health, increasing longevity, and decreasingthe impactofchronicillness. However, few well-controlledstudies have examinednutritionalbehav ior change among low-income older adults. A prospective, controlled, randomized design examined a fivesession nutrition education module delivered to limited-resource older adults ( N = 703) in Congregate Nutrition sites by Cooperative Extensionagents. Experimentalgroupparticipantswere significantly more likely than con trol groupparticipants to increase multivitamin use, to increase calcium supplementuse, to read labels of dietary supplements, to carry a supplement and/or medication list, and to discuss such use with their health care profes sional. The study addresses weaknesses in the literature by using a theoretically derived education component, implementing the intervention within a setting regularly used by low-income older adults, employing random ized assignment to intervention and control conditions, and using hierarchical linear modeling to deal with “nested” data.

scholarly journals PRESIDENTIAL SYMPOSIUM: HARNESSING SOCIAL NETWORKS TO OPTIMIZE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXTS FOR DIVERSE AGING EXPERIENCES

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S583-S583
Author(s):  
Philip A Rozario ◽  
Emily Greenfield ◽  
Nancy Kusmaul
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Senior Housing

Abstract Social networks provide opportunities for engagement with others and structure the receipt and provision of emotional, instrumental, informational and appraisal support. Indeed scholars in this field have documented the importance of having strong social networks in influencing older adults’ well-being and quality of life. The three papers in this symposium draw on the convoy model of social relations and ecological model to examine and better understand the micro, mezzo, macro contexts that shape and influence how older people engage with and benefit from their networks in three areas: low-income senior housing communities, urban areas specifically targeting older Latinos with dementia, and disaster preparedness in micropolitan counties in eastern Iowa. The first paper, a cross-sectional study focusing on social connections in senior housing communities, examines levels of social networks, engagement, support and loneliness and their relationship with well-being outcomes. The second paper, a community-based participatory research project, reports an intervention that seeks to train natural helpers in a predominantly Latino urban neighborhood to identify and refer older Latinos with dementia to bilingual assessment services. The third paper, synthesizing findings from interventions targeting network building at the individual and state levels as well as a community-based network analysis, presents ways to strengthen networks at the mezzo and macro levels as well as environmental contexts that enable better disaster preparedness for community-based older adults. These papers will consider practice, policy and research implications in strengthening social networks and engagement to optimize older adults’ well-being in various settings.

scholarly journals Evaluating The Economic Impact Of Marriage Versus Cohabitation In Same-Sex Couples Age 50+

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 876-876
Author(s):  
Setarreh Massihzadegan ◽  
Jan Mutchler
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Marital Status ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Economic Security ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Same Sex Couples

Abstract Utilizing the first set of 5-year American Community Survey data available since the United States’ legalization of same-sex marriage in mid-2015, this poster investigates the economic security of older adults (age 50+) in same-sex marriages compared to those in same-sex partnerships who are cohabiting but not married. Viewed through the lens of cumulative disadvantage theory, we consider differences in the economic circumstances of same-sex couples by gender and by geographic location. Findings point to gender differences in economic well-being, but relatively few differences based on marital status. For example, rates of low income are somewhat higher among female couples than among their male counterparts, but marital status differences are not substantial. These findings suggest that the benefits of being married that have long been recognized among older adults may not extend equally to same-sex couples. Findings are discussed with respect to the emerging salience of marriage within the LGBTQ older community, future research opportunities, and important policy implications.

A Researcher–Practitioner Collaboration to Enable Replication of an Evidence-Based Financial Education and Coaching Program That Improves Health in Low-Income Single Mothers

2021 ◽  
pp. 152483992110654
Author(s):  
Danielle Galvin ◽  
Julie Kalkowski
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Financial Education ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Determinant ◽  
Theory Of Change ◽  
Financial Strain ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Core Components

Financial strain is a social determinant of health (SDOH). Although public financial education helps individuals improve financial well-being, specifics are lacking on how and why effective programs work, potentially limiting their successful replication in other practice settings. In this study, researchers and practitioners cocreated the core components and theory of change of a novel financial education and coaching program, which a randomized controlled trial found was effective in significantly improving participants’ financial and health-related behaviors. A Cocreating Knowledge Translation Framework within a case study design was used at a university-affiliated nonprofit in Omaha, Nebraska, from August to December 2020. Twelve practitioner and alumni participants were purposefully sampled. An administrative records review, semi-structured interviews (n =3), survey (n = 10), and facilitated backward mapping session (n = 5) were conducted. Transcripts were coded to identify themes. Thirty-one core components were identified within program principles, design, tools, activities, and expectations of participants and coaches. Ten theory of change outcomes described participants’ pathway to change. Interventions occurred at individual, relationship, and community levels from initial engagement, through behavioral changes, to improved health-related quality of life. Activities and indicators were mapped to each outcome. The program’s intersecting and reinforcing design was key to enabling participants’ outcomes. Its theory of change described how and why the model improved financial and health behaviors. Findings suggest that other SDOH-focused organizations may benefit from researcher–practitioner collaboration to investigate their interventions’ core components and theories of change. This may enable replication, promoting downstream health benefits in new community settings.

Assessing a Community-Based Financial Literacy Program: A Case Study in California’s Silicon Valley

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 142-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyan Xu
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Silicon Valley ◽  
Financial Education ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Literacy Program ◽  
Knowledge Gain ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Behavioral Tendencies

This study presents a community-based financial literacy program offered to low-income families in the heart of Silicon Valley. Leveraging local financial institutions and organizations, it provided financial education and encouraged habit formation, hoping for lasting outcomes toward financial well-being. Program impact was assessed in the areas of financial knowledge gain, behavioral tendencies in financial decision-making, and self-reported personal finances. Participants showed significant improvement in key knowledge areas, with positive impact observed in behavioral tendencies such as financial goal setting. Improvements in financial outcomes were not significant. The results of this intervention illustrate that maintaining long-term impact and applying sophisticated evaluation methods present key challenges for community-based efforts focused on financial education.

scholarly journals AN ACTING AND IMPROV CLASS: WELL-BEING AND COMMUNITY BELONGING FOR OLDER AFRICAN AMERICANS IN LOW-INCOME HOUSING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S144-S144
Author(s):  
Laura Sutherland ◽  
Ruth E Dunkle ◽  
Garrett T Pace ◽  
Ariel Kennedy ◽  
Pat Baldwin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Public Performance ◽  
Community Belonging ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
Low Income Housing

Abstract Arts-based interventions can enhance the quality of life of older adults, but community-dwelling older adults may have reduced access to such interventions. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a creative arts program can improve the overall health and well-being of older adults in low-income housing. A university social work department and community agency collaborated in establishing a professionally run theater group of older adults in two low-income housing buildings in an urban area. All residents were encouraged to participate. The study consisted of three twelve-week acting and improvisation courses, focusing on either staged reading of monologues and dialogues, co-writing a script, or staged reading of a complete play. Each class culminated in a public performance for the building. Fourteen participants enrolled, all African American (11 women, 3 men; mean age 66 years; mean ADL = 1.4 (range of 1-2.5)). Attendance on average was 8 classes. Data were collected through pre- and post-test questionnaires, participant observation of class sessions, semi-structured interviews with building managers, and post-session participant reflections. Thematic analysis was performed, and revealed key themes of increased community belonging, increased confidence, and increased daily coping abilities. Additional themes included the gaining of new artistic skills and interest in continuing classes. Barriers to participation included difficulty in recruitment and absence due to ongoing health conditions and caregiving responsibilities. This project has implications for the potential of arts-based programming to increase well-being for underrepresented community-dwelling older adults.

scholarly journals ACA Medicaid Expansion Associated With Increased Medicaid Participation and Improved Health Among Near-Elderly: Evidence From the Health and Retirement Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 ◽  
pp. 004695802093522
Author(s):  
Melissa McInerney ◽  
Ruth Winecoff ◽  
Padmaja Ayyagari ◽  
Kosali Simon ◽  
M. Kate Bundorf
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Health Insurance ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health And Retirement Study ◽  
Medicaid Expansion ◽  
Poverty Level ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Retirement Study

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) dramatically expanded health insurance, but questions remain regarding its effects on health. We focus on older adults for whom health insurance has greater potential to improve health and well-being because of their greater health care needs relative to younger adults. We further focus on low-income adults who were the target of the Medicaid expansion. We believe our study provides the first evidence of the health-related effects of ACA Medicaid expansion using the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Using geo-coded data from 2010 to 2016, we estimate difference-in-differences models, comparing changes in outcomes before and after the Medicaid expansion in treatment and control states among a sample of over 3,000 unique adults aged 50 to 64 with income below 100% of the federal poverty level. The HRS allows us to examine morbidity outcomes not available in administrative data, providing evidence of the mechanisms underlying emerging evidence of mortality reductions due to expanded insurance coverage among the near-elderly. We find that the Medicaid expansion was associated with a 15 percentage point increase in Medicaid coverage which was largely offset by declines in other types of insurance. We find improvements in several measures of health including a 12% reduction in metabolic syndrome; a 32% reduction in complications from metabolic syndrome; an 18% reduction in the likelihood of gross motor skills difficulties; and a 34% reduction in compromised activities of daily living (ADLs). Our results thus suggest that the Medicaid expansion led to improved physical health for low-income, older adults.

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