scholarly journals Partnerships Matter in Successful Aging: Collaborations That Put Research Into Practice Across the Community

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 787-787
Author(s):  
Tina Sadarangani ◽  
Bei Wu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Key Stakeholders

Abstract Healthy aging begins and ends in the community with age friendly health systems and communities. In order to promote healthy aging and help older adults make healthy choices we must engage them as partners in healthcare with access to appropriate information and resources. This symposium will examine four community based studies that engage stakeholders to improve care quality through evidence-based interventions for older adults. These programs are all novel as they seek to engage stakeholders, perform pragmatic interventions, and improve outcomes in non-academic, community-based settings which are often overlooked. Promoting healthy behavior through peer coaching, using early detection and treatment to impact cognitive decline in social day care programs, evaluating the feasibility of screening for palliative care in assisted living and implementing evidence-based dementia care in hospice settings are all explored. Analysis of these initiatives showed improvements in perceived-health, reductions in unnecessary healthcare utilization, and improvements in the physical and emotional health of caregivers, and positive changes in health behaviors. Our discussion will underscore the importance of engaging key stakeholders in study design and implementation to yield better outcomes. Community engagement is an essential part of facilitating aging-in-place, and findings illustrate that this can be achieved through innovative collaborations between researchers and community-based organizations across a variety of settings.

Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wojtek J. Chodzko-Zajko
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Improve Quality ◽  
Reduce Risk

For more than half a century fellows of the National Academy of Kinesiology have enthusiastically advocated for the promotion and adoption of physically active lifestyles as an affordable and effective means to prevent chronic diseases and conditions, and enhance independence and high quality of life for older adults. It is possible to discern distinct evolutionary stages when examining scholarship related to the role of physical activity in the promotion of healthy aging. Research into physical activity and aging began with critical early studies that established the underlying scientific evidence for a relationship between physical activity and healthy aging. More recent work has addressed such topics as building consumer demand, developing policies and legislation to support active aging, and understanding the complex interrelationships between physical activity and other lifestyle factors in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases and conditions. It is increasingly apparent that strategies to promote active and successful aging must be integrated into an effective public policy. Kinesiologists and other health professionals, working in collaboration with colleagues from other disciplines, can help to reduce risk factors for chronic disease and improve quality of life for older adults by building awareness of the importance of physical activity and by assisting with the development and implementation of appropriate and effective interventions that reduce risk factors and improve quality of life.

Determining the Long-Term Effectiveness of a Group-Based Physical Activity Program

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 401-408
Author(s):  
Anamica Batra ◽  
Richard C. Palmer ◽  
Elena Bastida ◽  
H. Virginia McCoy ◽  
Hafiz M. R. Khan
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Population Level ◽  
The United States ◽  
South Florida ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Evidence Based Programs ◽  
The Impact

Objective. In 2015, only half (48%) of older adults in the United States (≥60 years) reported engaging in any kind of physical activity. Few studies examine the impact of evidence-based programs when adopted in community-based settings. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of EnhanceFitness (EF) upto 12-months. Method. EF was offered to older adults in South Florida. A total of 222 EF classes were offered between October 2008 and December 2014. Program consisted of a 1-hour session held three times a week. Even though participation was required for 4 months, 1,295 participants continued the program for at least 1 year. Results. All participants showed significant improvement in outcome measures. A mean change of 1.5, 1.7, and 1.9 was seen in number of chair stands at 4, 8, and 12 months (p < .001), respectively. The number of arm curls performed improved from 16.8 at baseline to 18.8, 18.8, and 19.2 at 4-, 8-, and 12-months, respectively. Participants improved their up-and-go time by decreasing from 9.1 (baseline) to 8.7 (4 months) to 8.6 (12 months; p = .001). Discussion. Randomized controlled trials are commonly used to determine the efficacy of an intervention. These interventions when disseminated at the population level have the potential to benefit large masses. EF is currently offered at more than 700 locations. This tremendous success of EF brings attention to an important question of continuous monitoring of these programs to ensure program consistency and intended outcomes. The model used by the Healthy Aging Regional Collaborative could be replicated by other communities.

scholarly journals “We understand our community”: implementation of the Healthy Eating Healthy Aging program among community-based organizations

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judy Leong ◽  
Sou Hyun Jang ◽  
Sonia K Bishop ◽  
Emily V R Brown ◽  
Eun Jeong Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Semistructured Interview ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Community Based Organizations ◽  
Outer Setting ◽  
Inner Setting

Abstract Cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death in the USA among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) over the age of 65. Healthy Eating Healthy Aging (HEHA), an evidence-based heart health program, can provide culturally appropriate nutrition education to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. Community-based organizations (CBOs) are optimal settings to implement community-based programs. However, there is inadequate research on how evidence-based interventions like HEHA are implemented in CBOs. This study examined processes that facilitated the implementation of HEHA among CBOs serving older AAPIs. Twelve representatives from CBOs that implemented the HEHA program were recruited to participate in a semistructured interview. All the participants were CBO directors or senior managers. A semistructured interview guide was created and informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to capture how HEHA played into the five domains of CFIR: (a) intervention characteristics, (b) outer setting, (c) inner setting, (d) characteristics of the individuals, and (e) process. Data analysis captured themes under the CFIR domains. All five CFIR domains emerged from the interviews. Under intervention characteristics, three constructs emerged as facilitating the implementation of HEHA: (a) the participant’s beliefs around the quality of the HEHA program and its ability to promote healthy eating, (b) HEHA’s adaptability to different AAPI subgroups, and (c) perceptions of how successfully HEHA was bundled and assembled. Under outer setting, the participants described the community’s need for healthy eating programs and how the HEHA program meets that need. Four constructs emerged under inner setting: (a) the CBO’s structural characteristics and social standing in the community; (b) resources dedicated to the implementation and ongoing operations, including funding, training, education, physical space, and time; (c) the culture of the CBO; and (d) the participant’s commitment and involvement in marketing, promotion, and implementation of HEHA. Under characteristics of individuals, participants’ described their desire to learn the content of HEHA and deliver them successfully. Under process, participants described strategies to engage relevant individuals to facilitate HEHA implementation. The interviews with CBO representatives provided insights into CFIR domain constructs that facilitated the implementation of HEHA. CBOs are key settings for community health education. Understanding processes that lead to the successful implementation of evidence-based interventions among CBOs is critical for accelerating the dissemination and implementation of best practices.

“Not Everybody’s an Athlete, But They Certainly Can Move”: Facilitators of Physical Activity Maintenance in Older Adults in a Northern and Rural Setting

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 854-863 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsten Ward ◽  
Anne Pousette ◽  
Chelsea A. Pelletier
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Individual Program ◽  
Physical Activity Maintenance

Although the benefits of maintaining a physical activity regime for older adults are well known, it is unclear how programs and facilities can best support long-term participation. The purpose of this study is to determine the facilitating factors of physical activity maintenance in older adults at individual, program, and community levels. Nine semistructured interviews were conducted with individuals aged 60 years and older and long-term participants (>6 months) in community-based group exercise at a clinical wellness facility in northern British Columbia, Canada. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed via inductive thematic analysis. Themes identified as facilitators of physical activity included (a) social connections, (b) individual contextual factors, and (c) healthy aging. Older adults are more likely to maintain physical activity when environments foster healthy aging and provide opportunity for social engagement.

Community-Based Aging Services

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Ivery
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Limited Mobility ◽  
Age In Place ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Aging Services ◽  
Community Based Services

As individuals age, their physical community continues to be a primary entry point of intervention because of their attachment to place, social connections, and limited mobility to travel as far and as often as they would like or desire. The environment provides a context for understanding an older adult’s social interactions and the availability of and access to supportive services that reduce isolation and increased risk for reduced health status. When individuals age in place, social workers need to understand how community-based services can work with older adults in their community where they have lived for some time and have developed social networks. This knowledge will better assist social workers in their ability to effectively connect clients with appropriate resources. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for an older adult’s environment to not reflect or adapt to their changing health status and physical mobility. Healthy aging (also referred to as age-friendly) and NORC (naturally occurring retirement communities) initiatives have emerged as examples of how to provide supportive, community-based services that will enable older adults to remain engaged in their community as they experience changes in their health status, mobility, and financial security. These community-level interventions emphasize the adaptability to an older adult’s changing lifestyle factors that influence how they navigate their community. These initiatives engage older adults in planning and implementing strategies to connect older adults with services and activities that promote aging in place. Social workers play a very important role in the provision of community-based aging services because they can serve as a bridge between older adults and the local, state, and federal level programs that may be available to them.

scholarly journals Healthy aging through the lens of community-based practitioners: a focus group study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rubee Dev ◽  
Oleg Zaslavsky ◽  
Barbara Cochrane ◽  
Thomas Eagen ◽  
Nancy F Woods
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Holistic Model ◽  
Traditional Research ◽  
Facilitators And Barriers

Abstract Background Nearly one in every seven Americans is 65 years and older, facing day-to-day challenge of aging. Although interest in healthy aging is growing, most of the efforts are directed towards understanding the perceptions of older adults. Little is known about the perspectives of community-based practitioners who work with older adults and deliver programs to promote healthy aging. The purpose of this project was to expand knowledge on healthy aging by exploring the perspectives of community-based practitioners working directly with older adults. Methods We purposively sampled community-based practitioners (n=12, including nurses, physician, social workers, and other community services professionals), who then participated in one of three in-depth focus group discussions. Results Three core categories were identified: (1) characteristics of healthy aging; (2) healthy aging attainment; and (3) programs and activities for healthy aging. Participants identified a number of characteristics under person-specific, social, and spiritual dimensions of healthy aging. Healthy aging attainment was represented as facilitators and barriers, and programs and activities through promoting fitness and wellness. Conclusions Although practitioners’ perspectives had some overlap with traditional research and medical views on healthy aging, the unique and holistic model derived provides a more refined foundation for supporting healthy aging.

scholarly journals Clinical Geriatrics as a Team Sport: Fostering Interprofessional Experiences in the Community

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 825-826
Author(s):  
David Picella ◽  
Diana Woods
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Nurse Practitioner ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Interprofessional Education ◽  
Family Practitioner ◽  
Collaborative Partnership ◽  
Healthcare Outcomes ◽  
Clinical Experiences ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Complex Needs

Abstract Team-based care is necessary to provide better healthcare outcomes for the complex needs of older adults. Shared clinical learning experiences prepare practitioners to work in collaborative partnership to achieve optimal outcomes. To promote collaborative partnership, we established interprofessional community based clinical experiences with older adults at home, in assisted living and in skilled nursing facilities. One nurse practitioner faculty member was paired with 2 students for each clinical experience day. Initially these were face-to-face encounters, however, with the onset of COVID-19, all high-risk encounters were converted to a virtual modality. The clinical encounters focused on the Age Friendly Model (4M). Post clinical discussions and recommendations focused on interprofessional treatment plans. A REDCap(TM) survey was completed by all student participants for program evaluation. Of the 14 surveys sent, 11 were completed; 10 (77%) females; 3 (23%) males; 7 (50%) family practitioner students; 7 (50%) adult-gerontology nurse practitioner students. Four had previous home health experience (14%), and 10 had none (86%). 4M Likert scale (1-5) means were “what matters” = 4.27, medications = 4.18, mentation = 4.09, and mobility = 4.09. Students found the overall experience valuable (mean = 4.27). Of 11 students, 3 (27%) were involved telehealth experiences. Students found real community based clinical experiences to be very enlightening, offering a different perspective, and altering their appreciation for the everyday life of the older adult. Future plans include adding social work and physical therapy students to these clinical experiences to enhance interprofessional education.

scholarly journals Prioritizing supports and services to help older adults age in place: A Delphi study comparing the perspectives of family/friend care partners and healthcare stakeholders

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0259387
Author(s):  
Megan Campbell ◽  
Tara Stewart ◽  
Thekla Brunkert ◽  
Heather Campbell-Enns ◽  
Andrea Gruneir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Affordable Housing ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Delphi Study ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Adult Care ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Age In Place ◽  
Care Partners

Background Aging in place (AIP) is a policy strategy designed to help older adults remain in their community. While planners internationally have modified aspects of the older adult care continuum (e.g., home care, assisted living, nursing homes) to facilitate AIP, further improvements to community-based supports and services are also required. This study compared and constrasted the community-based factors (e.g., supports, services and personal strategies or characteristics) that family/friend care partners and healthcare stakeholders (i.e., planners/providers) view as most important to help older adults successfully AIP. Methods An initial list of factors shown to influence AIP was created from the academic literature. These factors were used to develop a Delphi survey implemented separately on care partners and healthcare stakeholders. Respondents rated the importance of each factor using a 10-point Likert Scale (1 = not important; 10 = absolutely critical). Consensus in each group was defined when at least 80% of participants scored a factor ≥8 (“very important”), with an interquartile range ≤2. Respondents suggested additional factors during Delphi round one. Results Care partners (N = 25) and healthcare stakeholders (N = 36) completed two and three Delphi rounds, respectively. These groups independently agreed that the following 3 (out of 27) factors were very important to help older adults age in place: keeping one’s home safe, maintaining strong inter-personal relationships, and coordinating care across formal providers. While healthcare stakeholders did not reach consensus on other factors, care partners agreed that 7 additional factors (e.g., access to affordable housing, having mental health programs) were important for AIP. Conclusions Compared to healthcare stakeholders, care partners felt that more and diverse community-based factors are important to support older adults to successfully AIP. Future research should replicate these findings in other jurisdictions, examine the availability and accessibility of the priority factors, and develop sustainable solutions to enhance their effectiveness.

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