Exploring the Impact of Age-Related COVID-19 Messaging on Internalized Ageism in Older Adulthood

Abstract Public health messages during the COVID-19 pandemic have indicated a higher risk for older people and/or those who have multiple health conditions. Subsequent societal discourse, however, has at times arguably protested the full protection and treatment of older people from COVID-19, potentially contributing to internalized ageism. To date, how older people interpret age-related pandemic messaging and discourse has not been explored. This study examined older adults’ perspectives of age-related COVID-19 messaging and societal discourse, as well as their perceptions of vulnerability, using a social constructionism framework. Adults age 65 to 89 years participated in semi-structured interviews about their thoughts and experiences with ongoing pandemic-related public messaging. Preliminary analysis suggests that participant perspectives of COVID-19 messaging are situated along a continuum of concern associated with contracting the virus. While some, for example, describe minimal concern, others express being fearful. Individual perceptions of safety appear to be informed, in part, by the presence or absence of an underlying health condition. Individual approaches to media criticism and consumption, personal risk-taking thresholds, financial stability, and social connectedness also appear to influence how the participants perceive pandemic-related messaging. Findings suggest the framing of COVID-19 and pandemic protocols, as well as the media’s sensationalization of age-related issues, can impact older peoples’ perceived vulnerability of contracting the virus. Future research is needed to understand the long-term implications of ongoing pandemic-related messaging on older adults’ experiences of aging, as well as the consequences such messaging could pose to for their health and social behaviors.

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The Impact on Older People’s Wellbeing of Leaving Heritage Volunteering and the Challenges of Managing this Process

The Qualitative Report ◽

10.46743/2160-3715/2021.4499 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Bruce Davenport ◽

Andrew Newman ◽

Suzanne Moffatt

Keyword(s):

Older People ◽

Cultural Heritage ◽

Personal Agency ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Older Volunteers ◽

North East ◽

The North ◽

Age Related ◽

The Impact

The benefits of volunteering for older volunteers and for the organisations who host them is well-documented. The impact of being obliged to leave volunteering due to age-related conditions, and any challenges that this creates for volunteer managers, are under-researched. This study explored how volunteers and volunteer managers experienced this point in the volunteering lifecycle and whether the topic warranted further research. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with fourteen older people, who were (or had been) volunteers at one of three cultural heritage organisations in the north-east of England alongside seven volunteer managers from those organisations. These represented the diversity of heritage organisations in the region. Volunteers discussed leaving volunteering in terms of loss but also indicated that forms of personal appraisal and agency were possible, ameliorating the impact of leaving. Volunteer managers discussed how organisational frameworks and the relationships they formed with volunteers shaped their practices. These relationships created a sense of organisational reciprocity which led some managers to exceed the rules in order to sustain people in their volunteering. The results suggest that supporting personal agency could ameliorate the impact of leaving volunteering but that organisations would benefit from articulating the extent and the limits of that support.

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The relationship between micronutrient status and sleep patterns: a systematic review

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980016002603 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 20 (4) ◽

pp. 687-701 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Xiaopeng Ji ◽

Michael A Grandner ◽

Jianghong Liu

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Older Adults ◽

Sleep Duration ◽

Future Research ◽

Sleep Stages ◽

Sleep Patterns ◽

Age Related ◽

Micronutrient Status ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

AbstractObjectiveTo review articles on the relationship of dietary and circulating micronutrients with sleep patterns, and to identify issues surrounding implications for future research and public health practice.DesignA systematic review was conducted. PubMed, Embase and Scopus were searched through January 2016.SettingBoth experimental and observational studies were included. However, studies that focused on secondary sleep impairment due to comorbidities were excluded.SubjectsIndividuals in different age groups, from infants to older adults.ResultsA total of twenty-six articles were selected. In the articles reviewed, researchers generally supported a potential role of micronutrients, particularly Fe and Mg, in the development of sleep stages among infants and in reversing age-related alterations in sleep architecture in older adults. Micronutrient status has also been linked to sleep duration, with sleep duration positively associated with Fe, Zn and Mg levels, and negatively associated with Cu, K and vitamin B12 levels. The mechanisms underlying these relationships include the impact of micronutrients on excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmitters and the expression of circadian genes.ConclusionsAlthough the number of studies on the relationship between micronutrient status and sleep remains low, evidence has emerged that suggests a link between dietary/circulating micronutrients and sleep. Future research is needed to investigate the dose-dependent as well as the longitudinal relationships between micronutrient levels and human sleep across populations, test the interactions among micronutrients on sleep outcomes, and ultimately examine the clinical relevance of micronutrients on sleep health.

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Deciphering Optimality: A Framework Towards Understanding Optimal Technology Training for Older Adults

Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting ◽

10.1177/154193120705102507 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 51 (25) ◽

pp. 1598-1602

Author(s):

Jamye M. Hickman ◽

Wendy A. Rogers ◽

Arthur D. Fisk

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Technology Use ◽

New Technologies ◽

Technology Training ◽

Future Research ◽

Training Models ◽

Age Related ◽

Optimal Technology ◽

Improved Performance ◽

The Impact

Older adults are joining the technology revolution, as they are the fastest growing population using computers and the internet. Due to age-related declines in cognition, they may be at a disadvantage when learning to use new technologies. Training may ameliorate the impact of such disadvantages; however, the lingering question is how best to design such training programs. One limitation of current training models is the lack of integration across research findings resulting in an inability to determine what constitutes optimal training. Previous research has identified many components that may lead to improved performance and it is essential to examine the circumstances in which specific details of training result in specific learning outcomes. To begin to accomplish this, the current paper illustrates a conceptual framework focused on the systematic design of training older adults for technology use. The framework offers an expanded view of the training development process and serves as a guide to future research to help in deciphering optimality of technology training for older adults.

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Poor Sleep Moderates the Association Between Generalized Anxiety and Hippocampal Volume Among Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.3290 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 915-915

Author(s):

Desiree Bygrave ◽

Regina Wright

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Strong Predictor ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Hippocampal Volume ◽

Future Research ◽

Generalized Anxiety ◽

Poor Sleep ◽

Age Related ◽

The Impact

Abstract Poor sleep is common among older adults, and associated with hippocampal atrophy -- a strong predictor of memory decrements. Underlying this association are psychosocial risk factors, such as generalized anxiety, that may further exacerbate poor sleep and brain pathology. Given that poor sleep and generalized anxiety are often comorbid, there is a critical need to establish whether generalized anxiety is related to hippocampal volume among poor sleepers. To address this gap, this cross-sectional study examined the relationship between generalized anxiety (GAD-7), and total hippocampal volume, and whether it varied as a function of sleep quality (PSQI Total < 5 good sleepers; PSQI Total ≥ 5 poor sleepers). Data were analyzed from 165 older adults (mean age = 68.48y, 33% male, 41% African American), free of major disease. Linear regression analysis, adjusting for sex, race, education and depression, showed a statistically significant Generalized Anxiety x Sleep interaction for hippocampal volume (p=.02). Further probing of this interaction revealed that among poor sleepers, greater generalized anxiety was associated with lesser hippocampal volume (p=.01). Findings suggest generalized anxiety may influence hippocampal volume in the context of poor sleep among older adults. As poor sleep is associated with age-related neurodegeneration, our findings suggest that improvements in sleep quality may reduce the impact of generalized anxiety on hippocampal volume in older adulthood. Future research should examine whether generalized anxiety mediates relations of sleep quality to specific memory outcomes.

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Older adults experiences of supervised hardstyle kettlebell training: A qualitative study from the BELL pragmatic controlled trial

10.1101/2021.07.15.21260399 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Neil J. Meigh ◽

Alexandra R. Davidson ◽

Justin W.L. Keogh ◽

Wayne Hing

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Health Condition ◽

Future Research ◽

Training Methods ◽

Group Exercise ◽

Psychological Benefits ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Home Based

Objectives: This study examined older adults′ experiences of participating in the BELL trial, involving 12-weeks of group-based hardstyle kettlebell training. Methods: In the BELL trial, 28 insufficiently active older adults (15 women, 13 men, 59-79 years) completed 6 weeks of face-to-face group training, and 6 weeks of home-based training. In-depth semi-structured interviews were audio recorded and transcribed, inductively coded, with themes constructed thematically from patterns of shared meaning. Results: Four higher-order themes were developed that reflect older adults' experiences participating in a group-exercise program of hardstyle kettlebell training. These included: (1) It's one of the best things we've done - enjoying the physical and psychosocial benefits, (2) It's improved it tremendously! - change in a long-term health condition, (3) It put me on a better course - overcoming challenges, (4) I wasn't just a number - feeling part of a group/community. Discussion: Findings highlight the perceived physical and psychological benefits of participating in hardstyle group kettlebell training, the value attributed to being part of an age-matched community of like-minded people engaged in group-exercise, as well as the challenges participants faced, and the sense of achievement in overcoming them. Implications for program design and delivery, and future research are discussed.

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Self-Compassion and Quality of Life in Adults Who Stutter

American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology ◽

10.1044/2020_ajslp-20-00055 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (4) ◽

pp. 2097-2108

Author(s):

Robyn L. Croft ◽

Courtney T. Byrd

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

The Self ◽

Future Research ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Adults Who Stutter ◽

And Gender ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify levels of self-compassion in adults who do and do not stutter and to determine whether self-compassion predicts the impact of stuttering on quality of life in adults who stutter. Method Participants included 140 adults who do and do not stutter matched for age and gender. All participants completed the Self-Compassion Scale. Adults who stutter also completed the Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering. Data were analyzed for self-compassion differences between and within adults who do and do not stutter and to predict self-compassion on quality of life in adults who stutter. Results Adults who do and do not stutter exhibited no significant differences in total self-compassion, regardless of participant gender. A simple linear regression of the total self-compassion score and total Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering score showed a significant, negative linear relationship of self-compassion predicting the impact of stuttering on quality of life. Conclusions Data suggest that higher levels of self-kindness, mindfulness, and social connectedness (i.e., self-compassion) are related to reduced negative reactions to stuttering, an increased participation in daily communication situations, and an improved overall quality of life. Future research should replicate current findings and identify moderators of the self-compassion–quality of life relationship.

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Mapping domain characteristics influencing Analytics initiatives: The example of Supply Chain Analytics

Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management ◽

10.3926/jiem.3004 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 56

Author(s):

Tino Herden

Keyword(s):

Supply Chain ◽

Supply Chain Management ◽

Success Factors ◽

Research Collaboration ◽

Future Research ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Chain Management ◽

Domain Specific ◽

The Status ◽

The Impact

Purpose: Analytics research is increasingly divided by the domains Analytics is applied to. Literature offers little understanding whether aspects such as success factors, barriers and management of Analytics must be investigated domain-specific, while the execution of Analytics initiatives is similar across domains and similar issues occur. This article investigates characteristics of the execution of Analytics initiatives that are distinct in domains and can guide future research collaboration and focus. The research was conducted on the example of Logistics and Supply Chain Management and the respective domain-specific Analytics subfield of Supply Chain Analytics. The field of Logistics and Supply Chain Management has been recognized as early adopter of Analytics but has retracted to a midfield position comparing different domains.Design/methodology/approach: This research uses Grounded Theory based on 12 semi-structured Interviews creating a map of domain characteristics based of the paradigm scheme of Strauss and Corbin.Findings: A total of 34 characteristics of Analytics initiatives that distinguish domains in the execution of initiatives were identified, which are mapped and explained. As a blueprint for further research, the domain-specifics of Logistics and Supply Chain Management are presented and discussed.Originality/value: The results of this research stimulates cross domain research on Analytics issues and prompt research on the identified characteristics with broader understanding of the impact on Analytics initiatives. The also describe the status-quo of Analytics. Further, results help managers control the environment of initiatives and design more successful initiatives.

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Spontaneous Eye Blinks Predict Executive Functioning in Seniors

Journal of Cognitive Enhancement ◽

10.1007/s41465-021-00217-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jessika I. V. Buitenweg ◽

Jaap M. J. Murre ◽

K. Richard Ridderinkhof

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Working Memory ◽

Executive Functioning ◽

Cognitive Training ◽

Functional Decline ◽

Future Research ◽

Blink Rate ◽

Memory Updating ◽

Age Related ◽

Working Memory Updating

AbstractAs the world’s population is aging rapidly, cognitive training is an extensively used approach to attempt improvement of age-related cognitive functioning. With increasing numbers of older adults required to remain in the workforce, it is important to be able to reliably predict future functional decline, as well as the individual advantages of cognitive training. Given the correlation between age-related decline and striatal dopaminergic function, we investigated whether eye blink rate (EBR), a non-invasive, indirect indicator of dopaminergic activity, could predict executive functioning (response inhibition, switching and working memory updating) as well as trainability of executive functioning in older adults. EBR was collected before and after a cognitive flexibility training, cognitive training without flexibility, or a mock training. EBR predicted working memory updating performance on two measures of updating, as well as trainability of working memory updating, whereas performance and trainability in inhibition and switching tasks could not be predicted by EBR. Our findings tentatively indicate that EBR permits prediction of working memory performance in older adults. To fully interpret the relationship with executive functioning, we suggest future research should assess both EBR and dopamine receptor availability among seniors.

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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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Improving the experience of facility-based delivery for vulnerable women through obstetric care navigation: a qualitative evaluation

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth ◽

10.1186/s12884-021-03842-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kirsten Austad ◽

Michel Juarez ◽

Hannah Shryer ◽

Patricia L. Hibberd ◽

Mari-Lynn Drainoni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Workers ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Qualitative Evaluation ◽

Obstetric Care ◽

Hospital Staff ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Future Research ◽

Care Seeking ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Global disparities in maternal mortality could be reduced by universal facility delivery. Yet, deficiencies in the quality of care prevent some mothers from seeking facility-based obstetric care. Obstetric care navigators (OCNs) are a new form of lay health workers that combine elements of continuous labor support and care navigation to promote obstetric referrals. Here we report qualitative results from the pilot OCN project implemented in Indigenous villages in the Guatemalan central highlands. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 mothers who received OCN accompaniment and 13 staff—namely physicians, nurses, and social workers—of the main public hospital in the pilot’s catchment area (Chimaltenango). Interviews queried OCN’s impact on patient and hospital staff experience and understanding of intended OCN roles. Audiorecorded interviews were transcribed, coded, and underwent content analysis. Results Maternal fear of surgical intervention, disrespectful and abusive treatment, and linguistic barriers were principal deterrents of care seeking. Physicians and nurses reported cultural barriers, opposition from family, and inadequate hospital resources as challenges to providing care to Indigenous mothers. Patient and hospital staff identified four valuable services offered by OCNs: emotional support, patient advocacy, facilitation of patient-provider communication, and care coordination. While patients and most physicians felt that OCNs had an overwhelmingly positive impact, nurses felt their effort would be better directed toward traditional nursing tasks. Conclusions Many barriers to maternity care exist for Indigenous mothers in Guatemala. OCNs can improve mothers’ experiences in public hospitals and reduce limitations faced by providers. However, broader buy-in from hospital staff—especially nurses—appears critical to program success. Future research should focus on measuring the impact of obstetric care navigation on key clinical outcomes (cesarean delivery) and mothers’ future care seeking behavior.

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