scholarly journals The Impact of COVID-19: Perspectives of Recreational Therapists Working with Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 732-732
Author(s):  
Betsy Kemeny ◽  
Dawn DeVries
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Consensus Method ◽  
Role Changes ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Levels Of Care ◽  
The Social ◽  
Meaningful Engagement ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The Impact

Abstract This study explored the perspectives of recreational therapists (RT) from Pennsylvania and Michigan and how COVID-19 has impacted older adults and their roles in various settings. COVID-19 safety restrictions limiting social interaction with both peers and families had the potential for negatively impacting the social and emotional well-being of older adults (Van Orden et al., 2020) and the roles of therapists who work with them. Because peer socialization and physical activity programs prevent falls (Cameron et al., 2018) and improve depressive symptoms (Harvey et al., 2015), a better understanding of COVID-19 impact is significant. From a qualitative viewpoint, 14 RTs from various levels of care were interviewed to better understand their perspective on the impacts of COVID on older adults and their own practice. Hour long interviews conducted via zoom focused on organizational changes, role changes, and impact on older adults. After recordings were transcribed, multiple researchers classified, summarized, and tabulated the data. A consensus method determined common themes. From the RT’s perspective, older adults have not only been negatively impacted in the social domain. While many older adults showed resilience, others were impacted physically, emotionally, and cognitively. Moreover, an increased importance on meaningful engagement, recreation, and leisure emerged. Technology became an essential tool in interpersonal connection. Teamwork, personal self-care, and coping were integral to providing effective care. Post pandemic, RTs are concerned about the challenge of reengaging older adults in groups but are certain that technology will continue to be used in a more expansive way in programs.

scholarly journals INTERGENERATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROGRAMMING FOR COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS AND SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S168-S168
Author(s):  
Robin L Chilton
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Community Intergenerational Action (CIA) was a four-week pilot program designed to bring community dwelling older adults and fourth-grade students together to engage in meaningful activities within a supportive group context under the facilitation of Robin Chilton, MBA, OTR/L, and four Master of Occupational Therapy Students from Cleveland State University. A phenomenological, qualitative research design study was conducted to explore the impact and meaning of this intergenerational occupational therapy programming on the social and emotional well-being of older adults. Participant observation, journaling, and in-depth interviews were used to determine the meaning of the program to the participants. CIA was conducted using ten female elders, and fifteen children ages nine to ten years old. Each week a new theme was introduced to assist the participants in solving a mystery and included an occupation-based activity such as horticulture and crafts. The CIA program was developed in a way that would allow it to be replicated in other intergenerational settings. Students involved in this study identified helping and cooperating with the older adults throughout the program as very important to them. The students began to feel a sense of empathy and increased self-awareness after spending time with the older adults. The program allowed the older adults to reminisce about their past, and feel a sense of generativity, or contribution to the younger generation. Findings provide an opportunity for others to use similar programs to engage older adults and children in meaningful occupation that will contribute to their overall sense of social and emotional well-being.

scholarly journals Physical and Social Neighborhood Environments and Well-Being

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 440-440
Author(s):  
Midori Takayama ◽  
Yoshiko Ishioka ◽  
Ikuko Sugawara
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Neighborhood Context ◽  
Neighborhood Environment ◽  
Financial Strain ◽  
The Social ◽  
Physical Resources ◽  
Neighborhood Environments ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Existing research has found effects of neighborhood environment on well-being. However, it is still not clear what features of neighborhood environments affect well-being for older adults and whether the impact of the environment varies depending on the health and economic conditions. In this study, we examined the relations between 4 physical and social neighborhood-context factors, that is, the availability of neighborhood physical resources (e.g. community centers and libraries), the walkability and accessibility, the availability of social resources (e.g. culture and recreation programs, and social care services), and the social inclusion (e.g. participation in decision making, and positive social attitude toward older adults), and individual-level well-being. Moreover, we examined the health and economic disparities of effect of neighborhood environments on well-being. We used data from locally representative longitudinal study of older Japanese aged 74 to 86 (N = 1388). Results from multi-level linear regression showed that after controlling individual variables having inhibitory/facilitatory effects of well-being, the availability of physical resources was associated with higher well-being score. Especially among older adults who had financial strains, the availability of physical environment had a positive effect on well-being more strongly. For older adults who had better physical functions, accessibility and walkability were associated with higher well-being score. The social inclusiveness was associated with higher well-being score among those who had no financial strain. These important findings demonstrate the need for more research exploring the underlying mechanisms. The potential benefits of this approach provide a basis for developing models of maintaining well-being for older adults.

scholarly journals Psychological Well-Being of Older Adults With Cognitive Deterioration During Quarantine: Preliminary Results From the GeroCovid Initiative

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Coin ◽  
Maria Devita ◽  
Caterina Trevisan ◽  
Francesca Biasin ◽  
Camilla Terziotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Population ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Emotional Life ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: The spread of COVID-19 has undeniably unsettled the social, psychological and emotional life of the entire world population. Particular attention should be paid to older adults with dementia, given their vulnerability to emotional stressors. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the impact of the first wave quarantine related to Covid-19 on psychological and affective well-being of older adults with mild/major neurocognitive disorders and of their caregivers.Methods: Data on participants' assessment before the quarantine (PREQ) were retrospectively collected. Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or dementia were recruited from different Centers for Cognitive Decline and Dementia in Italy. During the quarantine, psychological and affective well-being were evaluated by phone through the administrations of scales measuring anxiety and depression (DASS), perceived stress (PSS), coping strategies (COPE) and the caregivers' burden (CBI). The scales' results were compared across participants' PREQ cognitive level (Mini Mental State Examination, MMSE ≥25, 23–24, and ≤ 22) with multiple linear regression models.Results: The sample included 168 patients (64% women) with a mean age of 79 ± 7 years. After adjusting for potential confounders, more severe cognitive impairment was independently associated with higher DASS and PSS score, and poorer coping strategies (p < 0.05). Cognitive functioning was also inversely associated with CBI.Conclusions: The impact of the quarantine on the psycho-affective well-being of individuals with MCI and dementia and on caregivers' burden varies according to the PREQ cognitive functioning with more severely impaired patients having worse outcomes.

scholarly journals Examining the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Psychosocial Outcomes across Age: A Stress and Coping Framework

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 944-945
Author(s):  
Jillian Minahan ◽  
Francesca Falzarano ◽  
Neshat Yazdani ◽  
Karen Siedlecki
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychosocial Outcomes ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Stress And Coping ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
And Coping ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract The emergence of COVID-19 and the measures implemented to curb its spread are anticipated to have long-term implications for mental health. Older adults may be at increased risk for adverse mental health outcomes as opportunities to remain socially connected have diminished. Further research is needed to better understand the impact of pandemic-related stress on mental health. Utilizing the stress and coping framework, the purpose of this study is three-fold: 1) to examine the influences of COVID-19-related stress on depression, anxiety, and loneliness, 2) to assess the mediating role of coping style and social support, and 3) to investigate whether these relationships vary across age. Participants (N = 1,318) between the ages of 18-92 years completed an online survey, assessing pandemic-related stress, mental health, social support, coping, and their experiences with social distancing, during the initial implementation of social distancing measures in the United States. Stress, social support, and coping style were related to psychosocial outcomes. Results suggested that avoidant coping mediated the relationship between pandemic-related stress and psychosocial outcomes, particularly depression. Avoidant coping more strongly mediated the relationship between stress and depression in younger adults compared to older adults. Results were consistent with the stress and coping framework and recent work highlighting the older adults’ resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings highlight the associations between positive coping behaviors and psychosocial well-being and indicate that older adults may use unique adaptive mechanisms to preserve well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Intergenerational connections to improve social well-being of older adults with ADRD: A research protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1018-1018
Author(s):  
Ling Xu ◽  
Noelle Fields ◽  
Kathryn Daniel ◽  
Brooke Troutman ◽  
Daisha Cipher
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Research ◽  
Research Protocol ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Sequential Mixed Methods ◽  
The Social ◽  
Matched Data

Abstract There is growing concern about social isolation, loneliness, and diminished emotional well-being among persons with ADRD who live in the community. Research suggests that reminiscence strategies, especially with the production of a digital story book, combined with an intergenerational approach may yield significant benefits for older adults. Reminiscence approaches are typically implemented by trained professionals. However, the use of trained volunteers is of growing interest due to the costs associated with reminiscence programs. This research protocol describes the development and testing of an intergenerational, telephone-based reminiscence program offered by trained, young adult volunteers that includes the use of digital storytelling (DST). Specifically, the study addresses three aims: 1) Quantitatively test the effectiveness in improving social and emotional well-being of older adults with ADRD; 2) Quantitatively test attitudes towards aging and knowledge and awareness of ADRD disease among the young adults; and (3) Qualitatively evaluate the usefulness of this intervention from perspectives of the dyads. A randomized control trial is used to assess the effects of the intervention using an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. The older and younger participants (n = 92 dyads) are randomly assigned to intervention (reminiscence) or sham (social visit) group, and then randomly matched. Data are collected at baseline, mid-intervention, post- intervention, 3 months-post intervention and through qualitative interviews (selected dyads). The proposed evaluation activities will allow us to determine the applicability of intergenerational reminiscence with DST as an effective intervention for supporting the social and emotional needs of persons with ADRD.

scholarly journals Challenges Experienced by Older People During the Initial Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison R Heid ◽  
Francine Cartwright ◽  
Maureen Wilson-Genderson ◽  
Rachel Pruchno
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Design And Methods ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background and Objectives The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created unique stressors for older people to manage. Informed by the Stress Process Model and the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, we examined the extent to which older people are adhering to physical distancing mandates and the pandemic-related experiences that older people find most challenging. Research Design and Methods From May 4 to May 17, 2020, a web-based questionnaire focused on the COVID-19 pandemic was completed by 1,272 people (aged 64 and older) who were part of an ongoing research panel in New Jersey recruited in 2006. Frequencies for endorsement of physical distancing behaviors were tabulated, and open-ended responses to the biggest challenge of the pandemic were systematically coded and classified using content analysis. Results More than 70% of participants reported adhering to physical distancing behaviors. Experiences appraised as most difficult by participants fell into 8 domains: Social Relationships, Activity Restrictions, Psychological, Health, Financial, Global Environment, Death, and Home Care. The most frequently appraised challenges were constraints on social interactions (42.4%) and restrictions on activity (30.9%). Discussion and Implications In the initial weeks of the pandemic, the majority of older adults reported adhering to COVID-19 physical distancing mandates and identified a range of challenging experiences. Results highlight the factors having the greatest impact on older adults, informing quantitative modeling for testing the impact of the pandemic on health and well-being outcomes, and identifying how intervention efforts may be targeted to maximize the quality of life of older adults.

scholarly journals State of indigenous mental health in Australia - a colonial legacy?

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 98-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanil Rege
Keyword(s):  
Life Expectancy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Indigenous Populations ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
Colonial Legacy ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Usa ◽  
History Of ◽  
Indigenous Mental Health ◽  
The Impact

The Aboriginal culture of Australia is one of the oldest cultures on earth, dating back 50 000 years. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people are the indigenous inhabitants of Australia, constituting 2.4% of the population. The health status of these ‘First Australians’ has been described as a source of national shame, with the life expectancy approximately 17 years lower than that of other Australians (Eades, 2000). This gap in life expectancy is also significantly larger than that of other countries with indigenous populations and a history of colonisation, such as the USA, Canada and New Zealand (Ring & Firman, 1998). This paper offers an overview of the impact of colonisation and its subsequent influence on the social and emotional well-being of ATSI people.

It Is More Than Language

2020 ◽  
pp. 79-98
Author(s):  
Dianne Toe ◽  
Louise Paatsch ◽  
Amy Szarkowski
Keyword(s):  
Specific Area ◽  
Cooperative Interaction ◽  
Social And Emotional Development ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Social And Emotional ◽  
The Social ◽  
Pragmatic Skills ◽  
Social Use ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Shed Light

Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children who use spoken language face unique challenges when communicating with others who have typical hearing, particularly their peers. In such contexts, the social use of language has been recognized as an area of vulnerability among individuals in this population and has become a focus for research and intervention. The development of pragmatic skills intersects with many aspects of child development, including emotional intelligence and executive function, as well as social and emotional development. While all these areas are important, they are beyond the scope of this chapter, which highlights the impact of pragmatics on the specific area of cognition. Cognitive pragmatics is broadly defined as the study of the mental processes involved in the understanding of meaning in the context of a cooperative interaction. This chapter explores how DHH children and young people construe meaning in the context of conversations and expository interactions with their peers. The chapter aims to examine the role played by the cognitive processes of making inferences and comprehending implicature, within the overall display of pragmatic skills. Further, the authors use this lens in the analysis of interactions between DHH children and their peers in order to shed light on the development of pragmatic skills in children who are DHH.

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