Listening to Older Adults: A Qualitative Analysis of Advice Given During COVID-19

Abstract The life experience of older adults offers a unique perspective of coping through historical crises. Specific advice offered by older adults is generally underrepresented in the literature. This qualitative study explores advice offered by older adults to others on how to cope through the COVID-19 pandemic as well as advice for the community about the needs of older adults. A Midwestern sample of 67 older adults aged 70-97 completed one phone interview in June of 2020 as part of a larger study about their experiences with social distancing and isolation. Participants were asked what advice they would give to others during the pandemic and what advice they would give to communities and families about the needs of older adults during the pandemic. Transcripts of these conversations were coded using in vivo and holistic coding as first-cycle methods. These codes were then analyzed using pattern coding as a second-cycle method. Results indicated older adults offered advice along three domains: fostering physical and mental wellbeing, promoting positive life perspectives, and maintaining connections. Advice to communities regarding the needs of older adults included having a selfless attitude and taking intentional actions like grocery shopping and writing letters. However, older adults also recommended avoiding extremes to allow them to maintain their independence and preserve physical distance for safety. Older adults utilized their life perspective and their own coping strategies when offering advice. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of the advice given and how likely that the advice will be utilized by others.

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Letter to a grandchild as a narrative tool of older adults’ biographical experience exploration

Narrative Inquiry ◽

10.1075/ni.18049.tok ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

pp. 29-49

Author(s):

Urszula Tokarska ◽

Elżbieta Dryll ◽

Anna Cierpka

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Life Experience ◽

Qualitative Content Analysis ◽

Future Research ◽

Frequency Count ◽

Applied Psychology ◽

Narrative Paradigm ◽

Female Data ◽

Narrative Mode ◽

Insight Into

Abstract The paper purports to present a method that allows to obtain and analyze letters written by older adults to their real or imaginary grandchildren. This enables an insight into their individual life experience. The study used a narrative paradigm. Letter texts were obtained from 128 older adults from Poland, both male and female. Data was analyzed with mixed methods combining qualitative content analysis (using inductive analytical categories described in originally created Coder Completion Sheet) with frequency count. The analysis allowed a systematic description of content (themes in wisdom legacy) and the differentiation of two major formal patterns in the letters: (1) the narrative mode (storytelling); (2) the argumentative mode (legacy without narrative examples: advice, warnings, and wishes). The outcomes demonstrate the letter technique may be recommended for future research in psychology, narrative gerontology and for used in applied psychology also.

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The Role of Intersectionality in Access to Technology Among Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.996 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 259-260

Author(s):

Zainab Suntai ◽

Susanny Beltran

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Black Women ◽

Cell Phone ◽

White Women ◽

Well Being ◽

Physical Distance ◽

Future Research ◽

Laptop Computer ◽

Access To Technology ◽

Working Cell

Abstract In the era of COVID-19, technology has become a primary means of connecting with the world while maintaining physical distance, which is crucial for older adults who are at disproportionately high risk of infection and death. Throughout the pandemic, there has been increased emphasis on using telehealth to access medical and mental health care, and technology (e.g., apps, social media, video calls) for social interactions/communication to mitigate loneliness/isolation. Thus, COVID-19 has increased the need for older adults to access technology, and widened disparities experienced by those with limited access. This study used data from the 2018 National Health and Aging Trends Study, an annual longitudinal panel survey of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65+ in the U.S, to explore the association between the interaction of race/ethnicity and sex, and access to both a working cell phone and laptop/computer. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted. The sample (N=2,442) was 83.7% white, 8.5% Black, and 7.8% Hispanic. After accounting for other explanatory variables, logistic regression analysis indicated significantly higher odds of not having both a working cell phone or computer/laptop among White women (OR=1.518, CI=.1.510-1.527), Black men (OR=.1.741, CI= 1.720-1.763), Black women (OR=2.567, CI= 2.545-2.589), Hispanic men (OR=1.036, CI=1.022-1.050), and Hispanic women (OR=2.265, CI=.2.243-2.287) compared to White men. Overall, Hispanic and Black women were the least likely to have access to technology compared to other groups. Addressing technological equity remains a need. Future research should consider how the provision of devices along with technological literary programs can improve well-being among BIPOC women.

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Motivation and the Social Context of Aging and Decision Making

10.1093/oso/9780197528976.003.0011 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 234-251

Author(s):

JoNell Strough ◽

Kelly Smith

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Decision Making ◽

Cognitive Aging ◽

Life Experience ◽

Future Research ◽

Cognitive Resources ◽

Adult Age ◽

Age Related ◽

The Social ◽

Motivational Influences

This chapter focuses on the role of motivation for understanding adult age differences in decision making. It begins by reviewing research on cognitive aging and decision making. It then reviews research that highlights older adults’ motivation to selectively allocate cognitive resources when making decisions and their motivation to draw upon life experience and emotion regulation strategies. Next, because age-related shifts in motivation accentuate a focus on meaningful social relationships, the chapter considers social aspects of aging and decision making. It discusses age-related differences in selection of social network members and considers factors that may motivate older adults to involve others in the decision-making process. It suggests how research on motivation and aging and decision making could be used to inform decision-making interventions. After suggesting directions for future research, it concludes by highlighting the implications of research on aging and decision making for understanding contextual and motivational influences on cognitive aging.

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Refining Evidence-Based Treatments for Late-Life Depression

GeroPsych ◽

10.1024/1662-9647/a000127 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 67-76

Author(s):

Grace C. Niu ◽

Patricia A. Arean

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Mental Illness ◽

Brain Plasticity ◽

Late Life ◽

Aging Population ◽

The United States ◽

Future Research ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Late Life Depression ◽

Evidence Based Treatments

The recent increase in the aging population, specifically in the United States, has raised concerns regarding treatment for mental illness among older adults. Late-life depression (LLD) is a complex condition that has become widespread among the aging population. Despite the availability of behavioral interventions and psychotherapies, few depressed older adults actually receive treatment. In this paper we review the research on refining treatments for LLD. We first identify evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for LLD and the problems associated with efficacy and dissemination, then review approaches to conceptualizing mental illness, specifically concepts related to brain plasticity and the Research Domain Criteria (RDoc). Finally, we introduce ENGAGE as a streamlined treatment for LLD and discuss implications for future research.

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Metabolism and Distribution of Novel Tumor Targeting Drugs In Vivo

Current Drug Metabolism ◽

10.2174/1389200221666201112110638 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (13) ◽

pp. 996-1008

Author(s):

Mengli Wang ◽

Qiuzheng Du ◽

Lihua Zuo ◽

Peng Xue ◽

Chao Lan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Monoclonal Antibodies ◽

Small Molecule ◽

High Efficiency ◽

Tumor Therapy ◽

Research Progress ◽

Future Research ◽

Pharmacokinetic Parameters ◽

Molecular Characteristics ◽

Targeted Drugs

Background: As a new tumor therapy, targeted therapy is becoming a hot topic due to its high efficiency and low toxicity. Drug effects of targeted tumor drugs are closely related to pharmacokinetics, so it is important to understand their distribution and metabolism in vivo. Methods: A systematic review of the literature on the metabolism and distribution of targeted drugs over the past 20 years was conducted, and the pharmacokinetic parameters of approved targeted drugs were summarized in combination with the FDA's drug instructions. Targeting drugs are divided into two categories: small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies. Novel targeting drugs and their mechanisms of action, which have been developed in recent years, are summarized. The distribution and metabolic processes of each drug in the human body are reviewed. Results: In this review, we found that the distribution and metabolism of small molecule kinase inhibitors (TKI) and monoclonal antibodies (mAb) showed different characteristics based on the differences of action mechanism and molecular characteristics. TKI absorbed rapidly (Tmax ≈ 1-4 h) and distributed in large amounts (Vd > 100 L). It was mainly oxidized and reduced by cytochrome P450 CYP3A4. However, due to the large molecular diameter, mAb was distributed to tissues slowly, and the volume of distribution was usually very low (Vd < 10 L). It was mainly hydrolyzed and metabolized into peptides and amino acids by protease hydrolysis. In addition, some of the latest drugs are still in clinical trials, and the in vivo process still needs further study. Conclusion: According to the summary of the research progress of the existing targeting drugs, it is found that they have high specificity, but there are still deficiencies in drug resistance and safety. Therefore, the development of safer and more effective targeted drugs is the future research direction. Meanwhile, this study also provides a theoretical basis for clinical accurate drug delivery.

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Social Engagement and Episodic Memory in Non-Hispanic Black and White Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1101 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 343-343

Author(s):

Abbey Hamlin ◽

A Zarina Kraal ◽

Laura Zahodne

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Episodic Memory ◽

Cognitive Aging ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Future Research ◽

Social Activities ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Significant Positive Association ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Social engagement may confer cognitive benefits in older adulthood, but studies have typically been restricted to largely non-Hispanic White (NHW) samples. Levels of social engagement vary across race such that NHW report larger social networks, more frequent participation in social activities, and greater social support than non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB). Associations between social engagement and cognition may also vary by race, but research is sparse. The current cross-sectional study examined associations between different aspects of social engagement and episodic memory performance, as well as interactions between social engagement and race among NHB and NHW participants in the Michigan Cognitive Aging Project (N = 247; 48.4% NHB; age = 64.19 ± 2.92). Social engagement (network size, activities, support) was self-reported. Episodic memory was a z-score composite of immediate, delayed, and recognition trials of a list-learning task. Separate hierarchical linear regression models quantified interactions between race and each of the three social engagement variables on episodic memory, controlling for sociodemographics, depressive symptoms, and health conditions. Results showed a main effect of more frequent social activity on better episodic memory, as well as an interaction between race and social support indicating a significant positive association in NHB but not NHW. These preliminary findings suggest that participating in social activities may be equally beneficial for episodic memory across NHB and NHW older adults and that social support may be particularly beneficial for NHB. Future research is needed to determine the potential applications of these results in reducing cognitive inequalities through the development of culturally-relevant interventions.

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An Online Reputation Analysis of the Tourism Industry in Marbella: A Preliminary Study on Open Innovation

Journal of Open Innovation Technology Market and Complexity ◽

10.3390/joitmc7020111 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 111

Author(s):

María Jesús Carrasco-Santos ◽

Antonio Manuel Ciruela-Lorenzo ◽

Juan Gabriel Méndez Pavón ◽

Carmen Cristófol Rodríguez

Keyword(s):

Quantitative Research ◽

Tourism Industry ◽

Future Research ◽

Full Data ◽

Tourist Destination ◽

Specific Advice ◽

Sociodemographic Profile ◽

The One ◽

Online Reputation ◽

The City

This research analyzed the online reputation of Marbella as a tourist destination and the profiles of the reviewers according to sociodemographic characteristics. A correlational, quantitative research technique was used in this study based on the manual extraction of more than 4000 reviews generated on TripAdvisor. The data used in this study were collected from the TripAdvisor website, taking, as a sample, tourists who had visited the city in the last three years. Ratings that did not provide full data on the variables were excluded. The findings show that Marbella is considered a luxury shopping destination. The preliminary conclusions allow us to generalize about the sociodemographic profile of its tourists. The findings of the study will provide valuable information for Marbella’s Destination Management Organization (DMO). On the one hand, this study highlights the importance of ranking the attractions of the city to create better communication strategies and enhance the appeal of those attractions that receive the best ratings, establishing the true vocation of Marbella as a tourist destination. On the other hand, it provides information on what tourists perceive to be negative elements, allowing the administration to create an improvement plan. The novelty of this research paper is that it delves into Marbella’s online reputation through an analysis of specific attractions’ ratings. Areas that require further attention in future research have been highlighted, along with specific advice on each attraction that contributes to the tourist offerings of the city.

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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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The Socialization of Unpaid Family Caregivers: A Scoping Review

Research on Aging ◽

10.1177/01640275211005092 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 016402752110050

Author(s):

Kirstie McAllum ◽

Mary Louisa Simpson ◽

Christine Unson ◽

Stephanie Fox ◽

Kelley Kilpatrick

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Family Caregivers ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Family Caregiving ◽

Family Processes ◽

Future Research ◽

Socialization Process ◽

Role Negotiation ◽

Role Learning ◽

Socialization Agents

As unpaid family caregiving of older adults becomes increasingly prevalent, it is imperative to understand how family caregivers are socialized and how they understand the caregiving role. This PRISMA-ScR-based scoping review examines the published literature between 1995–2019 on the socialization of potential and current unpaid family caregivers of older adults. Of 4,599 publications identified, 47 were included. Three perspectives of socialization were identified: (1) role acculturation; (2) role negotiation and identification; and (3) specialized role learning. The findings show how socialization involves different contexts (e.g., cultures), imperatives for action (e.g., circumstances), socialization agents (e.g., family), processes (e.g., modeling), and internal (e.g., normalization) and external (e.g., identification) consequences for caregivers. Future research could fruitfully explore how caregivers manage key turning points within the socialization process, disengage from the caregiving role, and negotiate the socialization and individualization processes within diverse cultural and funding contexts.

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The Effect of Chronic Iloperidone Treatment on Cytochrome P450 Expression and Activity in the Rat Liver: Involvement of Neuroendocrine Mechanisms

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22168447 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (16) ◽

pp. 8447

Author(s):

Przemysław J. Danek ◽

Wojciech Kuban ◽

Władysława A. Daniel

Keyword(s):

Cytochrome P450 ◽

Rat Liver ◽

Combined Treatment ◽

Pharmacological Therapy ◽

Mental Wellbeing ◽

Cyp Enzymes ◽

P450 Expression ◽

Male Wistar Rats ◽

Expression And Activity

In order to achieve a desired therapeutic effect in schizophrenia patients and to maintain their mental wellbeing, pharmacological therapy needs to be continued for a long time, usually from the onset of symptoms and for the rest of the patients’ lives. The aim of our present research is to find out the in vivo effect of chronic treatment with atypical neuroleptic iloperidone on the expression and activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) in rat liver. Male Wistar rats received a once-daily intraperitoneal injection of iloperidone (1 mg/kg) for a period of two weeks. Twenty-four hours after the last dose, livers were excised to study cytochrome P450 expression (mRNA and protein) and activity, pituitaries were isolated to determine growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), and blood was collected for measuring serum concentrations of hormones and interleukin. The results showed a broad spectrum of changes in the expression and activity of liver CYP enzymes, which are important for drug metabolism (CYP1A, CYP2B, CYP2C, and CYP3A) and xenobiotic toxicity (CYP2E1). Iloperidone decreased the expression and activity of CYP1A2, CP2B1/2, CYP2C11, and CYP3A1/2 enzymes but increased that of CYP2E1. The CYP2C6 enzyme remained unchanged. At the same time, the level of GHRH, GH, and corticosterone decreased while that of T3 increased, with no changes in IL-2 and IL-6. The presented results indicate neuroendocrine regulation of the investigated CYP enzymes during chronic iloperidone treatment and suggest a possibility of pharmacokinetic/metabolic interactions produced by the neuroleptic during prolonged combined treatment with drugs that are substrates of iloperidone-affected CYP enzymes.

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