scholarly journals Interviewing an Elder: Students’ Perceptions of Change in an Introduction to Gerontology Classroom

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 102-102
Author(s):  
Sarah Hahn
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
High Impact ◽  
High Impact Practices ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Attitudes Toward Older Adults

Abstract Within the gerontological classroom, high-impact practices and creative assignments have consistently shown to help engage students, optimize learning, and increase positive attitudes toward older adults and aging (e.g., Chonody, 2015; Yamashita, et al., 2018). One such creative assignment, interviewing an older adult, has been cited as both an influential and valuable experience to gerontology students (e.g., O’Hanlon & Brookover, 2002). Although this assignment has been popular in and out of gerontology courses, more data regarding this and student’s understanding is needed. As such, this presentation aims to 1) introduce and establish the value of using the written assignment, "Interview an Elder" in the gerontology classroom and 2) present preliminary qualitative data on how students’ perceptions of older adults changed after the assignment. Using thematic analysis, results suggest that students are not only surprised by what they learned, but have increased positive perceptions of older adults overall.

scholarly journals Starting an Older Adult Lecture for First Semester Nursing Students With a Truth or Myth Game

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 14-14
Author(s):  
Lynn Brown ◽  
Pao-feng Tsai
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Final Exam ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
First Semester ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
New Information

Abstract False ideas about the physical and psychosocial characteristics of older adults exist in America. It is especially important that nurses are not susceptible to myths and stereotypes as these myths can affect the quality of patient care. For example, some people stereotype older adults as forgetful, disabled, ill, and unable to understand new information. Misconceptions and negative stereotypes are also present in first year nursing students. It is vital that students assess their own attitudes about older adults to form positive attitudes and gain knowledge about aging and health care needs. To achieve this goal, the older adult lecture in a first semester theory and fundamental course begins with a PowerPoint slide presentation asking students to distinguish truths and myths. The truth or myth topics include a) developmental tasks; b) common physiological changes; c) a comparison of delirium, dementia, and depression; and d) addressing health concerns of older adults. Active discussion follows the activity. Seventy to ninety percent of students correctly answered nine of ten questions related to older adult content on the final exam. Considering the increasing number of older adults in the health care setting, nurse educators must dismantle negative stereotypes with creative teaching strategies.

‘We’re not doing it to be nasty’: Caregivers’ ethical dilemmas in negotiating driving safety with older adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Michelle N. Lafrance ◽  
Elizabeth Dreise ◽  
Lynne Gouliquer ◽  
Carmen Poulin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Driving Safety ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Ability To Drive

Abstract The purpose of this research was to investigate how informal caregivers of older adults cope with and negotiate driving safety when their loved one is no longer safe to drive. Fifteen informal caregivers of an older adult living at home took part in the present study. Participants cared for individuals with a range of health conditions that significantly impaired driving safety, including dementia, Parkinson’s disease, macular degeneration, and stroke. A thematic analysis of participants’ accounts identified the complex interpersonal, social, and organisational context they encountered when their loved one did not recognise or acknowledge limitations in their ability to drive. This analysis highlights the ethical dilemma at the heart of caregivers’ experiences and identifies stake and blame as key considerations in the development of sensitive and effective policies and practices.

Students' Perceptions of Older Adults: Effects of a Service-Learning Experience

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. S-59-S-72
Author(s):  
Heather Kanenberg ◽  
Susan Mapp ◽  
Rustin Dudley ◽  
Margaret McFarland
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Student Attitudes ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Method Comparison ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
The Social ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Attitudes Toward Older Adults ◽  
Cultural Shifts

Previous literature has established an improvement in student attitudes toward older adults after a service- learning experience with this population. This study furthered the research by conducting a mixed- method comparison group study with a sample of 151 traditional- aged BSW students. Both groups increased in positive perceptions toward older adults on the Polizzi's (2003) refined Aging Semantic Differential Scale, and there was no significant difference between them. Qualitative results specific to those working with seniors suggest that students either improved or maintained positive attitudes toward this population. Therefore service learning may not need to be specific to this population to improve attitudes but does assist in reinforcing classroom material. Findings illustrate a need for further study of the overall impact of the social work curriculum as well as possible cultural shifts in attitudes toward older adults.

High-Impact Practices in a Care of the Older Adult Nursing Course

2020 ◽  
Vol Publish Ahead of Print ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan A. Zori ◽  
Beth A. Heydemann
Keyword(s):  
Older Adult ◽  
High Impact ◽  
High Impact Practices ◽  
Nursing Course

scholarly journals ‘I am busy independent woman who has sense of humor, caring about others’: older adults’ self-representations in online dating profiles

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 951-976 ◽  
Author(s):  
MINEKO WADA ◽  
LAURA HURD CLARKE ◽  
W. BEN MORTENSON
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Native American ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Online Dating ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Sense Of Humor ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Self Presentations

ABSTRACTSimilar to their younger counterparts, older adults (age 60+) are increasingly turning to online dating sites to find potential romantic and sexual partners. In this paper, we draw upon qualitative data from a thematic analysis of 320 randomly selected online dating profiles posted by Canadian heterosexual older adults who self-identified as Asian, Black, Caucasian or Native American. In particular, we examined how the older adults’ self-presentations varied according to race/ethnicity, age and gender, and how the language they used to describe themselves and their preferred potential partners reflected and reinforced idealised images of ageing. Our analysis identified five primary ways in which the older adults portrayed themselves. They depicted themselves as active and busy with cultural/artistic, social and adventurous activities; and also as physically healthy and intellectually engaged. Third, they emphasised the ways in which they were productive through work and volunteer activities. Fourth, they accentuated their positive approach to life, identifying themselves as happy, fun-loving and humorous individuals. Finally, they highlighted their personable characteristics, portraying themselves as trustworthy and caring. We discuss our findings with a particular focus on gender differences, drawing on literature on masculinity and femininity, and also look at capital and power relations by considering the online dating setting as a field in the Bourdieusian sense.

Expectations for Communication with Positive and Negative Subtypes of Older Adults

1998 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jake Harwood ◽  
Angie Williams
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Communication Apprehension ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Intergenerational Communication ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Age Identity ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
To Receive

The study uses a recently-developed scale for eliciting perceptions, expectations, and evaluations of intergenerational communication. As predicted, it is found that younger adults expect to experience more anxiety, receive more complaining, and receive lower levels of attunement from an older adult who is portrayed as “despondent” than one who is portrayed as a “perfect grandparent.” In addition, younger adults with more negative attitudes toward older adults expect to experience more negative affect, anxiety, and communication apprehension, to feel more compassion for the older adult, and to receive lower levels of attunement and more complaining from the older adult than those with more positive attitudes. Surprisingly, younger adults with higher levels of young age identification expect to experience lower levels of apprehension, more attunement from the older adult, and to feel more compassion for the older adult than those with lower levels of age identity. These findings are discussed in terms of theoretical models of intergenerational communication, in particular the communication predicament model. In addition, younger people's feelings of having “helped” an older person are discussed in the context of intergroup theory.

scholarly journals ALEXA, ASSESS MY MEMORY: THE FEASIBILITY OF EXTENDED HEALTH MONITORING IN AN OLDER-ADULT-LIVING COMMUNITY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S337-S337
Author(s):  
Jensen Davis ◽  
Shannon Howard ◽  
Gregory King ◽  
Phanidar Boddu ◽  
Kiran Jyothi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Health Monitoring ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Wearable Sensors ◽  
Voice Recognition ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Housing Complex ◽  
The Individual

Abstract The goal of most older adults is to live independently in their own homes, for as long as possible. There are many advantages to aging in place for the individual, but also challenges as changes in cognitive and physical health can occur over time. Especially for older adults living alone, tracking these changes is critical for early intervention and prevention. The relatively easy availability of consumer technology may provide one mechanism for monitoring older adults in their homes. We designed a pilot study to test the feasibility and acceptability of using wearable sensors (Fitbit sensors), in conjunction with automated interactive voice recognition technology (Amazon Echo), to monitor older adults’ physical and cognitive health during daily activities. Participants (7 females, 2 males; 65-80 years of age) were recruited from a housing complex for older adults with low income. They were interviewed about health monitoring technology before and after a 2-week measurement period during which they were expected to wear the Fitbit daily and interact with the Amazon Echo for 8 consecutive days. Feasibility challenges included limited skill in Echo interactions, remembering to do the assessments, and charging/uploading Fitbit data. Qualitative analysis of interviews revealed generally positive attitudes about technology, but low comfort operating the devices. These preliminary findings suggest that with additional training for older adults, sensors and voice recognition technologies could have significant roles in maintaining older adult quality of life by contributing to early detection of decline and timely intervention.

Undergraduate Students' Attitudes Toward, and Personality Correlates in Relation to, Older Adults

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (10) ◽  
pp. 1741-1748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Mansfield-Green ◽  
Nakita-Rose Morrisseau ◽  
Paul M Valliant ◽  
Joseph M Caswell
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Personality Factor ◽  
Personality Correlates ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Attitudes Toward Older Adults ◽  
Personality Factor Questionnaire ◽  
Students Attitudes

Attitudes toward older adults have been implicated as a variable likely to influence quality of life and care later in life. Given the trend toward an increase in the proportion of the population aged over 65 years in Canada, it is imperative to understand these attitudes. Prior researchers have indicated that personality traits are likely to influence individuals' attitudes. Therefore, we examined attitudes toward older adults and the personality correlates associated with these attitudes. Participants (N = 171 undergraduate students) completed the Kogan's Attitude toward Old People Scale and the 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire. Overall positive attitudes toward older adults were observed. Evaluation of the data showed that positive attitudes were associated with elevated 16PF scores, specifically, for rule-consciousness, warmth, emotional stability, and tension, with women exhibiting particularly high levels of warmth. Additional findings related to exposure to older adults and perceptions of the older persons themselves are discussed.

scholarly journals Are the Attitudes of Exercise Instructors Who Work With Older Adults Influenced by Training and Personal Characteristics?

2012 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Hawley ◽  
Dawn A. Skelton ◽  
Malcolm Campbell ◽  
Chris Todd
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Clinical Background ◽  
Exercise Classes ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Positive Effect

Little is known about the relationship between attitudes and characteristics of instructors and uptake and adherence of older people to exercise classes. This article explores these issues.Methods:The authors surveyed 731 UK exercise instructors with specialist older adult exercise qualifications. A questionnaire investigated instructors’ characteristics and attitudes toward older adults’ participation in exercise.Results:For mostly seated classes, EXTEND qualification (B = 0.36, p = .005) had a positive effect on instructors’ attitudes. Later Life Training qualification (B = −2.80, p = .003), clinical background (B = −3.99, p = .005), and delivering classes in National Health Services (B = −3.12, p < .001), leisure centers (B = −2.75, p = .002), or nursing homes (B = −2.29, p = .005) had a negative effect on attitudes. For mostly standing classes, experience (B = 0.20, p = .003) and delivering in leisure centers (B = 0.46, p = .032) had a positive and clinical background (B = −1.78, p = .018) had a negative effect on instructors’ attitudes.Conclusions:Most instructors have positive attitudes, but training and work context can influence attitudes toward older people’s participation in exercise classes both positively and negatively.

When Grandparents Move In

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 299-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian T. Smith ◽  
Kelly Charlton
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Aging Process ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Growing Up ◽  
Attitudes Toward Older Adults ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract. This paper explores the impact of growing up with an older adult in the home on one’s attitudes toward older adults. We surveyed 309 participants for their opinions on older adults, whether they grew up living with an older adult, and whether the older adult they lived with was ill. Those who grew up with an older adult had significantly lower opinions of the elderly but had less anxiety around their own aging process. This negative impact of contact seemed especially pronounced if the older adult was ill. Results indicate that although contact in and of itself can have a positive benefit on opinions toward the elderly, the nature of the relationship impacts the effectiveness of the contact.

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