Age-Friendly as Tranquilo Ambiente: How Socio-Cultural Perspectives Shape Older Latinos’ Lived Environment

Abstract Researchers have increasingly considered the importance of age-friendly communities to improve the health and well-being of older adults. Studies have primarily focused on the built environment, such as community infrastructure, older adult behavior, and environmental expectations. Less attention, however, has been given to the role of cultural characteristics in shaping perceptions of age-friendly environments for Latinos. Using an ethnographic methodological approach, including participant observation in a Latino community near New York City and 72 semi-structured interviews, this study provides empirical insights into how older Latinos characterize age-friendly communities. Latino older adults described their community as age-friendly using Tranquilo Ambiente (TA), which translates to a calm or peaceful environment. According to older adults, a TA possesses the following: 1) a sense of personal safety, including protection of their body, 2) ethnic, social connectedness, including networks with other Latinos and important social and cultural events; and 3) a comparative understanding of their communities treatment of seniors versus other geographical and spatial locations. While much has been written on the role of the built and social environment in developing and implementing age-friendly communities, more research on the cultural significance and understanding of place among marginalized older adults is necessary. TA and its characteristics demonstrate that cultivating an age-friendly setting requires adapting structures and services to promote Latino older adults' social and cultural support and engagement.

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Age-friendly as Tranquilo Ambiente: How Socio-Cultural Perspectives Shape the Lived Environment of Latinx Older Adults

The Gerontologist ◽

10.1093/geront/gnab137 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Melanie Z Plasencia

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

New York ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Participant Observation ◽

Methodological Approach ◽

Well Being ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Adult Behavior ◽

Cultural Perspectives ◽

Design And Methods

Abstract Background and Objectives Researchers have increasingly considered the importance of age-friendly communities to improve the health and well-being of older adults. Studies have primarily focused on the built environment, such as community infrastructure, older adult behavior, and environmental expectations. Less is known about the role of cultural characteristics in shaping perceptions of age-friendly environments, especially among racial and ethnic minorities. Research Design and Methods Using an ethnographic methodological approach, including participant observation in a Latinx community near New York City and 72 semi-structured interviews, this study examines how older Latinxs characterize age-friendly communities. Results Latinx older adults described their community as age-friendly by way of the concept Tranquilo Ambiente, translated as calm or peaceful environment. More specifically, TA includes: 1) a sense of perceived personal safety, 2) ethnic and social connectedness, and 3) spatial and cultural accessibility. Discussion and Implications This study extends prior research that has largely considered structural or economic components to show how culture may also influence the well-being of older Latinxs, even if living in an under-resourced area. The concept of Tranquilo Ambiente demonstrates that both structural and cultural environmental factors influence older Latinxs understandings of age-friendly communities. By utilizing a socio-cultural lens, this research highlights how Latinx older adults benefit from an environment that supports their physical (e.g., well-lit and newly paved streets), social (e.g., city hall senior center), and cultural (e.g., events and programs that promote cultural heritage) needs.

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“There Was No ‘That’s Not My Job’”: New York Area Agencies on Aging Approaches to Supporting Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Journal of Applied Gerontology ◽

10.1177/0733464821991026 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 073346482199102

Author(s):

Claire Pendergrast

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

New York ◽

New York State ◽

Well Being ◽

Contextual Influences ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Response And Recovery ◽

Pandemic Response ◽

Increasing Demand ◽

Priority Needs

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many older adults’ traditional sources of formal and informal supports, increasing demand for Area Agency on Aging services (AAAs). This study examines strategies used by AAAs to support older adults’ health and well-being during COVID-19 and identifies contextual influences on AAA pandemic response activities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives of 20 AAAs in New York State. A combined inductive and deductive approach was used to code and thematically analyze the data. AAAs rapidly expanded capacity and dramatically modified program offerings, communications activities, and service delivery protocols to address emergent needs and minimize COVID-19 exposure risk for clients. AAAs’ trusted relationships with older adults and community partners improved their capacity to identify priority needs and coordinate appropriate supports. Policymakers should ensure that AAAs receive sustained financial and technical support to ensure critical community-based services are available for older adults throughout pandemic response and recovery.

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PET VISITATION AS NARRATIVE CARE FOR OLDER ADULTS IN THERAPEUTIC SETTINGS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.3182 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S867-S867

Author(s):

Jill Yamasaki ◽

Kelley Murfin

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Los Angeles ◽

Participant Observation ◽

Ways Of Knowing ◽

Well Being ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Term Care ◽

Personalized Care ◽

Healing Relationships ◽

Therapeutic Settings

Abstract A growing body of research highlights the physiological and psychosocial benefits of pet visitation programs in therapeutic settings. These programs utilize the profound connection between humans and animals to promote holistic healing, foster greater quality of life, and influence meaningful communication between patients and providers. For older adults in hospitals or long-term care, these benefits are often correlated with moments of pleasure, comfort, relaxation, and entertainment. The current study builds on this prior knowledge by examining pet visitation programs as a novel form of narrative care that can also help preserve biographical continuity and promote the sharing of lived stories. We worked with two volunteer pet visitation programs in Houston and one in Los Angeles. Our research included a variety of ethnographic methods, including participant observation; informal interviews with providers, patients (or residents, depending on the context), and their families; semi-structured interviews with volunteers; and discourse review of organizational materials. We employed a method of constant comparison to identify and thematically analyze recurrent patterns of behavior and overarching meanings across the data. Three primary themes emerged from the data: (a) compassion, (b) connection, and (c) response. Collectively, the presence of pets prompted stories and behaviors that foster healing relationships characterized by empathy and mutual understanding between patients (or residents), family members, and providers. Pet visitation programs facilitate storied conversations, increased autonomy, and alternative ways of knowing that promote greater understandings of the patient’s (or resident’s) psychosocial context and biographical history, leading to more personalized care and improved well-being.

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AN ACTING AND IMPROV CLASS: WELL-BEING AND COMMUNITY BELONGING FOR OLDER AFRICAN AMERICANS IN LOW-INCOME HOUSING

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.520 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S144-S144

Author(s):

Laura Sutherland ◽

Ruth E Dunkle ◽

Garrett T Pace ◽

Ariel Kennedy ◽

Pat Baldwin

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Low Income ◽

Participant Observation ◽

Well Being ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Public Performance ◽

Community Belonging ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽

Low Income Housing

Abstract Arts-based interventions can enhance the quality of life of older adults, but community-dwelling older adults may have reduced access to such interventions. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a creative arts program can improve the overall health and well-being of older adults in low-income housing. A university social work department and community agency collaborated in establishing a professionally run theater group of older adults in two low-income housing buildings in an urban area. All residents were encouraged to participate. The study consisted of three twelve-week acting and improvisation courses, focusing on either staged reading of monologues and dialogues, co-writing a script, or staged reading of a complete play. Each class culminated in a public performance for the building. Fourteen participants enrolled, all African American (11 women, 3 men; mean age 66 years; mean ADL = 1.4 (range of 1-2.5)). Attendance on average was 8 classes. Data were collected through pre- and post-test questionnaires, participant observation of class sessions, semi-structured interviews with building managers, and post-session participant reflections. Thematic analysis was performed, and revealed key themes of increased community belonging, increased confidence, and increased daily coping abilities. Additional themes included the gaining of new artistic skills and interest in continuing classes. Barriers to participation included difficulty in recruitment and absence due to ongoing health conditions and caregiving responsibilities. This project has implications for the potential of arts-based programming to increase well-being for underrepresented community-dwelling older adults.

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The perceptions of workers in a long-term care institution for older adults regarding the family

Texto & Contexto - Enfermagem ◽

10.1590/0104-07072014003170013 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 23 (4) ◽

pp. 971-978 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Naiana Oliveira dos Santos ◽

Margrid Beuter ◽

Nara Marilene Oliveira Girardon-Perlini ◽

Lisiane Manganelli Girardi Paskulin ◽

Marinês Tambara Leite ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Long Term Care ◽

Well Being ◽

The Elderly ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Term Care ◽

Care Institution ◽

The Family

This study aimed to investigate the perception of the workers in a Long-Term Care Institution for the Elderly regarding the families of the older adults in the institution. It is qualitative research, undertaken with 16 workers of the multidisciplinary team. Data collection occurred in February-June 2012, through semi-structured interviews. The technique used for treatment of the data was thematic analysis. The results indicate that the family members visit the Long-Term Care Institution for the Elderly rarely, with commemorative dates being the main occasions in which they appear. The workers evidenced some situations of abandonment, in which the family does not visit the older adult even when called. They understand that nobody can substitute the role of the family, as it is the reference for the older adults. Therefore, spending time with the family can positively influence the well-being of the older adults in institutions.

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AGING STRONG 2020: INTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE LONELINESS AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.657 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S184-S184

Author(s):

Charlotte Yeh ◽

Daniel Russell ◽

James Schaeffer

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

New York ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Well Being ◽

Insurance Company ◽

Holistic Model ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Research Initiative ◽

Socially Isolated

Abstract Research confirms serious and concerning health implications for lonely and socially isolated older adults. Studies consistently demonstrate that older adults who are lonely or socially isolated have higher rates of depression, more health conditions, and greater mortality. AARP Services, Inc. (ASI) and UnitedHealthcare (UHC) are committed to the health and well-being of insureds in AARP® Medicare Supplement Plans insured by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company (for New York certificate holders, UnitedHealthcare of New York), recognizing that health and wellness should be promoted on a holistic level to ensure successful aging. As part of this commitment, a research initiative entitled Aging Strong 2020 has been developed. Its purpose is to impact insureds’ personal and social investments in their well-being Thus a related series of interventions are aiming to increase resilience by focusing on enhanced purpose in life, social connectedness, and optimism. This symposium will specifically discuss these efforts related to social connectedness and how they have improved well-being among lonely older adults. First discussed is the prevalence and outcomes of loneliness in a large national survey. Interventions include use of animatronic pets, a telephonic reminiscent memory program, and an online self-compassion mindfulness program. Findings from these initiatives demonstrate that interventions designed to improve loneliness and well-being among lonely older adults can contribute to the holistic model of health.

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The Moderating Impact of Attending Services on the Effect of Older Adults’ Discrimination Experiences on Loneliness

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1035 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 323-323

Author(s):

Dahee Kim ◽

Kyuho Lee

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Perceived Discrimination ◽

Well Being ◽

Religious Community ◽

Religious Activities ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Religious Behaviors ◽

Religious Services ◽

The Impact

Abstract Research has shown that perceived discriminations impact physical and mental health in later life. Discrimination experiences could make older adults consider themselves as a social misfit and decrease their social interactions, which finally increases their loneliness. Religious behaviors has been reported as a key factor of a lower sense of isolation. Considering that religious behaviors provide opportunities to engage in more extensive social networks and have supportive social ties with community members, attending religious services might decrease the impact of older adults’ perceived discrimination on loneliness. The current research aims to examine the moderating role of religious services attendance in the association between older adults’ perceived discrimination and loneliness. We used data of 4,488 adults aged 50 to 80 (M=66.27, SD=10.15) from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) collected in 2012 and 2014. Linear regression analysis was performed to investigate whether older adults’ religious service attendance might decrease the impact of their perceived discriminations in daily life on the level of loneliness. The results indicated that more perceived discriminations older adults face on a daily basis were significantly associated with higher levels of loneliness. However, participants who frequently attended religious services showed a lower impact of perceived discriminations on their loneliness. These findings highlight the positive effects of engaging in religious activities on discriminated older adults’ social well-being. These findings also emphasize the role of the religious community as a social resource for socially marginalized older adults.

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Older Adults’ Adaptations to the Call for Social Distancing and Use of Technology: Insights From Socioemotional Selectivity Theory and Lived Experiences

Journal of Applied Gerontology ◽

10.1177/0733464821996864 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 073346482199686

Author(s):

Shoshana H. Bardach ◽

Elizabeth K. Rhodus ◽

Kelly Parsons ◽

Allison K. Gibson

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Technology Use ◽

Technology Training ◽

Well Being ◽

Socioemotional Selectivity Theory ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Socioemotional Selectivity ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Use Of Technology ◽

Comparison Approach

Social distancing guidelines during COVID can be isolating, especially for older adults, with potential for poor health outcomes. Technology offers opportunities for remote connection, yet, older adults’ use of and perspectives on technology during this time remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into older adults’ technology use and preferences to inform the development of a technology training intervention to support older adult well-being. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 older adults. Interviews were analyzed using an iterative, constant comparison approach. Findings were consistent with Socioemotional Selectivity Theory; respondents were primarily interested in technology to support emotionally meaningful goals. Participants indicated limited interest in technology training, referencing diminished future time perspectives to explain disinterest. Findings suggest that efforts to encourage older adults’ expanded technology adoption should highlight how use supports emotionally meaningful goals and provide low-effort, timely training, tied to specific and clear applications.

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