scholarly journals LEVERAGING CRITICAL RURAL GERONTOLOGY TO IMPROVE RURAL GERONTOLOGICAL HEALTH

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S399-S399
Author(s):  
Laura Poulin ◽  
Neil Hanlon
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
Critical Approach ◽  
Complex Interplay ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Rural Settings ◽  
Health Experiences ◽  
Dynamic Communities

Abstract A critical approach in rural gerontology has led to a better understanding of the complex interplay between older adults unique aging experiences and the multidimensional and dynamic communities in which they live. The evolution of critical rural gerontology will be explored, outlining why a similar approach is needed in rural gerontological health. In particular, rural gerontological health literature must expand beyond a deficit focus that homogenizes older adult health experiences and recognize the complexities of negotiating older adult health within multidimensional rural spaces. Inherent in this approach is recognizing the intersectionality of older adult health as well as the need to study rural gerontological health as an experience enhanced and inhibited by interactions within and across formal health services, informal social services and informal care. This approach will contribute to innovations in policy and practice addressing the burgeoning interest of how to effectively care for older adults in rural settings.

scholarly journals Older Adults as Citizen Scientists and Policy and Planning Voices in Higher Education

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 547-547
Author(s):  
Lenard Kaye ◽  
Sarah Burby
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Community Based Participatory Research ◽  
Retirement Communities ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
University Policy ◽  
Adult Participation ◽  
Life Education ◽  
Older Citizens

Abstract The University of Maine is embarking on achieving AFU status. In addition to maximizing older adult participation in all facets of campus life (education, recreation, culture, etc.), their presence in nontraditional sectors of university activity will be emphasized. Building on the principles of community-based, participatory research, focal points of UMaine’s AFU strategy will be to ensure that age-specific, engagement mechanisms are created and maintained that ensure older citizens play an influential role in guiding and interpreting academic research and development and curricula innovation across multiple professions and disciplines. Using a state-wide, older adult research registry, and co-design, community test-beds in partnership with continuing care retirement communities, older adults will serve as citizen scientists. Other empowerment strategies for maximizing elder voice include expanding the number of departments that incorporate life span perspectives in their mission statements and expanding the number of older adult advisory bodies that inform university policy and practice.

The Impact of Natural Hazards on Older Adult Health: Lessons Learned From Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Elizabeth L. Andrade ◽  
Megan Jula ◽  
Carlos E. Rodriguez-Diaz ◽  
Lauren Lapointe ◽  
Mark C. Edberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Natural Hazards ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Natural Hazard ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
Preparedness Planning ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective: With natural hazards increasing in frequency and severity and global population aging, preparedness efforts must evolve to address older adults’ risks in disasters. This study elucidates potential contributors to the elevated older adult mortality risk following Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico through an examination of community stakeholder preparedness, response, and recovery experiences. Methods: In April 2018, qualitative interviews (n = 22) were conducted with stakeholders in 7 Puerto Rican municipalities. Interview transcripts were deductively and inductively coded and analyzed to identify salient topics and themes representing participant response patterns. Results: The hurricane’s detrimental impact on older adult health emerged as a prominent finding. Through 6 months post-hurricane, many older adults experienced unmet needs that contributed to declining physical and emotional health, inadequate non-communicable disease management, social isolation, financial strain, and excess morbidity and mortality. These needs were predominantly consequences of lengthy public service gaps, unsafe living conditions, interrupted health care, and the incongruence between preparedness and event severity. Conclusions: In a landscape of increasing natural hazard frequency and magnitude, a pattern of older adult risk has become increasingly clear. Study findings compel practitioners to engage in natural hazard preparedness planning, research, and policy-making that considers the multiple facets of older adult well-being.

scholarly journals Childhood Conditions Predict Chronic Diseases and Functional Limitations Among Older Adults: The Case of Indonesia

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (10) ◽  
pp. 1892-1916
Author(s):  
Morgan E. Peele
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Childhood Health ◽  
Current Health ◽  
Childhood Conditions

Objective: Limited knowledge exists about whether childhood health and socioeconomic status (SES) conditions influence health among older adults in Indonesia. Method: Data from Wave 5 (2014/2015) of the Indonesian Family Life Survey ( N = 6,530) was used to examine associations between childhood health and SES and hypertension, lung conditions, diabetes, lower body functional limitations (LBFL), and instrumental activities of daily living limitations (IADL). Results: Poor childhood health was associated with 34% higher odds of hypertension (odds ratio [OR] = 1.34, p < .05), 37% higher odds of diabetes (OR = 1.37, p < .05), and 32% higher odds of lung conditions (OR = 1.32, p < .05). Household overcrowding was associated with 22% higher odds of a LBFL (OR = 1.22, p < .05) and 24% higher odds of an IADL (OR = 1.24, p < .01). Lacking a household toilet was associated with 18% higher odds of a LBFL (OR = 1.18, p < .05). Adjusting for adult SES and current health did not account for these relationships. Discussion: Childhood conditions appear to shape older adult health in Indonesia.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review of In-Home Smart Technology Adoption to Improve Older Adult Health and Family Caregiving

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 409-409
Author(s):  
Geunhye Park ◽  
Erin Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Caregiver Burden ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
Facilitators And Barriers ◽  
Smart Technologies

Abstract In-home and internet-based smart technologies to improve older adult health has been rapidly developing. Technologies such as in-home sensors and smart homes enable older adults to live independently and age in place. These technologies also assist informal caregivers in their roles, thus reducing caregiver burden. However, technology adoption among older adults and family caregivers has been relatively low and reasons for technology acceptance are complex. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature, examining acceptance and adoption of in-home, internet-based smart technologies that are designed to improve health outcomes of older adults and can assist family caregivers in providing supports. This study utilized the Rew method (2011) and included peer-reviewed research articles published between 1991 and 2019 and available in: ISI Web of Science; PubMed; Scopus; CINAHL; and PsycInfo. A total of 1,227 relevant articles were identified with the search strings used and a final sample of 48 articles were included after the title, abstract, and full article review processes. Findings highlight several facilitators and barriers to technology adoption. Some facilitators to adoption include: technology familiarity, safety/security, personally tailored, non-obtrusive design, easy access, and reduction of caregiver burden. A few barriers include: cost, difficulty to use, time, stigma, privacy, data accuracy, and confidence. Additional findings will also be presented. A more thorough understanding of these facilitators and barriers to acceptance/adoption is crucial for the successful dissemination of in-home, internet-based smart technologies. Increased adoption can improve older adult health and reduce caregiver burden.

scholarly journals LIVING IN RURAL CONTEXTS: TOWARD A CRITICAL INTERDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVE ON RURAL AGING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S398-S398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kieran Walsh ◽  
Mark Skinner
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Policy Research ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
Critical Approach ◽  
Critical Gerontology ◽  
Rural Aging ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Rural Settings ◽  
New Rurality ◽  
Rural Ageing

Abstract Despite a growing focus on rural ageing, international literature in this field remains underdeveloped in critical and interdisciplinary perspectives. Reflecting traditional divisions across geographic, gerontological and health literatures, how we understand experiences of growing older in rural settings can still be characterised by a narrow, applied approach. This has implications for our capacity to disentangle multifaceted lived realities from rural contexts, and macro socio-economic and structural environments. There then remains questions about the ways in which the study of rural ageing needs to develop to direct policy, research and practice agendas to be a more critical reflection of these complexities. This symposium aims to draw together interdisciplinary critical perspectives on ageing and rurality as a means to advance this development. It will consider different theoretical approaches and major cross cutting challenges in relation to rural ageing. Burholt and Scharf will examine how critical gerontology has raised awareness of the heterogeneity of rural ageing across social justice elements of demography, resources, recognition and representation. Keogh and Walsh address these same elements in relation to the empirical intersection of exclusion and change in the production of a new rurality for older people. Cutchin and Rowles present a pragmatist theoretical perspective to encapsulate the essence of rural integration within an ever-changing milieu. Poulin et al. offer a critical approach to rural gerontological health that emphasizes intersectionality in the formation and development of older adult health. Herron and Skinner explore the intersectional construction of dementia and mental health in rural settings for older adults.

scholarly journals DISPARITIES IN DEPRESSION AMONG CHINESE OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S879-S880
Author(s):  
Zhichao Hao ◽  
qingyi Li ◽  
Nicole Ruggiano
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Old Adults

Abstract Depression has become one of the major health issues among older adults. In turn, various factors can facilitate or impede the occurrence of depression, socially, economically and culturally. Around 2050, China will have 487 million older adults or nearly 35 percent of the total population. Due to the different background of society, economy and culture, what explanations and knowledge can China provide based on present experiences and practices to help better understand depression among older adults from more comprehensive way? This study was conducted on the latest wave (2011-2014) of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS, 1998-2014). The sample included 7,107 Chinese older adults age from 65 to 117 years in China. A binomial hierarchical logistic regression was performed to examine the likelihood of having depression among older adults predicted by geographic characteristics, quality of life, chronic diseases, personal community services, social community services, and demographic variables including gender, age, and current marital status. Analysis indicated that approximately 10% of Chinese older adults in the sample reported depression. Compared to female and young-old adults (age 65-74), males (OR=.636, p&lt;.001) and oldest-old adults (age 95+) (OR=.822, p&lt;.001) were less likely to have depression. Older adults who lived in rural areas (OR=.681, p&lt;.001) showed less likelihood of having depression. Older adults who had better life quality (OR=.553, p&lt;.001) revealed less likely to have depression. Having social services in the community (OR=.908, p&lt;.05) significantly lowered the likelihood of having depression among Chinese older adults. Implications for research, policy, and practice are discussed.

scholarly journals Impacting Health Behaviors of Older Adults Through a Volunteer-Led Health Literacy Program

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 788-788
Author(s):  
Tara Cortes ◽  
Liz Seidel ◽  
Cinnamon St John
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Outcome Evaluation ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Train The Trainer ◽  
Community Needs

Abstract A community based, peer volunteer-driven educational program was developed to empower older adults to improve health behaviors through health literacy. A community needs assessment determined the curricula which included classes on chronic disease management and issues impacting older adult health. Volunteers were recruited and trained on the curricula by health educators using a train-the-trainer module. 173 volunteers convened 302 workshops, and trained 2,065 unique older adults who account for 5000 attendees. Using a pretest posttest design, an outcome evaluation found statistically significant increases in knowledge among older adult workshop attendees on 6 of the 7 health topics (p&lt;.01). Eighty-three percent of attendees reported positive health behavior changes at 3-month follow-up. The most commonly cited changes were increased physical activity and improved nutrition. Program challenges included volunteer scheduling and retention. Building a sustainable community-based, peer volunteer-driven health education program for older adults will be discussed.

scholarly journals Usability and Feature Evaluation of the Amazfit Bips Smart Watch in the Precision START Lab

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 196-196
Author(s):  
Jo-Ana Chase ◽  
Chelsea Howland ◽  
Malaika Gallimore ◽  
Blaine Reeder
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
User Experience ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
Smart Watch ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Training Materials ◽  
System Usability Scale

Abstract Interventions utilizing consumer-grade wearable and mobile devices may support older adult health and wellness. However, rapid technology change and short industry product release cycles limit timely incorporation of these devices. We developed a novel, multi-stage process to rapidly move from within-team evaluations to lab- and field-based participants studies based on small-sample technology testing methods from Human-Computer Interaction. We present findings from a first-stage evaluation of the Amazfit Bips smart watch for potential use in studies with older adults as part of the methodology validation. A four-person research team conducted evaluations using: 1) a wearables framework for user experience and feature availability; and 2) the System Usability Scale (SUS). Evaluators wore the watch seven days straight from the box. User experience checklists indicated high usability. However, corresponding comments identified challenges with downloading the mobile app, pairing the watch and phone, navigating watch and mobile interfaces, and privacy controls. Average SUS score was 65.6 indicating marginal usability (C grade). While meeting study goals, divergence in usability perceptions suggest the process could be improved by completing each set of instruments separately for the watch and mobile app rather than all at once. Given failures in pairing, app navigation challenges, and small screen size, the Amazfit Bips may be best suited for studies among older adults with a high degree of technical proficiency. For those with little technical experience or high disease burden, training materials and dedicated training with support may be required. Future steps are lab- and field-based tests with older adult participants.

Leveraging a contextually sensitive approach to rural geriatric interprofessional education

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 70-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura I. L. Poulin ◽  
Mark W. Skinner
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Health System ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Interprofessional Education ◽  
National Level ◽  
Adult Health

Interprofessional Education (IPE) has been recognized on an international and national level as an effective method of preparing health professionals for practice while also improving health system outcomes. In particular, recent research highlights that geriatric IPE initiatives can be mutually beneficial both to learners and older adults in rural communities. Despite this trend, IPE initiatives continue to produce mixed results. Although some scholars have acknowledged that IPE initiatives need to consider the complexity of healthcare contexts, there is a dearth of research that considers the diversity of rural communities or rural older adult health. This paper proposes that leveraging contextually sensitive rural gerontological health research marks a next step in IPE development.

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