UNIMAGINED FUTURES: THE PARADOX OF FAMILISM AND ELDERCARE AMONG AGING LATINOS IN THE CHICAGOLAND AREA

Abstract Scholars of gerontology highlight the ways aging varies cross-culturally. Whereas North Americans tend to describe “successful aging” as the maintenance of social and physical independence, Latin Americans tend to view aging as a natural process of social transition. In this study, we conducted a content analysis of nine focus groups (N =101) and 20 interviews with Latino older adults in the Chicagoland area to examine how they characterize successful aging and view the health declines that accompany aging. We found that Latino older adults often used rhetoric associated with “successful aging,” which tended to emphasize the maintenance of independence and physical functioning. Even immigrant respondents employed this language, suggesting that descriptions of “good old age,” may be more culturally transferable than previously thought. At the same time, the cultural values of respeto and familismo also emerged. Regardless of the participant’s nativity status, centrality of family and the importance of respect represented constant sources of support. Still, adherence to these values came with considerable drawbacks for those intensely focused on self-sacrifice for the sake of their families. Taken together, “successful old age” was defined by the participants as one in which a person maintains physical independence in the context of an interdependent, kin-focused, social life. This paradoxical combination of valuing independence and familial interdependence produced a number of benefits and challenges for Latino adults as they transitioned into to older adulthood.

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THE COURAGE TO EMBRACE OLD AGE

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.1517 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S408-S408

Author(s):

Jim Vandenbosch

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Old Age ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Television Programs ◽

Older Adulthood ◽

Cultural Perception ◽

Popular Films ◽

The Common

Abstract Most popular films and television programs reflect, and thereby reinforce, the common and entrenched cultural perception of aging as the “enemy” of vital living. Aging used to be kept at bay in popular films and TV programs through a stereotyping that allowed ridicule and avoidance. Today, such overt negative portrayals have begun to fall out of favor but are being replaced by a subtler form of ageism—that of “super-aging” where older adults who are seen as successfully holding onto their youthful ways are celebrated and held up as models of “successful” aging. This presentation will give an overview of how most popular films and television programs frame the experience of older adulthood, and will illustrate this with clips from such films. Then, in contrast, clips will be presented from films that present a more holistic and balanced view of elderhood.

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Self-compassion as predictor of daily physical symptoms and chronic illness across older adulthood

Journal of Health Psychology ◽

10.1177/13591053211002326 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 135910532110023

Author(s):

Heather Herriot ◽

Carsten Wrosch

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Longitudinal Study ◽

Chronic Illness ◽

End Of Life ◽

Old Age ◽

Physical Symptoms ◽

Older Adulthood ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Early Old Age

This study examined whether self-compassion could benefit daily physical symptoms and chronic illness in early and advanced old age. The hypotheses were evaluated in a 4-year longitudinal study of 264 older adults. Results showed that self-compassion predicted lower levels of daily physical symptoms across the study period in advanced, but not early, old age ( T-ratio = −1.93, p = 0.05). In addition, self-compassion was associated with fewer increases in chronic illness in advanced, but not early, old age ( T-ratio = − 2.45, p < 0.02). The results of this study suggest that self-compassion may be particularly adaptive towards the end of life.

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Relative Importance of Positive Aging Dimensions Among Latino Older Adults and Service Providers

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1100 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 342-343

Author(s):

Jennifer Smith ◽

Cate O’Brien ◽

Joseph Bihary

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Service Providers ◽

Leisure Activities ◽

Relative Importance ◽

Positive Aging ◽

Healthy Behaviors ◽

Mean Differences ◽

Positive Outlook ◽

Latino Older Adults

Abstract The variation in Latino older adults’ conceptualizations of positive aging across studies suggests greater attention should be paid to within-group factors. The purpose of the current study was to identify which factors are important to positive aging from the perspective of Latino older adults, and whether the importance of these factors varied based on participant characteristics. A second aim of this study was to examine whether there are differences in views of successful aging between Latino older adults and service providers who support aging Latinos. The current study was conducted as part of a broader research project investigating Latino older adults’ perceptions of positive aging. Latino older adults (n = 93) and aging services providers (n = 45) rated the importance of a series of statements related to positive aging. Mixed-methods analysis of the statements identified nine distinct dimensions (Positive Outlook, Spirituality/Religion, Healthy Behaviors, Independence, Self-Care, Support for Others, Social Support, Leisure Activities, and Adaptability). Latino older adults rated Positive Outlook and Spirituality highest on importance, and ratings differed based on gender and other individual difference characteristics. For example, men placed greater relative importance on Independence and Support for Others compared to women, and younger participants rated Independence higher on importance compared to older participants. In addition, Latino older adults (vs. providers) placed greater importance on all aspects of positive aging, with greatest mean differences related to providing Support for Others and Spirituality. These findings have implications for wellness programs for Latino older adults and training for service providers.

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Do Personality Traits Influence the Association Between Depression and Dementia in Old Age?

Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine ◽

10.1177/23337214211068257 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. 233372142110682

Author(s):

Adeleye A. Adaralegbe ◽

Henry Egbuchiem ◽

Oluwatomi Adeoti ◽

Khuzeman Abbasi ◽

Esther Ezeani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Personality Traits ◽

Old Age ◽

Social Life ◽

Early Life ◽

Population Based ◽

Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽

Established Relationship ◽

Life Education ◽

Adjusted Model

Depression and personality traits are independent predictors of dementia or cognitive impairment. Despite the well-established relationship between these two psychosocial factors and dementia, no research has been documented on how personality traits can influence dementia in older adults exhibiting depressive symptoms. This study explores the influence of personality traits on the association between change in depression and dementia in old age. A population-based longitudinal cohort study involving two waves of data collected 5 years apart, containing 2210 American older adults, from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project to explore if personality traits influence how change in depression predicts the development of dementia. We assessed these relationships while adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Change in depression increased the likelihood of dementia at T2 by 4.2% (AOR = 1.04, p = 0.019) in the co-variate adjusted model. Personality traits, overall, did not influence how depression predicts the development of dementia. However, agreeableness individually nullified the effect of depression on the development of dementia, whereas extraversion was the only personality trait that significantly predicted dementia. Prosocial behaviors should be promoted in old age as these appear to be protective. In addition, early life education and a strong social support can keep the depression–dementia spectrum at bay in old age.

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TóMALO SUAVE (TAKE IT EASY): HOW LATINO OLDER ADULTS PERCEIVE OF POSITIVE AGING

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.2623 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S715-S715

Author(s):

Lissette M Piedra ◽

Melissa Howe ◽

John Ridings ◽

Yadira Montoya ◽

Kendon Conrad

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Family Relationships ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Well Being ◽

Steering Committee ◽

Positive Aging ◽

Healthy Behaviors ◽

Back Translation ◽

N 93 ◽

Latino Older Adults

Abstract With the help of the Positive Aging of Latinos Study (PALS) steering committee (N = 20), we used concept-mapping methods to learn what Latino older adults (N = 101) consider important for aging well, positively, and successfully. We used data from nine focus groups (six Spanish, three English) to generate an unabridged list of 171 statements that described what positive and successful aging meant to participants. The PALS steering committee reviewed the statements, assisted with the translation and back translation of items in Spanish, eliminated vague and duplicate statements, and approved a final list of 85 statements. Next, Latino older adults thematically sorted (n = 35) and rated (n = 93) the 85 statements (using a 1-5 scale; higher values indicate greater importance). These data were used to produce a concept map for how participants conceptualized positive and successful aging. The final map consisted of 11 clusters nested within 4 overarching regions. Region 1 [Self-Sufficiency] contains clusters of items which address “Stability” and “Independence.” Region 2 [Healthy Behaviors] includes clusters with items related to “Staying Healthy” and “Avoiding Trouble.” Region 3 [Perspectives on Life] encompasses four clusters of items that address mindsets: “Tómalo Suave (Take it Easy),” “Outlook on Life/Self-Care,” “Emotional Well-being,” and “Maturing.” Region 4 [Convivir (To coexist)] features indictors of interrelatedness such as “Social & Community Engagement,” “Coping & Adjustment,” and “Family Relationships.” These findings provide insights into how Latino older adults conceive of positive aging, which could be useful when designing culturally sensitive programming for Latino seniors.

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SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT IN OLD AGE: IMPACTS OF AGING UNDER INTERPERSONAL, MORAL, AND POLITICAL CONTEXTS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.2886 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S785-S785

Author(s):

Minjie Lu ◽

Xin Zhang

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Old Age ◽

Social Engagement ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Public Affairs ◽

Interpersonal Interaction ◽

Moral Issues ◽

Future Directions ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Unfamiliar Faces

Abstract To promote successful aging, social engagement has been encouraged among older adults. Yet, thus far, research on older adults’ social engagement have been preoccupied with the close and intimate relationships between older adults and their families, friends, or caretakers. Little attention is being paid to how older adults may engage in peripheral social networks, civic activities, or public affairs. This symposium features four presentations that investigate older adults’ social engagement in these contexts. First, with the focus on interpersonal interaction with strangers, Yi Lu and colleagues examine the age differences in trustworthiness perception of unfamiliar faces. The second and third presentations focus on moral and political contexts. Minjie Lu will present the divergent impacts of age on the cognitive evaluations and emotional responses towards moral issues. Wong and Fung analyze older adults’ engagements in political discussions and actions and the factors that may promote these engagements. Last but not least, Nicole Fung and colleagues will present findings that generativity among older adults can promote sense of meanings and death acceptance, demonstrating the beneficial effects of social engagement in old age. Finally, Zhang will provide closing discussions about the implications and future directions of these presentations.

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‘Do it Forever’: Discursive representations of older adults and sexualities in vacation marketing

Journal Of Vacation Marketing ◽

10.1177/1356766718771421 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 25 (2) ◽

pp. 264-276

Author(s):

Bodil Stilling Blichfeldt ◽

Karina M Smed

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Old Age ◽

Successful Aging ◽

One Dimensional ◽

Sexual Identities ◽

Counter Narratives ◽

Relevant Case ◽

Promotional Video ◽

Discursive Representations

In advertising, sex has been ascribed a major role, but mostly in a one-dimensional, uniform, and ageist manner framing sexuality as the privilege of younger people. This has traditionally strengthened stereotyping discourses of older adults as ‘asexual’. However, in recent years, counter narratives emphasizing sex as an integral part of active, healthy, and successful aging have gained momentum. Using the promotional video ‘Do it Forever’ as a relevant case, this article analyzes representations of older adults’ sexualities in vacation marketing and points to how advertising is not ‘innocent’, but discursively positions older adults’ sexualities within an antiaging culture which positions older adults as ‘sexy olders’ in sharp opposition to the discourse of ‘asexsual old age’, potentially leaving older adults with little room to construct (a)sexual identities in-between the two strong and oppositional discourses.

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Aging and Old Age in Colombian Trans Women: A Grounded Theory Approach

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.991 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 309-310

Author(s):

Maria Reyes ◽

Maldonado Daniela ◽

Méndez Carlos ◽

Maria Ariza ◽

Vannesa Arias ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Grounded Theory ◽

Old Age ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Theory Approach ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Older Adulthood ◽

Main Research ◽

Personal Strengths ◽

Trans People ◽

Trans Women

Abstract Trans people around the world represent one of the most marginalized and stigmatized groups in society who are at high risk of discrimination, violence and abuse (White Hughto, Reisner, & Pachankis, 2015). In Colombia, older adults face a situation of vulnerability and poverty, and this situation is even more dramatic for older people with diverse gender identities. The research focused on understanding the challenges that a group of Colombian trans women experience in the process of aging and old age. An exploratory qualitative research project was carried out using constructionist Grounded Theory. Twenty five trans-women from 50 to 67 years old who live in Bogotá, Colombia participated. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The results address three main research questions: (a) How the participants overcome the life expectancy and achieve middle and older adulthood? (b) What are the barriers the participants faced in the aging process? (c) How do the group of Colombian trans women imagine and considered a successful aging? The results evidenced that the process of aging of the participants was influenced by six psycho-socio-cultural categories. A central category that was identified as opportunity, which was influenced by five categories: a) Violence, discrimination and transphobia, b) Transit process, c) Personal strengths d) Mobilization and activism and e) experience and perception the old age. Discussion. The challenges that the participants experienced were those associated with the process of aging and to their gender identity. Trans women achieve middle and old adulthood for their personal strengths, activism and mobilization.

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How Do Older Adults Define Successful Aging? A Scoping Review

The International Journal of Aging and Human Development ◽

10.1177/0091415019871207 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 91 (4) ◽

pp. 599-625 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Barbra Teater ◽

Jill M. Chonody

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Old Age ◽

Social Relationships ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Aging Process ◽

Theory Development ◽

Good Death ◽

Future Directions ◽

And Behaviors

Successful aging is a prominent theory that describes the aging process and the expected activities and behaviors older adults should engage in or exhibit to age successfully. Although this theory is used to gauge the extent to which older adults are aging successfully, older adults’ experiences and perspectives of what successful aging means to them are missing from the theory. A five-step scoping review framework was used to explore and synthesize the existing research that investigated older adults’ perspectives on successful aging. Twelve main themes were found and ranged from the importance of social relationships and interactions to having a good death. Findings indicated older adults do not define successful aging as strictly as is found in the literature. Old age and the aging process from the views of older adults provide future directions for theory development and research.

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