scholarly journals THE CENTRALITY OF GENDER EXPRESSION FOR TRANSGENDER ELDERS AND CONCEPTUALIZATIONS OF SUCCESSFUL AGING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S736-S737
Author(s):  
Steffany Sloan ◽  
Jacquelyn Benson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Gender Expression ◽  
Health Service Providers

Abstract Successful aging is a construct regularly addressed in the gerontological literature, most typically referred to as living in the best physical and cognitive health possible, experiencing the least amount of disease, and engaging actively within one’s social environment. There are, however, conceptually distinct aspects of aging for older adults who identify as transgender, particularly given lifelong experiences of marginalization and stigma. In order to identify factors transgender older adults consider most relevant to successful aging, a Theory-Generating Qualitative Meta-synthesis was conducted. The study utilized systematic methods and thematic analysis with qualitative data from empirical studies focusing on transgender aging experiences, particularly drawing upon data that amplified the transgender older adult point of view. Findings of this study indicate that although trans older adults do not minimize unique challenges inherent to aging as a gender minority, successful aging rests on the relief and resilience offered by authentic gender expression. As such, data from this study informed the development of a model of successful aging that centralizes the importance of gender expression. Understanding the central role of gender expression in later life can be especially impactful for social and health service providers, as it emphasizes gender affirming experiences as highly salient to one’s own assessment of quality aging. Furthermore, conceptualizing aging for transgender elders in a way that prioritizes the importance of identity can aid in preventing an unnecessarily deficits-based perspective for service providers, and supports the necessity of amplifying a culturally specific understanding of successful aging.

Risk and Protective Factors in the Life of Youth in Relation to Resilience

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-59
Author(s):  
Silvia Barnová ◽  
Viola Tamášová
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
School Psychologists ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Great Role ◽  
Health Service Providers

Abstract Introduction: A certain degree of stress is present in everyone’s life and young people are not an exception. Most of them show a certain degree of resilience and can cope with stressful situations without any difficulties, however there is a group of youth who live in toxic environments and need help. If there is a risk of failure due to the intensity of stressors; external formal and informal support have a great role to play as they have the potential to prevent negative developmental outcomes. Purpose: The authors’ intention was to make a review of available literature on the current issues of resilience research with a focus on the importance of protective factors in young people’s lives – especially when they are exposed to adversity. An emphasis is placed on the vital role of social support to individuals provided by schools as well as social services. Methods: In the presented literature review, multiple formal search methods including hand searching of key journals; electronic searching of journal databases and subject specific websites; reference scanning; and citation tracking were used. Conclusion: Individuals commonly demonstrate some level of resilience, yet most of them are able to deal with stressful situations without any harm. On the other hand, if the adversity is too high, the presence of social support provided by their social environment is important. In this context, good relationships in general and sufficient external protective factors provided by their social environment (schools, school psychologists, institutional social and health service providers) are important.

Toward a conceptual model for successful transgender aging

2021 ◽  
pp. 147332502199466
Author(s):  
Steffany Sloan ◽  
Jacquelyn J Benson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
The Body ◽  
Aging Research ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Resilience Factors

Transgender older adults have been subject to life-long stigma and marginalization, resulting in significant social and health consequences. Despite these challenges, this population commonly reports thriving in later life. In order to attend to nuanced experiences of older transgender adults, theoretical models of successful aging must reflect complexities presented by gender minority status. In order to address theoretical gaps, a systematic qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted to summarize findings across the body of qualitative transgender aging research. Findings indicated that transgender older adults conceptualize successful aging through the process of embracing gender identity. Themes were identified to conceptualize successful transgender aging such as gender expression, shedding internalized stigma, and championing a resilience mindset. Implications for social work practice are provided, suggesting a more comprehensive understanding of both challenges and resilience factors amongst the aging transgender population.

Early Child–Parent Relationship Quality and Cognitive Function in Older Rural Chinese Adults: The Mediating Role of Educational Attainment

2021 ◽  
pp. 089826432199656
Author(s):  
Changmin Peng ◽  
Jeffrey A. Burr ◽  
Dong Yang ◽  
Nan Lu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Relationship Quality ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Life Course Perspective ◽  
Early Child ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Parent Relationship

Objectives: Framed within a life course perspective and cognitive reserve theory, this study examined the mediating role of educational attainment for the association between child–parent relationships during childhood and cognitive function among older adults in rural China. Methods: Data were obtained from three waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study ( N = 9809). We employed latent growth curve modeling to test the association among early child–parent relationship quality, educational attainment, and cognitive function in later life. Results: Early child–mother relationship quality was associated with the level and change in cognitive function. Early child–father relationship quality was only related to baseline cognitive function. Educational attainment mediated the relationship between early child–parent relationship quality with mothers and fathers and cognitive function. Discussion: Parental relationship experience in childhood was one distal factor related to cognitive function among older adults. The findings supported the long-term impacts of childhood conditions for later life health consequences.

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

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.

The Role of Information Technology for Knowledge Exchange amongst Healthcare Stakeholders

2011 ◽  
pp. 550-563
Author(s):  
Lynne M. Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Current State ◽  
Health Service Providers ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
State Of Practice ◽  
Role Of Information

This chapter summarizes the current state of practice in the application of information technology (IT) for knowledge exchange amongst key health care stakeholders: healthcare consumers, health service providers, and researchers. The objectives are to review the practices that facilitate collaboration amongst stakeholders, the role of new technologies in facilitating exchange of information amongst key stakeholders, and the role of three key stakeholders as creators, consumers, and/or translators of information. The emphasis is on exploring an increasingly collaborative exchange of knowledge online.

scholarly journals EXPANDING SOCIAL TIES AS A GOAL IN LATER LIFE: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL NETWORK CHARACTERISTICS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S175-S175
Author(s):  
Danielle Oleskiewicz ◽  
Karen Rook
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Provision ◽  
Network Characteristics ◽  
Network Composition

Abstract Older adults often winnow their social ties to focus on emotionally rewarding ties (Charles & Carstensen, 2010). Some older adults, however, have small social networks that preclude much winnowing or aversive social ties from which disengagement is difficult. These individuals might be motivated to expand, rather than contract, their social ties. The current study sought to extend knowledge regarding potential links between social network characteristics and older adults’ interest, effort, and success in creating new social ties. We expected that small social networks and negative social ties might motivate interest and effort directed toward forming new social ties but that positive social ties might foster success in efforts to form new ties. In-person interviews were conducted with participants (N = 351, Mean age = 74.16) in a larger study of older adults’ social networks and well-being. The interviews assessed participants’ social networks, as well as their interest, effort, and success in making new social ties. Participants’ social network composition, rather than size, was associated with greater motivation to establish new social ties. Negative social ties were associated with greater interest and effort directed toward forming new social ties. Positive social ties were related to greater success (due, in part, to their support provision) and, unexpectedly, were also related to greater interest and effort directed toward forming new ties. Older adults sometimes seek to expand, rather than contract, their social ties, and characteristics of their social networks appear to play a role in fueling and influencing the success of such efforts.

scholarly journals USING VR FOR NAVIGATION ASSESSMENT IN OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S240-S240
Author(s):  
Scott Moffat
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Age Differences ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Spatial Strategies ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Field Of Inquiry

Abstract There has been a long tradition of wayfinding and orienteering studies in humans but these have mostly neglected possible age-related differences in navigation. This field of inquiry is experiencing something of a resurgence of interest due to the development of VR technology which has brought the systematic study of large scale navigation into the laboratory and into the MRI scanning environment. Empirical studies to date identify navigation as an aspect of cognition that is vulnerable to the aging process. Functional and structural neuroimaging studies in humans suggest that age-related changes in the brain’s “navigation circuit” may underlie these behavioral age differences. Older adults also adopt unique spatial strategies and knowledge of these strategy preferences could enlighten both basic science research in spatial cognition and also inform the development of age-specific technological assistance that may extend functional independence of older adults into later life.

Older Adults’ Recalled Memorable Messages about Aging and Their Associations with Successful Aging

2019 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 474-507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quinten S Bernhold ◽  
Howard Giles
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Hope Theory ◽  
Memorable Messages ◽  
Subjective State ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Dispositional Hope ◽  
The Right ◽  
Memorable Message

Abstract Using the Communicative Ecology Model of Successful Aging (CEMSA), this study examined how one’s own age-related communication and memorable message characteristics indirectly predict successful aging, via aging efficacy. Older adults with higher dispositional hope recalled memorable messages as (a) higher in positivity, (b) higher in efficacy, and (c) more likely to contain a theme of aging not being important or being a subjective state that can be overcome with the right mindset. Older adults were classified as engaged, bantering, or disengaged agers, based on their own age-related communication. Uniquely for CEMSA’s development and the blended role of hope theory within it, memorable message efficacy indirectly predicted greater successful aging, via heightened aging efficacy.

scholarly journals COGNITIVE DECLINE AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN RURAL CHINA: THE PROTECTIVE ROLE OF FORMAL SCHOOLING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S205-S206
Author(s):  
Yaolin Pei ◽  
Bei Wu ◽  
Zhen Cong ◽  
Mengyao Hu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Sampling Strategy ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Formal Schooling

Abstract Evidence shows that education is strongly associated with cognitive functioning; however, few studies have examined the effect of education on cognitive decline among older adults with very limited education. Our study analyzed six waves of panel data (2001, 2003 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2015) from the Longitudinal Study of Older Adults in Anhui Province, China. We estimated two-level multilevel models of cognitive functioning for older adults age 60+, sampled using probability sampling strategy. We found that having formal schooling was positively associated with better cognitive functioning. Older adults with formal schooling had slower decline in cognition and the gap in cognition between the literate and illiterate widened with age. These findings highlight the role of early life experience in affecting cognitive function in later life and suggest that disadvantages in cognitive functioning accumulate throughout the life course for persons with no formal education.

The role of travel in enhancing life satisfaction among Chinese older adults in Hong Kong

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (9) ◽  
pp. 1824-1848 ◽  
Author(s):  
XUE BAI ◽  
KAM HUNG ◽  
DANIEL W. L. LAI
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Travel Motivation ◽  
Travel Motivations

ABSTRACTLife satisfaction is an important indicator of wellbeing and successful ageing, while boosting life satisfaction in later life has long been a policy and service challenge. Based on a questionnaire survey with 415 Chinese older adults aged 60 years and over in Hong Kong, this study examined how older adults' travel motivations influenced their travel actions and how the travel affected their life satisfaction using structural equation modelling. A proposed ‘travel motivation–action–life satisfaction’ model showed an acceptable fit with the data. It was found that travel motivations stimulated older adults' travel actions, while their travels further contributed to greater life satisfaction. The findings of this study indicated the need for improved knowledge and understanding of older adults' travel preferences and requirements, and highlight the importance of enhancing awareness among professionals and service providers about the benefit of travelling in enhancing life satisfaction of older adults.

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