MEASURING SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS IN OLDER POPULATIONS: A SCOPING REVIEW AND INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract Socioeconomic status (SES) is often measured using indicators that are less relevant to older populations. Building on earlier debates about these issues, an up-to-date, critical review of contemporary evidence and approaches is needed. A key question is how these challenges might vary between countries and different socio-cultural contexts. An international systematic scoping review was undertaken to a) identify which measures of SES have been used in studies of older adults’ health, healthcare utilization and social care utilization, and b) critically appraise the application and validity of these measures in older populations. Systematic searches were conducted in five databases (Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, PsychInfo, Web of Science and Health Management Information Consortium) in May 2018. Studies were eligible if they reported data about the relationship between a measure of SES and self-rated health, healthcare use or social care use for people aged 60+ years, and were published after 2000 in a high-income country (as defined by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development). Sixty-two studies across seventeen countries were included. Measures used included: education (n=41), income (n=37), subjective SES (n=8), occupational or employment (n=10), area deprivation (n=10), combined wealth (n=7), home ownership (n=13), and housing conditions (n=2). A minority (n=7) used a range of proxy variables. The challenges of applying these measures to older populations will be considered. Attention is given to how these challenges may differ by country, whilst considering the added complexities of age, gender and socio-cultural context. Implications for future research on older adults’ health inequalities are discussed.

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MEASUREMENT OF SOCIAL NETWORKS OF ELDERS USING TECHNOLOGIES IN THE CONTEXT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE: A SCOPING REVIEW

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.280 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S72-S72

Author(s):

Sijia Wei ◽

Eleanor S McConnell ◽

Kayla Wright-Freeman ◽

Amanda Woodward ◽

Bada Kang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Networks ◽

Social Network ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Social Care ◽

Well Being ◽

Future Research ◽

Digital Devices ◽

Health And Social Care ◽

Care Technology

Abstract Social networks impact the health and wellbeing of older adults. The importance of social networks drives the need to reliably measure social networks. Advancements and innovations in the internet, electronic and digital devices, social media and health care technology enriches our ability to collect social network and health data to overcome limitations in social network measurement. This scoping review will review approaches utilizing technology to assist the measurement and analysis of social networks among older adults in the context of health and social care. Joanna Briggs Institute methodology was followed; PubMed (MEDLINE), Sociological Abstracts, SocINDEX, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched for related articles. Conference abstracts and proceedings were included. We discuss the gaps and advances in measurement of social networks of older adults using technology and implications for future research in social networks of older adults as a lever for improving health and well-being.

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The Socialization of Unpaid Family Caregivers: A Scoping Review

Research on Aging ◽

10.1177/01640275211005092 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 016402752110050

Author(s):

Kirstie McAllum ◽

Mary Louisa Simpson ◽

Christine Unson ◽

Stephanie Fox ◽

Kelley Kilpatrick

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Family Caregivers ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Family Caregiving ◽

Family Processes ◽

Future Research ◽

Socialization Process ◽

Role Negotiation ◽

Role Learning ◽

Socialization Agents

As unpaid family caregiving of older adults becomes increasingly prevalent, it is imperative to understand how family caregivers are socialized and how they understand the caregiving role. This PRISMA-ScR-based scoping review examines the published literature between 1995–2019 on the socialization of potential and current unpaid family caregivers of older adults. Of 4,599 publications identified, 47 were included. Three perspectives of socialization were identified: (1) role acculturation; (2) role negotiation and identification; and (3) specialized role learning. The findings show how socialization involves different contexts (e.g., cultures), imperatives for action (e.g., circumstances), socialization agents (e.g., family), processes (e.g., modeling), and internal (e.g., normalization) and external (e.g., identification) consequences for caregivers. Future research could fruitfully explore how caregivers manage key turning points within the socialization process, disengage from the caregiving role, and negotiate the socialization and individualization processes within diverse cultural and funding contexts.

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The Role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Older Adults’ Decision-Making Related to Health, and Health and Social Care Services in Daily Life—A Scoping Review

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph19010151 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 151

Author(s):

Susanna Nordin ◽

Jodi Sturge ◽

Maria Ayoub ◽

Allyson Jones ◽

Kevin McKee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Decision Making ◽

Information And Communication Technology ◽

Communication Technology ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Social Care ◽

Care Services ◽

Health And Social Care ◽

Information And Communication

Information and communication technology (ICT) can potentially support older adults in making decisions and increase their involvement in decision-making processes. Although the range of technical products has expanded in various areas of society, knowledge is lacking on the influence that ICT has on older adults’ decision-making in everyday situations. Based on the literature, we aimed to provide an overview of the role of ICT in home-dwelling older adults’ decision-making in relation to health, and health and social care services. A scoping review of articles published between 2010 and 2020 was undertaken by searching five electronic databases. Finally, 12 articles using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method designs were included. The articles were published in journals representing biology and medicine, nursing, informatics, and computer science. A majority of the articles were published in the last five years, and most articles came from European countries. The results are presented in three categories: (i) form and function of ICT for decision-making, (ii) perceived value and effect of ICT for decision-making, and (iii) factors influencing ICT use for decision-making. According to our findings, ICT for decision-making in relation to health, and health and social care services was more implicitly described than explicitly described, and we conclude that more research on this topic is needed. Future research should engage older adults and health professionals in developing technology based on their needs. Further, factors that influence older adults’ use of ICT should be evaluated to ensure that it is successfully integrated into their daily lives.

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Barriers to Help Seeking among Victims of Elder Abuse: A Scoping Review and Implications for Public Health Policy in Canada

Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement ◽

10.1017/s0714980821000295 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-16

Author(s):

Jessica K. Gill

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Elder Abuse ◽

Health Concern ◽

Future Research ◽

Informal Networks ◽

Canadian Context ◽

Effective Assessment

Abstract Elder abuse is a serious public health concern requiring immediate intervention; however, the under-reporting of elder abuse by victims to formal and informal networks remains a major obstacle. This scoping review aims to identify barriers to help seeking that older adults experiencing abuse confront. The goal is to inform public policies and practices in the Canadian context and identify research gaps in the extant literature. Seven scholarly databases were searched from which 12 articles met the inclusion criteria and were extracted for analysis. The findings from this scoping review revealed three levels at which barriers exist: individual focused, abuser/family focused, and community/culture focused barriers. The results suggest that there are several complex obstacles that older adults face when contemplating disclosure of abuse. Future research into help seeking in the Canadian context should more readily incorporate the voices of elder abuse victim-survivors to develop effective assessment strategies and responsive service provisions.

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The Effects of Cannabis Use on Cognitive Function in Healthy Aging: A Systematic Scoping Review

Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology ◽

10.1093/arclin/acaa105 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nina Pocuca ◽

T Jordan Walter ◽

Arpi Minassian ◽

Jared W Young ◽

Mark A Geyer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Function ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Web Of Science ◽

Cannabis Use ◽

Future Research ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

Older Populations ◽

The Relationship ◽

Chronic Doses

Abstract Background Older adults (≥50 years) represent the fastest-growing population of people who use cannabis, potentially due to the increasing promotion of cannabis as medicine by dispensaries and cannabis websites. Given healthy aging and cannabis use are both associated with cognitive decline, it is important to establish the effects of cannabis on cognition in healthy aging. Objective This systematic scoping review used preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines to critically examine the extent of literature on this topic and highlight areas for future research. Method A search of six databases (PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Family and Society Studies Worldwide, and CINAHL) for articles published by September 2019, yielded 1,014 unique results. Results Six articles reported findings for older populations (three human and three rodent studies), highlighting the paucity of research in this area. Human studies revealed largely null results, likely due to several methodological limitations. Better-controlled rodent studies indicate that the relationship between ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cognitive function in healthy aging depends on age and level of THC exposure. Extremely low doses of THC improved cognition in very old rodents. Somewhat higher chronic doses improved cognition in moderately aged rodents. No studies examined the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) or high-CBD cannabis on cognition. Conclusions This systematic scoping review provides crucial, timely direction for future research on this emerging issue. Future research that combines neuroimaging and cognitive assessment would serve to advance understanding of the effects of age and quantity of THC and CBD on cognition in healthy aging.

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Nonimmersive Brain Gaming for Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: A Scoping Review

The Gerontologist ◽

10.1093/geront/gny164 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 59 (6) ◽

pp. e764-e781 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Pallavi Sood ◽

Sandra L Kletzel ◽

Shilpa Krishnan ◽

Hannes Devos ◽

Ahmed Negm ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Research Field ◽

Cognitive Outcome ◽

Future Research ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Technological Advances ◽

Design And Methods

Abstract Background Technological advances have allowed a variety of computerized cognitive training tools to be engineered in ways that are fun and entertaining yet challenging at a level that can maintain motivation and engagement. This revolution has created an opportunity for gerontological scientists to evaluate brain gaming approaches to improve cognitive and everyday function. The purpose of this scoping review is to provide a critical overview of the existing literature on nonimmersive, electronic brain gaming interventions in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Research Design and Methods Systematic search was conducted using 7 electronic databases from inception through July 2017. A comprehensive 2-level eligibility process was used to identify studies for inclusion based on PRISMA guidelines. Results Seventeen studies met eligibility criteria. Majority of the studies were randomized controlled trials (n = 13) and incorporated an active control (n = 9). Intervention doses ranged from 4 to 24 weeks in duration with an average of 8.4 (±5.1 standard deviation [SD]) weeks. Session durations ranged from 30 to 100 min with an average of 54 (±25 SD) minutes. Nearly half of studies included a follow-up, ranging from 3 months to 5 years (n = 8). For most studies, brain gaming improved at least one cognitive outcome (n = 12); only one study reported improvement in activities of daily living. Discussion and Implications This scoping review conveys the breadth of an emerging research field, which will help guide future research to develop standards and recommendations for brain gaming interventions which are currently lacking.

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Identifying and understanding the health and social care needs of older adults with multiple chronic conditions and their caregivers: a protocol for a scoping review

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018247 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (12) ◽

pp. e018247 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Elana Commisso ◽

Katherine S McGilton ◽

Ana Patricia Ayala ◽

Melissa, K Andrew ◽

Howard Bergman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Family Caregivers ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Chronic Conditions ◽

Social Care ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Well Being ◽

Multiple Chronic Conditions ◽

Care Needs ◽

Health And Social Care

IntroductionPeople are living longer; however, they are not necessarily experiencing good health and well-being as they age. Many older adults live with multiple chronic conditions (MCC), and complex health issues, which adversely affect their day-to-day functioning and overall quality of life. As a result, they frequently rely on the support of friend and/or family caregivers. Caregivers of older adults with MCC often face challenges to their own well-being and also require support. Currently, not enough is known about the health and social care needs of older adults with MCC and the needs of their caregivers or how best to identify and meet these needs. This study will examine and synthesise the literature on the needs of older adults with MCC and those of their caregivers, and identify gaps in evidence and directions for further research.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a scoping review of the peer-reviewed and grey literature using the updated Arksey and O’Malley framework. The literature will be identified using a multidatabase and grey literature search strategy developed by a health sciences librarian. Papers, reports and other materials addressing the health and social care needs of older adults and their friend/family caregivers will be included. Search results will be screened, independently, by two reviewers, and data will be abstracted from included literature and charted in duplicate.Ethics and disseminationThis scoping review does not require ethics approval. We anticipate that study findings will inform novel strategies for identifying and ascertaining the health and social care needs of older adults living with MCC and those of their caregivers. Working with knowledge-user members of our team, we will prepare materials and presentations to disseminate findings to relevant stakeholder and end-user groups at local, national and international levels. We will also publish our findings in a peer-reviewed journal.

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Technology Use and Frailty for Community Dwelling Older Adults: A Scoping Review

Journal of the American Nurses Association - New York ◽

10.47988/janany.44473381.1.1 ◽

2021 ◽

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Technology Use ◽

Independent Living ◽

Final Analysis ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Future Research ◽

Geriatric Syndrome ◽

Frail Older Adults

Background: Frailty is a common geriatric syndrome defined as a state of increased vulnerability to acute stressors related to a decline in reserve. There is abundant literature on frailty interventions, however, the literature on technology as an intervention for frailty is scarce. Objectives: The purpose of this scoping review is to identify and summarize existing evidence on technology use as an intervention for frail older adults and to identify research gaps in the evidence base in order to inform future research. Methodology: This review utilized the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and a rigorous scoping review method to search the literature. A comprehensive search of computerized databases was conducted in July 2018 in the following databases published from 2013 to 2018: CINAHL, PubMed, and Academic Search Complete. Results: The database searches yielded a total of 183 articles. Forty-four duplicates were removed. There were 114 results excluded based on title and abstract ineligibility. Thirty-two relevant articles were retrieved for fulltext examination. Eighteen of the articles were excluded based on the inclusion or exclusion criteria. References of 14 included articles were hand-searched for relevant works to ensure completeness of the search. Four pertinent additional articles were identified. The final analysis included 18 articles. Discussion: Current research on technology use for frail older adults focuses on assessment and diagnosis. Methodological weaknesses limit generalizability and the validity of its findings. Few studies utilize frailty as an outcome measure, limiting available research directly related to frailty. Conclusion: More research is needed on the potential for technological tools as interventions for frailty in older adults living at home, specifically, to prevent pre-frailty and frailty. Keywords: frailty, frail elderly, aged, independent living, technology

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Experiences of Older Adults During the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States: An Initial Exploration of Nationally Representative Data at the Intersection of Gender and Race

Journal of Applied Gerontology ◽

10.1177/07334648211048258 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 073346482110482

Author(s):

Takashi Yamashita ◽

Wonmai Punksungka ◽

Samuel Van Vleet ◽

Abigail Helsinger ◽

Phyllis Cummins

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Older Adults ◽

Well Being ◽

The United States ◽

Future Research ◽

Gender And Race ◽

Baseline Information ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Project Data ◽

Older Populations

Little is known about the overall experiences and feelings of diverse older populations during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. To provide the baseline information for future research and policy, this study analyzed the 2020 Health and Retirement Study COVID-19 project data ( n = 1782). More than 70% of older adults reported the following activities: watching TV (98%), reading (90%), using a computer and the internet (83%), gardening (82%), walking (75%), baking and cooking (73%), and praying (73%). Volunteering and attending community groups, which are known to benefit well-being, were unpopular (less than 8%). During the pandemic, older adults were generally satisfied with their lives, but more than half of them were concerned about their own health, family’s health, and future prospects. Our study also showed the differences in the experiences and feelings by gender and race as well as the intersection of gender and race in the United States.

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The Association between Public Transportation and Social Isolation in Older Adults: A Scoping Review of the Literature

Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement ◽

10.1017/s0714980819000345 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 39 (3) ◽

pp. 393-405

Author(s):

Madeline Lamanna ◽

Christopher A. Klinger ◽

Anna Liu ◽

Raza M. Mirza

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Rural Communities ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Public Transportation ◽

Future Research ◽

Review Of The Literature ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Driving Cessation ◽

Sound Policy

ABSTRACTInadequate public transportation was recognized as a barrier to social participation, especially for older adults in rural communities and with mobility issues. Older adults will not benefit from opportunities to engage with their community and maintain social networks if they are unable to access them. The purpose of this scoping review was to make recommendations for further research and to summarize areas for improvement identified in the literature that will aid in the development of public transportation initiatives that can better address social isolation for older adults (≥ 55 years of age). Nineteen articles met the inclusion criteria, identifying themes of access to rural public transportation, issues with public transportation, and mobility. In practice, older adults need to prepare for driving cessation and mobility transitions; sound policy requires input to tailor transportation initiatives to an aging population, and future research should explore older adults’ transportation needs and potential solutions in urban and rural communities.

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