Driving and psychiatric illness in later life

2020 ◽  
pp. 893-906
Author(s):  
Desmond O’Neill ◽  
Mark J. Rapoport
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Older People ◽  
Psychiatric Illness ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Functional Approach ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Low Threshold ◽  
Road Testing

Access to transportation, and in particular to driving, is possibly more important in later life for the maintenance of health and wellbeing than at earlier stages of life. Those involved with the care of older people with psychiatric illness need to routinely inquire about driving and transportation, and to develop routines of assessment and care that appropriately balance transportation needs and public safety. The increasing research evidence base favours a functional approach with emphasis on behaviour and judgment, collateral history, a broad view of cognitive function, and a low-threshold for on-road testing for those with the early stages of dementia. In addition, initiating planning for transportation for when driving is no longer possible is recommended.

Driving and psychiatric illness in later life

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Desmond O’Neill
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Psychiatric Illness ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Functional Approach ◽  
Low Threshold ◽  
Road Testing ◽  
Health And Well Being

Access to transportation, and in particular to driving, is possibly more important in later life for the maintenance of health and well-being than at earlier stages of life. Those involved with the care of older people with psychiatric illness need to routinely inquire about driving and transportation, and to develop routines of assessment and care which appropriately balance transportation needs and public safety. The increasing research evidence base favours a functional approach with emphasis on behaviour and judgement, collateral history, a broad view of cognitive function and a low-threshold for on-road testing for those with the early stages of dementia. In addition, initiating planning for transportation for when driving is no longer possible is recommended.

scholarly journals Contextualising English generalist day centres for older people: operational characteristics and typical days. Findings from case study research

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharine Orellana ◽  
Jill Manthorpe ◽  
Anthea Tinker
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Community Resources ◽  
Community Assets ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Operational Characteristics ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Day Services

Abstract Reports of Covid-19 pandemic related day centre closures impacting negatively on their attenders and family carers have fuelled a resurgence of interest in these services. The absence of detailed descriptions of this common, but often ‘invisible’, preventive service from the literature limits the evidence base since outcomes data without context are less meaningful. This descriptive article aims to demystify these diverse and multi-faceted settings by painting a rich, contemporary, pre-Covid pandemic picture of four purposively selected English day centres for older people using data from diary notes made during 56 full-day visits, documentation provided by centre managers, and interviews with 23 centre managers, staff and volunteers. The article aims to further understanding of these settings for potential collaborators and social care and health professionals, particularly in the context of rising social prescribing initiatives in England with their focus on linking older people to asset-based community resources. We provide baseline data for conversations concerning optimisation of such services in the post-pandemic recovery period and beyond: how buildings may be regarded as valuable community assets with potential, and how other parts of the health and care system may better interact with day services to improve older people’s, carers’ and others’ health and wellbeing, and to benefit of staff working elsewhere in health and care.

scholarly journals Omega 3 fatty acids and cognitive health in older people

2012 ◽  
Vol 107 (S2) ◽  
pp. S152-S158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan D. Dangour ◽  
Valentina A. Andreeva ◽  
Emma Sydenham ◽  
Ricardo Uauy
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Older People ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Intervention Studies ◽  
Cochrane Review ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Age Related

Oily fish and other sources of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPs) have been proposed as protective against dementia and age related cognitive impairment. The basic mechanisms underlying these proposed benefits have been postulated and experimental studies supporting the plausibility of the putative effects have been published. Observational epidemiological and case control studies also largely support a protective role of fish consumption on cognitive function with advancing age, albeit with important unexplained heterogeneity in findings. In this review we report the findings of the latest Cochrane review on the benefits of n-3 LCP supplementation on cognitive function among cognitively healthy older people and expand the review by including trials conducted with individuals with prevalent poor cognitive function or dementia. We identified seven relevant trials, four among cognitively healthy older people, and three among individuals with pre-existing cognitive decline or dementia, and overall conclude that there is no evidence to support the routine use of n-3 LCPs supplements for the prevention, or amelioration, of cognitive decline in later life. We identified several challenges in the design of intervention studies for the prevention of dementia and cognitive decline in older people that require careful consideration especially in recruitment and retention in long-term trials. Whether the lack of agreement in findings from mechanistic and observational data and from intervention studies reflects a real absence of benefit on cognitive function from n-3 LCP supplementation, or whether it reflects intrinsic limitations in the design of published studies remains open to question.

Third sector partnerships for older people: insights from live at home schemes in the UK

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 148-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olumide Adisa
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Third Sector ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Uk ◽  
At Home

Purpose While there is a rich literature on the role of partnerships between statutory agencies and third sector organisations for public service delivery in health and social care, the evidence base on, partnerships between community-based groups and charities for older people in the UK is lacking. Drawing on quantitative and qualitative data, the purpose of this paper is to examines partnerships within 46 live at home (LAH) schemes. These schemes were specifically designed to tackle isolation and promote independence and wellbeing by providing a wide range of activities, based on the needs of its members. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on an online survey of 46 LAH schemes and face-to-face interviews with seven scheme managers to capture data on the various partnership initiatives within the LAH schemes. Findings Third sector partnerships for older people varied by type – formal, semi-formal and informal. In addition, third sector partnership working fosters the achievement of clear outcomes for older people who LAH and could be a mechanism for building social capital in communities. The study also identified barriers to developing third sector partnerships within this context. Mapping existing partnerships in LAH schemes were considered to be useful in engaging with partners. LAH scheme managers were better able to identify partnerships that could be deepened and broadened, depending on the desired outcomes. Originality/value To the author’s knowledge, there are few studies on third sector partnership working in LAH schemes for older people. According to Age UK, there are 1.2m chronically lonely older people in the UK. Over half of all people aged 75 and over live alone (ONS, 2015). Loneliness and social isolation in later life are considered to be two of the largest health concerns we face. Scaling up these third sector partnerships may offer a credible way to shore up support for older people who live alone or want to live at home.

scholarly journals Using O*NET Linkages to Advance Research: An Example Evaluating Cognitive Function and Work Transitions

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 231-231
Author(s):  
Dawn Carr
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Complexity ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Potential Influence ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Advance Research ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Retirement Study

Abstract The type of work older adults engage in has potential to play a key role in shaping health and wellbeing. In this presentation, using data drawn from an O*NET crosswalk linked with the Health and Retirement Study, I show how different types of transitions out of the workforce shapes cognitive function differently for individuals retiring from different types of occupations. Based on a factor analysis of 36 job-related abilities, activities, and contexts, this paper shows that retirement has a more significant consequence for cognitive function for those who retire from jobs with low levels of cognitive complexity, but no significant consequences for those who retire from jobs with high levels of cognitive complexity. I discuss these results in the context of the ways in which O*NET classifications of jobs can provide critical insights into the potential influence of changing retirement trajectories on wellbeing in later life.

scholarly journals Older People’s Preferences for Housing and Environment Characteristics

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (14) ◽  
pp. 5723
Author(s):  
Emma Mulliner ◽  
Mike Riley ◽  
Vida Maliene
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Later Life ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Ageing In Place ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Age In Place ◽  
Key Drivers

Population ageing presents significant challenges for many countries, one of which is the provision of adequate housing. Developing understanding of the needs and preferences of ageing societies will be crucial in order to assist in the provision of suitable housing and communities that are sustainable in the long term. While a preference to ‘age in place’ is clear in the literature, comparatively less academic research is available on older people’s preferences for more specific housing and environment attributes. The aim of this study is to identify the main housing and environment characteristics that are linked to the health and wellbeing of the elderly and determine the preferences for such characteristics via a survey with UK residents aged 55+. The results indicate a strong preference for independent living and an increasing desire for bungalows in later life. Housing conditions, energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and home adaptions to facilitate ageing in place are particularly important housing characteristics to older people. The location and environment are also key drivers of housing preferences; a safe neighbourhood, accessibility to amenities, public transport, and a clean and walkable environment are particularly important. Preferences varied with age, but gender has a less significant impact on the preferences expressed. The findings of this study will be valuable for stakeholders engaged in housing policy and provision for older people.

scholarly journals Exploring the importance of discretionary mobility in later life

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Musselwhite
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Policy Practice ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Travel Needs

Purpose Travel and mobility for older people has typically focussed on the practical benefits to the individual, for example, in meeting utilitarian needs of shopping, appointments and staying connected to family and friends. However, previous research has hinted that travel for its own sake, to get out and about and feel and experience mobility, may be just as important for older people and is especially missed when individuals give-up driving. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This paper examines travel for its own sake, usually referred to as discretionary travel, interviewing 20 older people in each of three different contexts: for drivers, for community transport users and for non-drivers who receive lifts from family and friends. Findings Older people not only enjoy discretionary travel, but also feel it is beneficial to their health and wellbeing. The car and especially driving, is seen as the best way to fulfil discretionary travel. Community transport users do fulfil discretionary travel needs but these are over formalised and lack spontaneity affecting feelings of control and identity. Receiving lifts from family and friends can often result in older people feeling a burden to the providers of the lifts especially when travel is viewed as discretionary. Practical implications More needs to be done to ensure discretionary travel needs are met for those without cars, highlighting the importance of such travel to community transport providers and helping reduce the feeling of being a burden to family and friends. Originality/value Policy, practice and research has tended to focus on transport as a means to an end. However, older people themselves value mobility just as much for its own sake and just to view nature. Such discretionary reasons for mobility are actually very important for health and wellbeing of older people and need more attention.

scholarly journals Life-Course Transitions to Precarious Housing in Older Age

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 596-596
Author(s):  
Helen Barrie ◽  
Debbie Faulkner ◽  
Laurence Lester
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Life Course ◽  
Home Ownership ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Life Course Transitions ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Household Dynamics ◽  
The Life Course

Abstract Home is central to health and wellbeing; yet the changing nature of work, household dynamics and especially housing markets, with scant policy attention and action around this, means low-middle income households are struggling in many countries. In Australia, while older people are considered to be at less risk because of higher levels of home ownership, there is a growing body of evidence about the living situations of older people who have not attained or retained home ownership over the life course and have limited wealth and savings moving into later life. This paper presents the findings of multivariate regression modelling using HILDA, a national longitudinal panel survey, to identify the profile(s) of older people at risk of homelessness in Australia. The data makes it clear a range of structural and individual factors across the life course are increasingly impacting on the ability to live a good life in older age.

scholarly journals Contextualising English generalist day centres for older people: operational characteristics and typical days. Findings from case study research

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharine Orellana ◽  
Jill Manthorpe ◽  
Anthea Tinker
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Community Resources ◽  
Community Assets ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Operational Characteristics ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Day Services

Abstract Reports of Covid-19 pandemic related day centre closures impacting negatively on their attenders and family carers have fuelled a resurgence of interest in day centres, a common, but often ‘invisible’, preventive service. The absence of detailed descriptions of these services from the literature limits the evidence base since outcomes data without context are less meaningful. This descriptive article aims to further understanding of these diverse and multi-faceted settings for potential collaborators and social care and health professionals, particularly in the context of rising social prescribing initiatives in England with their focus on linking older people to asset-based community resources. Using data from documentation provided by managers of four purposively selected English day centres for older people, interviews with 23 centre managers, staff and volunteers, and notes made during 56 full-day visits, this article presents a rich, contemporary, non-interpretative, pre-Covid pandemic picture of four purposively selected English day centres for older people.This baseline data will support conversations concerning optimisation of such services in the post-pandemic recovery period and beyond: how buildings may be regarded as valuable community assets with potential, and how other parts of the health and care system may better interact with day services to improve older people’s, carers’ and others’ health and wellbeing, and to benefit of staff working elsewhere in health and care.

Contemporary considerations relating to health promotion and older people

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (21) ◽  
pp. 1414-1419
Author(s):  
Louise Daly ◽  
Gobnait Byrne ◽  
Brian Keogh
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Older People ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Continuum Of Care ◽  
Healthy Ageing ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
The Continuum

Health promotion in later life can support healthy ageing and wellbeing. Nurses across the continuum of care have an important role in promoting positive health and wellbeing messages, but they must be cognisant of the need to engage in, modify and tailor health promotion for and with older adults. This article provides an overview of contemporary issues relevant to health promotion and older people, and the role and contribution of nurses.

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