“It’s My Time”: Older Adults’ Experiences and Perceived Benefits of Participation in an Intergenerational Rock Band

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-194
Author(s):  
Natalie Wlodarczyk
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Rock Band ◽  
Ability Levels ◽  
Free Environment ◽  
First Time

Abstract The purpose of this qualitative content analysis was to explore the experiences and perceived benefits for older adult members who participated in an intergenerational rock band (IGRB) pairing older adults with college students. Participants (n = 29) were first-time older adult IGRB members who completed semi-structured interviews over the course of 5 years. Interviews were completed within 1 week of the conclusion of the semester-long participation in the IGRB. Each interview was digitally recorded, manually transcribed, and analyzed using an iterative approach to thematic analysis. Experiences and perceived benefits associated with participation in the IGRB for these older adults were encompassed by four themes: Staying Active, Wanting to Try Something New, Feeling Connected, and Seeking Positive Experiences. Findings indicate that an IGRB is an innovative, collaborative, and inclusive intergenerational music-making experience that leaves a multifaceted and overall positive impact on its older adult members. Themes suggest that older adults with musical backgrounds may enjoy an experience like an IGRB because it brings a level of familiarity coupled with the opportunity to try something new and different from their previous experiences with music. A key contribution of this study is the importance of promoting a judgment-free environment for singing that is inclusive of all ability levels. Developing a better understanding of older adults’ motivations for participating in an IGRB may help us to plan future music experiences for older adults and broaden our reach to the older adult community.

scholarly journals Older Adult Caregivers’ Experiences in an Online, Interactive Mindfulness Intervention

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 2515690X2096065
Author(s):  
Janella Hudson ◽  
Rachel Ungar ◽  
Laurie Albright ◽  
Rifky Tkatch ◽  
James Schaeffer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mindfulness Intervention ◽  
Adult Caregivers ◽  
Older Adult Caregivers

Background. While today’s older adults experience longevity, they often manage several chronic conditions and increasingly serve as informal caregivers for aging parents, children with life-long disabilities, and spouses. Older adult caregivers managing personal chronic illness often experience significant psychosocial hardships. Objective. The primary purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of older adult caregivers in an online, interactive mindfulness intervention. Methods. Self-reported older caregivers who participated in an online-based mindfulness program (n = 20) were recruited for semi-structured interviews. Participants were asked to provide feedback about any previous experience with mindfulness and/or meditation, hopes or goals held prior to the start of the program, desired expectations, motivation for joining, impressions of sessions, most beneficial topics, potential application of content, and any perceived effects. Participants’ responses were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results. Five themes emerged from the analysis: Managing the Comprehensive Effects of Caregiving, Openness to Meditation and Mindfulness, Course Engagement and Incremental Growth, Building Rapport through Shared Experiences, and Ongoing Application and Opportunities for Refinement. Participants reported both short-term post-exercise benefits such as increased calm, relaxation, and stress relief, as well as long-term positive outcomes. Notably, participants found the program’s unique interactive feature to be particularly beneficial as a form of perceived social support. Conclusions. Caregivers for older adults may derive benefit and potentially experience reduced subjective caregiver burden as a result of participating in a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, particularly when the program is augmented with a self-compassion approach and perceived social support.

scholarly journals Evaluating the audio-diary method in qualitative research

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iain Williamson ◽  
Dawn Leeming ◽  
Steven Lyttle ◽  
Sally Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Realist ◽  
Diary Method ◽  
Diary Methods ◽  
First Time ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Data Length

Purpose – Audio-diary methods are under-utilised in contemporary qualitative research. The purpose of this paper is to discuss participants and researchers’ experiences of using audio-diaries alongside semi-structured interviews to explore breastfeeding experiences in a short-term longitudinal study with 22 first-time mothers. Design/methodology/approach – The authors provide a qualitative content analysis of the participants’ feedback about their experiences of the audio-diary method and supplement this with the perspectives of the research team based on fieldwork notes, memos and team discussions. The authors pay particular attention to the ways in which the data attained from diaries compared with those from the interviews. Findings – The diaries produced were highly heterogeneous in terms of data length and quality. Participants’ experiences with the method were varied. Some found the process therapeutic and useful for reflecting upon the development of breastfeeding skills whilst negative aspects related to lack of mobility, self-consciousness and concerns about confidentiality. Researchers were positive about the audio-diary method but raised certain ethical, epistemological and methodological concerns. These include debates around the use of prompts, appropriate support for participants and the potential of the method to influence the behaviour under scrutiny. Interview and diary accounts contrasted and complemented in ways which typically enriched data analysis. Practical implications – The authors conclude that audio-diaries are a flexible and useful tool for qualitative research especially within critical realist and phenomenological paradigms. Originality/value – This appears to be the first paper to evaluate both participants and researchers’ experiences of using audio-diaries in a detailed and systematic fashion.

scholarly journals Patient Portal Use Among Older Adults: What Is Really Happening Nationwide?

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 442-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eun-Shim Nahm ◽  
Shijun Zhu ◽  
Michele Bellantoni ◽  
Linda Keldsen ◽  
Kathleen Charters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Electronic Health Records ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Patient Portal ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
Patient Portals ◽  
Health Records ◽  
Current State

Patient portals (PPs), secure websites that allow patients to access their electronic health records and other health tools, can benefit older adults managing chronic conditions. However, studies have shown a lack of PP use in older adults. Little is known about the way they use PPs in community settings and specific challenges they encounter. The aim of this study was to examine the current state of PP use in older adults, employing baseline data (quantitative and qualitative) from an ongoing nationwide online trial. The dataset includes 272 older adults (mean age, 70.0 years [50-92]) with chronic conditions. Findings showed that the majority of participants (71.3%) were using one or more PPs, but in limited ways. Their comments revealed practical difficulties with managing PPs, perceived benefits, and suggestions for improvement. Further studies with different older adult groups (e.g., clinic patients) will help develop and disseminate more usable PPs for these individuals.

scholarly journals Robotic Pet Use Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (9) ◽  
pp. 2018-2028 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janella Hudson ◽  
Rachel Ungar ◽  
Laurie Albright ◽  
Rifky Tkatch ◽  
James Schaeffer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Effective Solution ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Active Lifestyles ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Objective The primary purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of robotic pets in alleviating loneliness for older adults. Method Self-reported lonely individuals with AARP Medicare Supplement plans insured by UnitedHealthcare who participated in a program with a robotic pet (n = 20) were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Participants were asked to provide feedback about their experiences interacting with a robotic pet, their perceptions about the potential impact on loneliness, and recommendations for improving the program. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Participants’ responses were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Constant comparison and consensus-gaining processes were used to develop categories that later formed representative themes. Results Seven themes emerged from analysis: Openness to Adoption of Robotic Pet, Reactions to Pet and its Attributes, Integration of Pet in Daily Life, Strategic Utilization and Forging New Connections, Deriving Comfort and Camaraderie, Advice for Future Users, and Recommendations for Enhancing Ownership Experience. Participants living alone, with fewer social connections and less active lifestyles, derived the most benefit from interacting with their pets. Common responses to pets included cuddling, petting, grooming, and sleeping with them. Some shared or loaned their pets, while others refused to loan their pets to interested peers. Most reported showing their pets to others, which helped some facilitate communication and social connections. Conclusion Robotic pets may be an effective solution for alleviating loneliness in older adults, especially among those who live alone, have fewer social connections, and live less active lifestyles.

scholarly journals Implementing Portfolio-Based Learning (PoBL) for L2 Training: Vietnamese EFL Learners’ Motivational Orientations and Listening Achievement

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ngo Cong-Lem
Keyword(s):  
Language Learners ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Value Theory ◽  
Control Beliefs ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Motivational Orientations ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Langue Seconde

Whilst previous researchers commonly report on the effect of portfolio-based instruction on L2/EFL (second language/English as a foreign language) learners’ language performance, very few studies examine its impact on their learning motivation. Drawing on expectancy-value theory, the current study examines how the implementation of a portfolio-based listening course may affect language learners’ L2 motivation and skill development. This study adopted a mixed method approach with Vietnamese EFL learners in higher education as its participants who were administered a motivation questionnaire, listening comprehension tests, and semi-structured interviews. Both quantitative statistics and qualitative content analysis were applied for data analysis purposes. The results indicated that the portfolio-based program in this study had a significant positive impact on the participants’ motivational orientations, especially their expectancy components (i.e., their self-efficacy and learning control beliefs) and their L2 listening accomplishment but not on the value aspects. Pedagogical implications are discussed. Alors que les chercheurs précédents font des rapports fréquents à propos des incidences sur la performance langagière des apprenants de L2/ALE (langue seconde/anglais langue étrangère) qu’a l’instruction basée sur le portfolio, très peu d’études examinent son impact sur leur motivation d’apprentissage. En s’inspirant de la théorie de l’expectancy-value, la présente étude examine comment la mise en place d’un cours d’écoute basé sur le portfolio peut affecter la motivation et le développement des compétences des apprenants de langue seconde. Cette étude a adopté une démarche à plusieurs méthodes auprès d’apprenants universitaires d’anglais langue étrangère vietnamiens à qui on a administré un questionnaire de motivation, des tests de compréhension orale et des entrevues semi-structurées. On a appliqué à la fois des statistiques quantitatives et une analyse qualitative du contenu à des fins d’analyse des données. Les résultats ont indiqué que le programme de cette étude, basé sur le portfolio, avait un impact positif significatif sur les orientations motivationnelles des participants, particulièrement sur les composantes de leurs attentes (c’est-à-dire leur efficacité personnelle et leurs croyances dans le contrôle de l’apprentissage) et leurs résultats d’écoute, mais pas sur les aspects de valeur. On discute des implications pédagogiques.

scholarly journals The role of transportation in older adult social activity participation: a qualitative study in Mississauga, Ontario

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Suet Yi Tam
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Land Use ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Suburban Communities ◽  
Transportation Modes ◽  
Travel Diaries ◽  
Land Use Policies

The purpose of this research was to explore accessibility and how older adults in suburban communities are participating in social activities outside their home. Twenty older adults in Mississauga, Ontario took part in this study. A combination of activity-based travel diaries and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Findings suggest that understandings of accessibility vary between users of different transportation modes. Further, travel time rather than distance travelled may be a more significant indicator of participation. Land use mix also attracts participation, while conditions that risk the health and safety of older adults are deterrents. This research contributes to the limited literature on older adult social participation as related to transportation. Results from this study highlight potential problems for older adult accessibility in a suburban context. Research may inform the development of accessibility interventions, municipal land use policies, and public transit strategies to build healthier, more inclusive age-friendly communities.

scholarly journals Older Adults’ Experiences in an Online Intervention for Managing Subjective Depressive Symptoms

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 861-861
Author(s):  
Janella Hudson ◽  
Rachel Ungar ◽  
Laurie Albright ◽  
Rifky Tkatch ◽  
James Schaeffer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Late Life Depression ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Interactions ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Depressive Feelings

Abstract Background Many older adults struggle with late-life depression, stress, and anxiety, especially when facing age-related transitions including retirement, relocation, and the death of a spouse. Given the consequences of depression among older adults, which include higher rates of suicide, timely interventions that help to manage depressive symptoms are essential. Objective The primary purpose of this study was to explore the perceived efficacy of an online program in improving subjective depressive feelings. Methods Older adult participants were recruited for semi-structured interviews (n = 24) in a web-based intervention that included interactive games and activities undergirded by a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approach. Participants were asked to provide feedback about program features, including weekly module content, games, interactive activities and community interactions, and any perceived effects on their health behaviors and/or emotional well-being. Participants’ responses were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results Participants reported several gains, including developing the habit of forming ongoing, incremental goals, achieving wellness-related goals, and experiencing an overall positive shift in perspective. In addition, participants reported feeling greater gratitude, increased positivity, and improvement in mood. Featured games and activities helped to promote stress relief and entertainment, and mindfulness exercises were cited as the most helpful and/or enjoyable among participants. Participants expressed a preference for program content related to aging and aging-related transitions. Conclusions This study demonstrated feasibility of an interactive web-based intervention for older adults with subjective depressive feelings, while also providing important findings about users’ preferences for personalized, aging-related feedback.

scholarly journals P076: Assessment of a newly integrated and standardized approach for pediatric concussions aimed to improve the concussion recovery process

CJEM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (S1) ◽  
pp. S91-S92
Author(s):  
J. St.Onge ◽  
E. Karreman ◽  
M. McCarron ◽  
L. Harasen ◽  
C. Ames
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Recovery Process ◽  
Return To School ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Discharge Data ◽  
Written Information ◽  
Return To Learn ◽  
Concussion Recovery ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Children with concussions presenting to emergency departments often receive very different recommendations for how to recover. In addition, there are no instructions for teachers to how children should return to learn and play after a concussion. Therefore, some children take too long to return to learn and play at school while others return too soon, thereby risking long-term problems because their brain injury is not fully healed. The purpose of this project is to determine the impact of a new integrated, standardized approach aimed to help a concussed child recover faster and whether the recovery experience for all involved has improved. Methods: Structured interviews were conducted with 11 parents of children treated for concussion at the Emergency Department of Pasqua Hospital in Regina, SK, four of whom received care after a change in practice whereby parents were provided with a return-to-school protocol form prior to discharge. Data were analyzed using an inductive qualitative content analysis approach using NVivo 12 software. Results: Three main categories were noted in the data: Parental response to the child's concussion, satisfaction with health services, and the communication amongst parents, physicians, and teachers. It was with regard to the last theme in particular that the impact of the return to school protocol was noted, helping to at least indirectly address the issue of the parent as the “middleman” in the communication triad. Most parents whose children received care prior to the introduction of the protocol suggested that providing written information at discharge to guide parents through the concussion recovery process would be helpful. Conclusion: Our initial results show a positive impact in regards to the process of children returning to learn and play after a concussion. Specifically, the increased communication between physician, teacher, and parent seems to benefit and improve the child's recovery process.

Older adult recovery: “What are we working towards?”

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Rankin ◽  
Stephanie Petty
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Mental Health Setting ◽  
Personal Recovery ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Inpatient Mental Health

Purpose – The perspectives of frontline clinical staff working with individuals in later life within an inpatient mental health setting, of their role in recovery, have not yet been explored. The purpose of this paper is to understand what recovery means within an inpatient mental health setting for older adults. The authors address clear implications for clinical practice. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 multidisciplinary participants across two specialist older adult recovery units at an independent hospital in the UK. Thematic analysis was applied to the transcripts. Findings – Three main themes were identified: participants identified their normative task as the promotion of “moving on” (clinical recovery) and their existential task as personal recovery. The context in which recovery happens was highlighted as the third theme. These represented competing workplace goals of clinical and personal recovery. This highlights the need to give permission to personal recovery as the process that enables mental health recovery in older adults. Originality/value – Staff working in a inpatient mental health service for older adults discussed the meaning of recovery and their role in enabling recovery. This has implications for sustainable clinical practice in this setting. Recovery-orientated practice in this setting is required but the detail is not yet understood.

scholarly journals Barriers to Engage Low-Skilled Adults in Educational Opportunities: A Global Perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 64-64
Author(s):  
Abigail Helsinger ◽  
Nytasia Hicks ◽  
Meghan Young ◽  
Oksana Dikhtyar ◽  
Phyllis Cummins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Global Perspective ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Key Informants ◽  
Program Costs

Abstract The demand for adult education and training (AET) opportunities is substantial as older adults are remaining in the labor force at older ages, and are facing substantial technological changes in the workplace. Strategies to engage middle-aged and older adult workers in AET often exclude low-skilled and sub-populations. The engagement of these sub-populations in AET is challenging as access, awareness, and program costs associated with AET opportunities often target highly skilled populations. The inequality in AET participation warrants specific programs and strategies to address challenges low-skilled adult workers face in pursuing AET. The purpose of this study is to identify AET opportunities for low-skilled middle-aged and older adults, as well as highlight major barriers to engage and retain these sub-population in AET. Data were collected from 36 key informants through semi-structured interviews and through document reviews. Key informants represented Australia, Canada, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, the U.K., and the U.S. Descriptive methods were used to identify barriers in recruiting and retaining low-skilled middle-aged and older adults. We particularly focused on the barriers related to cost, language, access, and awareness. Results highlighted opportunities tailored to support adult workers in the pursuit of adult learning opportunities both domestically and internationally. Barriers including learning histories, lack of long-term person-centered support, as well as the role of multiple forms of learning, such as formal and informal learning, were identified. Last, we provide recommendations for recruiting and retaining middle-aged and older adult workers in AET programs.

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