scholarly journals The dual impact of online communication on older adults’ social connectivity

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eveline Hage ◽  
Hans Wortmann ◽  
Marjolein van Offenbeek ◽  
Albert Boonstra
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Online Communication ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Buffer Effect ◽  
Communication Tools ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Connectivity ◽  
Online Communication Tools ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – In today’s aging world online communication is often viewed as a means to enhance social connectivity, and therefore well-being, of older adults. However, previous research on the influence of online communication on social connectivity largely disregards older adults, yields conflicting results and fails to assess the – debatable − causal direction of relationship. The purpose of this paper is to overcome these issues by developing four hypotheses related to who uses what, how, with whom. Design/methodology/approach – The authors use a panel data study to test the hypotheses, including 302 older adults. Response rates are between 62 and 75 percent. Findings – The authors find, first, that older adults differentiate between social connectivity with other village members, i.e., village connectivity, and connectivity with friends. Second, the impact of online communication varies among these two types of social connectivity. Where e-mail use has a negative impact on village connectivity, it does not affect connectivity with friends. Facebook use on the other hand has a negative impact on connectivity with friends, but not on village connectivity. The negative effects were not found among those older adults that were already well-connected on forehand, indicating a buffer effect. Practical/implications – Policy makers’ implementing online communication tools to strengthen social connectivity of older adults, may want to carefully select tools based on the type of connectivity they aim to enhance. Impact needs to be monitored. Originality/value – The authors contribute by analyzing how characteristics of online communication tools, i.e., information richness and privacy protection, as well as social connectivity, i.e., geographical proximity and emotional closeness jointly shape older adults’ social connectivity.

Psychological factors of fear of crime: an empirical study of older people in Lucknow, India

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Avanish Bhai Patel
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Fear Of Crime ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The incidents of elder victimisation and cases of victimisation, in general, are increasing fast in the society. These incidents have had negative impact on the sense of well-being and way of life of the older people. Therefore, fear of crime is being considered as a most concerning psycho-social problem amongst the older people in contemporary time. The purpose of this study is to understand the impact of crime rate on the well-being of the older people and examine the linkage between psychological factors and fear of crime amongst the older people. Design/methodology/approach The present study is based on the mixed method approach and an exploratory research designed applied to conduct the study. The field survey has been done from October 2012 to January 2013 on a sample of 220 older people of rural and urban areas of Lucknow in the state of Uttar Pradesh through purposive sampling. For the study, researcher has interviewed 137 male older people and 83 female older people through interview schedules and case studies. The data have been analysed through descriptive and narrative analysis. Findings The study finds that those older people have direct or indirect experience of victimisation, they have anxiety and feel insecurity that someone can victimise them. The study also finds that the happiness of older people is more affected due to anxiety and phobia and have higher level of feeling of fear of crime in their neighbourhood and home. The study also finds whenever anti-social elements are active in the neighbourhood and they commit crimes, fear of crime and anxiety grasp the older people to a large extent causing a fracture in their psychological well-being. Originality/value This work is the original work of researcher. This paper is related to the researcher’s PhD dissertation work. This paper talks about how the psychological well-being of older people affects due to nature of crime in neighbourhood, phobia of crime and anxiety due to criminal activities.

Catalyst to Connection: When Technical Difficulties Lead to Social Support for Older Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (9) ◽  
pp. 1167-1185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Francis ◽  
Travis Kadylak ◽  
Taj. W. Makki ◽  
R. V. Rikard ◽  
Shelia R. Cotten
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Ict Use ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Impact

Information and communication technology (ICT) use can mitigate the negative impact of various age-related threats, such as isolation and loneliness, by facilitating connection with social ties and access to social support. Although research regarding various uses and benefits of ICTs among older adults has increased, there is limited research regarding the impact of technical difficulties on older adults’ well-being. Our study explores technical difficulties encountered, how older adults cope with ICT failure, and the various forms of social support that may result as a consequence of accessing technical support. We use data from nine semistructured focus groups conducted with older adults in the Midwest region of the United States. Results show that older adults may adapt new strategies for coping with the technical difficulties that arise from regular ICT use. Furthermore, as older adults incorporate ICTs into their daily lives and seek assistance from social ties and experts, they may also be indirectly combating the threat of isolation and loneliness.

Examination of connectivist theory in English language learning

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 354-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oytun Sozudogru ◽  
Mehmet Altinay ◽  
Gokmen Dagli ◽  
Zehra Altinay ◽  
Fahriye Altinay
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Online Communication ◽  
English Language Learning ◽  
Communication Tools ◽  
Content Type ◽  
A Value ◽  
Supplementary Material ◽  
Online Communication Tools

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of technology and online communication platforms in English language learning based on connectivist theory. Design/methodology/approach Questionnaire and checklist were used to examine the role of online communication tools in the learning process. The data analysis was done with SPSS. Findings Results showed that being involved in collaborative learning and dialogue increases connectivist knowledge, reflection and negotiation. Online communication tools can be used as an effective supplementary material for learning. Research limitations/implications The limitation of this paper is that the number of participants was limited to 27. Practical implications This paper gives insights on the use of language and technology integration. Social implications New way of learning and language learning become essential for the pedagogy and learner in the higher education. Originality/value The paper is original in its research context and gives a value to contribute new way of learning based on approach.

Perceived vulnerability of job loss and satisfaction with life in the hospitality sector in times of pandemic: a multi-mediational approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nidhi Singh ◽  
Shikha Bhatia ◽  
Shailendra Nigam
Keyword(s):  
Job Loss ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Perceived Vulnerability ◽  
Hospitality Sector ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted business and viability of firms in the hospitality sector. This paper aims to examine the impact of perceived vulnerability of employees in this sector related to job loss and satisfaction with life. Additionally, it tests whether the impact is reduced for an individual possessing high emotional and financial well-being. Design/methodology/approach This study uses cross-sectional data obtained through a survey of 312 hospitality sector employees. Using PLS-SEM, hypothesized relationships between constructs are tested. Findings Perceived vulnerability of job loss negatively impacts satisfaction with life; however, this negative impact gets significantly reduced in the presence of emotional and financial well-being. Research limitations/implications The results provide an impetus to focus on emotional and financial well-being to reduce employees’ vulnerabilities and improve their life satisfaction. In the absence of specific relief programs by the Government and with reduced business activity, employers need to look for innovative ways for ensuring their own sustenance and employee well-being. Originality/value This study is one of the initial works on examining how perceived vulnerability of job loss induced by the pandemic on hospitality sector employees’ impacts their satisfaction with life. It also makes a novel attempt to examine emotional well-being and financial well-being, as mediators in this relationship.

What older adults do in online communities when they co-create and co-destruct value

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mostafa Kamalpour ◽  
Rebekah Eden ◽  
Rehan A. Syed ◽  
Laurie Buys ◽  
Amina Tariq ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Service Science ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This study aims to explain the value co-creation and co-destruction practices of older adults in an online community (OC). Design/methodology/approach Adopting practice theory and service-dominant logic as a theoretical perspective, this paper examined an OC of older adults by conducting an inductive thematic analysis of the interactions of the participants in the community. Findings The analysis revealed older adults engage with three value co-creation plus one value co-destruction practices in the OC including, communal coping practices, happiness creation practices, social capital generation practices and disparaging practices for older adults. Research limitations/implications Illustrated in a conceptual model, this study extends previous work evidencing OCs serve as a platform for value co-creation and value co-destruction activities in the context of older adults. Further, it suggests OCs facilitate resilience of older adults through value co-creation practices. Recognition of value co-destruction in OCs is critical as it is detrimental to the resilience of older adults. This study provides the needed foundation to advance knowledge on the use of OCs by older adults and suggests future research directions. Practical implications Identifying co-creation and co-destruction practices of older adults in OCs enables service providers (e.g. caregivers) to engage better in online value co-creation practices. Further, the findings of this study address one of the main priorities of service science to investigate the impact of value co-creation on well-being. Originality/value Identifying co-creation and co-destruction practices of older adults in OCs enables service providers (e.g. caregivers) to engage better in online value co-creation practices. Further, the findings of this study address one of the main priorities of service science to investigate the impact of value co-creation on well-being.

scholarly journals Consumption-oriented engagement in social network sites

2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (7) ◽  
pp. 1355-1377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hillbun Ho ◽  
Kenichi Ito
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Social Comparison ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Social Network Sites ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Materialistic Values ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Mounting empirical evidence shows that engagement in social network sites (SNSs) could have a negative impact on users’ personal well-being. However, studies of the undesirable effects of SNS use have not examined SNSs as a channel for users to share consumption information and experiences. To extend prior research, this study aims to examine the impact of consumption-oriented engagement (COE) in SNSs on young adult consumers’ personal well-being in terms of anxiety and self-esteem, as well as excessive spending. Design/methodology/approach Surveys were the primary means of data collection from a sample of young college students (N = 900). Moderated hierarchical regression was used to test the hypotheses. Findings COE is positively associated with anxiety and excessive spending and negatively associated with self-esteem. Social comparison mediates these relationships, and individuals’ materialistic values moderate the mediation. Research limitations/implications This study demonstrates the psychological and behavioral outcomes of consumer socialization via digital media among young adult consumers. It introduces and empirically validates social comparison as a theoretical explanation for the effects of COE. In addition, it validates materialistic values as a personal trait that moderates the effects of COE. Practical implications The study validates COE as a key precursor to the well-being of young adult users of SNSs and social comparison as the mediator. With this understanding, public policies can be designed to mitigate the root cause of the negative impact of SNS use. Originality/value Findings shed light on the negative repercussions of engagement in SNSs in the consumption domain and provide an impetus for educators, researchers and policymakers to make further efforts to gain a thorough understanding of the pitfalls of social media use.

scholarly journals The Relationship between Ageism and Well-Being as Mediated through COVID-19-Related Experiences and Discourses

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (19) ◽  
pp. 10490
Author(s):  
Stefan Hopf ◽  
Kieran Walsh ◽  
Eilionóir Flynn ◽  
Nena Georgantzi
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Subjective Experiences ◽  
Political Implications ◽  
Homogeneous Representation ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact

Both COVID-19 and ageism can have a negative impact on the well-being of older people. Yet, our knowledge on the links between COVID-19, ageism and well-being is still emerging. The present study aimed to contribute to this knowledge by exploring the lived experiences of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. To do so, we analyzed older persons’ subjective experiences and perceptions of ageism arising from COVID-19-related policies and discourses in two country contexts—Austria and Ireland—and the implications of these experiences for personal well-being. Based on the thematic analysis of 27 interviews with older adults, we found that participants perceived and encountered a discriminatory homogeneous representation of older people as a group. Three specific forms of this homogenization, namely stigmatization, paternalism, and scapegoating, were identified as impact on well-being. Moreover, our analysis showed how these forms of ageism challenge both the individual and social identities of older people, revealing older participants’ different attitudes in responding to this challenge. With reference to the international research literature, we discussed the impact of these experiences on the well-being of older people and the possible legal and socio-political implications of our findings.

scholarly journals Disparities in Basic Housing Needs as a Predictor of Psychological Well-Being Among Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 618-619
Author(s):  
Meghan Custis ◽  
Jeongeun Lee ◽  
Natasha Peterson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Housing Quality ◽  
Housing Conditions ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Environmental Press ◽  
Home Modifications ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Adequate housing and safe environments are among older adults’ foundational needs. Prior research suggests minority older adults face significant barriers to accessing affordable and appropriate housing. However, the effects of this environmental press on their psychological well-being are rarely addressed. This project examined racial disparities between minority and white older adults’ housing and environment conditions and the differential impact on their psychological well-being. Using nationally representative data from the National Health & Aging Trends Study (NHATS), older adults' reported rating of the quality of housing conditions, financial security, neighborhood security, and the interviewer’s rating of the home environment were analyzed. A total of 4,048 community-dwelling older adults aged 65 and over were selected for analysis. The sample demographics are predominantly white (77.5%), female (61.4%), and residing in the community (82%). Results found minority older adults reported poorer housing conditions, fewer home modifications, and lower financial and neighborhood security, compared to white counterparts. The impact of housing quality was more detrimental to minority older adults’ psychological well-being, compared to white counterparts. These findings suggest a significant negative impact of home conditions on the psychological well-being of minority older adults. Home modifications are a viable option to increase or preserve functional status in the home, which could lessen the deleterious effects of environmental press on older adults’ psychological outcomes, especially minorities. This study’s findings provide information that bolsters our knowledge of housing and environment conditions, which are critical in efforts to reduce health disparities in late life.

scholarly journals Proactive Coping and Mindfulness are Associated with Less Stress in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 909-909
Author(s):  
Lyndsey Graham ◽  
Shevaun Neupert
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Proactive Coping ◽  
Present Moment ◽  
Life Event ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Impact

Abstract We examined the consequences of both chronic and life-event stressors for older adults, as well as antecedent strategies, such as proactive coping and mindfulness, that may mitigate stress. Given the potential negative outcomes associated with stress in older adulthood, exploring strategies to reduce or mitigate the negative impact of stress may be useful in promoting well-being in adulthood. Proactive coping involves an accumulation of resources that leads to reduced or avoided stressors in the future (Aspinwall & Taylor, 1997). Mindfulness calls an individual’s attention to the present moment, or may be characterized as an open, accepting attitude (Brown & Ryan, 2003). Using data from the Mindfulness and Anticipatory Coping Everyday study (English et al., 2019; Neupert & Bellingtier, 2017), 296 older adults in the United States, aged 60-90 years (M = 64.67, SD = 4.36), participated in relevant online survey measures. Results from multiple regression analyses suggested that people high in both chronic stress and life event stress had worse health, and that people high in proactive coping and mindfulness reported less stress. Study results underscore the impact of stress on health outcomes, and provide support for the use of antecedent strategies to address negative impacts of stress.

The Impact of Epidemic Outbreak

Crisis ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul S.F. Yip ◽  
Y.T. Cheung ◽  
P.H. Chau ◽  
Y.W. Law
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Completed Suicide ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Previous studies revealed that there was a significant increase in suicide deaths among those aged 65 and over in 2003. The peak coincided with the majority of SARS cases being reported in April 2003. Aims: In this paper we examine the mechanism of how the SARS outbreak resulted in a higher completed suicide rate especially among older adults in Hong Kong. Methods: We used Qualitative data analysis to uncover the association between the occurrence of SARS and older adult suicide. Furthermore, we used a qualitative study based on the Coroner Court reports to provide empirical evidence about the relationship between SARS and the excessive number of suicide deaths among the elderly. Results: SARS-related older adult suicide victims were more likely to be afraid of contracting the disease and had fears of disconnection. The suicide motives among SARS-related suicide deaths were more closely associated with stress over fears of being a burden to their families during the negative impact of the epidemic. Social disengagement, mental stress, and anxiety at the time of the SARS epidemic among a certain group of older adults resulted in an exceptionally high rate of suicide deaths. Conclusions: We recommend that the mental and psychological well-being of the community, in particular older adults, be taken into careful account when developing epidemic control measures to combat the future outbreak of diseases in the community. In addition, it is important to alert family members to vulnerable individuals who are at potential risk because of their illnesses or anxieties.

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