Promoting spiritual care for older people in New Zealand: the Selwyn Centre for Ageing and Spirituality

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 107-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Perkins
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Older People ◽  
Spiritual Care ◽  
Religious Affiliation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Education ◽  
History Of ◽  
Different Cultures ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Care For Older People

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a centre to promote the spiritual care of older people in New Zealand. Design/methodology/approach – The spiritual scene in New Zealand is described and “spirituality” defined. The history of the Selwyn Centre for Ageing and Spirituality (SCAS) is illustrated by case studies in three areas: research, education and advocacy, noting challenges in providing spiritual care to older people. Findings – The number of New Zealanders claiming a religious affiliation is dropping but spirituality is of interest and relevance to many people. The acknowledgement of Maori spirituality has affected government policy. The SCAS has supported research and provided education throughout the country. Advocacy is difficult where care focuses on the physical and funding for frail older people is limited. Research limitations/implications – While the importance of good spiritual care for older people is clear, this is not easy to achieve. However, an organisation like SCAS has brought the issue to national awareness and made some contribution to increased understanding and improved practice. Practical implications – As the population ages and expressions of spirituality diversify, a deeper understanding of spirituality beyond Christian religion is required. Social implications – While the SCAS focuses on older people, it has formed a nexus of people more widely interested in spirituality at all ages, in different cultures and throughout the country. Originality/value – This is the first description of a New Zealand organisation specifically addressing the spiritual care of older people.

Older peoples’ sacrifice during COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 265-268
Author(s):  
Adalberto Fernandes
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Active Role ◽  
World Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
History Of ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Behavior Models ◽  
Care For Older People

Purpose This paper aims to reflect on the roles that are socially attributed to older people in the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach A discourse analysis of World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for older people and news articles to explore their concepts about this population during COVID-19. Findings The author’s interpretation suggests that the WHO provides a restrictive model of action for older people in the pandemic. The history of these people is not valued, and their actions are limited to the maintenance of biological life. This restriction can lead to sacrificial behavior models depicted in the news, demanding a reconceptualization of the notion of older people. Originality/value The public model of older people is dangerous for this population during COVID19. The care for older people in this pandemic demands that we co-construct an active role with them for this crisis.

The sediment of the Hostivar Reservoir (Prague, Czech Republic) as a memory of 45 years of pollution

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-213
Author(s):  
Lucie Soucková ◽  
Dana Kominkova
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Reservoir Sediment ◽  
Terrestrial Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sediment Extraction ◽  
History Of ◽  
Us Epa ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the historical pollution of the Hostivar Reservoir (largest reservoir in Prague) sediment by metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and identify the trends in pollution of aquatic environment. Design/methodology/approach Core samples, 140 cm long, recording the 45-year history of the reservoir, were separated to 5 cm width subsamples (approximately 1.5 years of sedimentation) and analyzed for metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Al), PAH and PCB. Following methods were used: US EPA 3051 for metals, US EPA 505 and US EPA 8082 A for PCB, and ISO 18287:2006 for PAH. Findings Most of the contaminants had the highest concentration at the beginning of the existence of the reservoir, suggesting that the contamination results from construction activities. Significant decrease of Pb occurred in the second half of the 1990s. It was caused by termination of the addition of lead as a detonation suppressant to the gasoline. Most concentrations of PAHs, PCBs and metals, except copper do not present eco-toxicological risk. Practical implications The results show the volume of priority pollutants removed from the reservoir by sediment extraction, and point risk to the terrestrial environment due to application of the sediment in the construction of a noise protecting wall. Originality/value The paper presents unique data about historical contamination of the largest reservoir in Prague, the capital of Czech Republic. It shows how the watershed and the construction phase of the dam cause a pollution of the reservoir sediment and possible environmental risk for aquatic biota.

Economic thought in the 17th and 18th centuries: a linguistic approach

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 260-270
Author(s):  
Iara Vigo de Lima
Keyword(s):  
Economic Thought ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Front Position ◽  
History Of ◽  
Epistemological Model ◽  
Theory Of Language ◽  
Theory Of Value ◽  
Linguistic Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse Michel Foucault’s new epistemological model regarding an analogy between the theory of language and economic thought in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Design/methodology/approach – Through the scrutiny of language, Foucault intended to demonstrate that some analogies, among different branches of knowledge (interdiscursive practice), allow us to apprehend the underlying configuration of thought regarding ontological and epistemological conditions that have historically determined knowledge. He draws a parallel between four theoretical segments borrowed from general grammar (Attribution, Articulation, Designation and Derivation) and economic thought on wealth. Findings – One of the most remarkable propositions of this approach is that the theory of language and economic thought were epistemologically isomorphic in that context. What the theory of language stated in relation to “attribution” and “articulation” corresponded to the “theory of value” in economic thought. What grammar investigated regarding “designation” and “derivation” was analogous to the “theory of money and trade” in economic thought. The relationships that were – directly and diagonally – identified between and among them led to the conclusion that there was ‘a circular and surface causality’ in economic thought insofar as “circulation” preceded “production”. It was “superficial” because it could not find an explanation for the cause of “wealth”, which was only possible when “production” was placed in the front position of theories. Practical implications – Such an epistemological point of view can inspire other studies in the history of economic thought. Originality/value – This paper offers a perspective on how to think about the history of ontological and epistemological conditions of economic thought.

When I am old I shall wear purple: a qualitative study of the effect of group poetry sessions on the well-being of older adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 195-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Seymour ◽  
Michael Murray
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Poetry Reading ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose There is increasing evidence that participation in various art forms can be beneficial for health and well-being. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of participating in a poetry reading group on a group of older residents of an assisted living facility. Design/methodology/approach Six poetry sessions, each on a different theme, were conducted with a group of volunteer participants. These sessions, those of pre- and post-study focus groups and interviews with the group facilitator and staff contact were audio-recorded. The transcripts of the recordings were then subjected to a thematic analysis. Findings Overall the participants were enthused by the opportunity to participate in the project and the benefits were confirmed by the support staff. In addition, reading poetry on particular themes promoted different types of discussion. Research limitations/implications The number of participants in this study was small and the study was conducted over a short period of time. Practical implications This paper confirms the impact of poetry reading for older people. The challenge is to explore this impact in more detail and over community as well as residential settings. Originality/value This paper is the first empirical report on the value of poetry reading for older people.

Achieving person-centredness through technologies supporting integrated care for older people living at home: an integrative review

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie MacInnes ◽  
Jenny Billings ◽  
Alexandra Lelia Dima ◽  
Chris Farmer ◽  
Giel Nijpels
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Integrated Care ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Healthcare Management ◽  
Integrative Review ◽  
Scientific Publications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Range Type ◽  
Care For Older People ◽  
At Home

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the range, type and outcomes of technological innovations aimed at supporting older people to maintain their independence within the context of integrated care at home. We also discuss key emergent themes relevant to the use of person-centred technology for older people in integrated care and propose recommendations for policy and practice.Design/methodology/approachAn integrative review methodology was used to identify and describe recent scientific publications in four stages: problem identification, literature search, data evaluation and data analysis.FindingsTwelve studies were included in the review. Three studies described remote consultations, particularly telemedicine; five studies described tools to support self-management; three studies described the use of healthcare management tools, and one study described both remote consultation and self-care management. Emergent themes were: acceptability, accessibility and use of digital technologies; co-ordination and integration of services; the implementation of digital technologies; and safety and governance. Several recommendations are proposed relevant to integrated care teams, technology developers and researchers.Originality/valueThis review uniquely considers the extent to which novel digital technologies used in integrated care for older people are person-centred.

Assets-based approaches to developing age friendly communities: learning from the bristol ageing better programme

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Beardmore ◽  
Penny Beynon ◽  
Christine Crabbe ◽  
Carol Fry ◽  
Jan Fullforth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Development ◽  
Older People ◽  
Production Method ◽  
Project Delivery ◽  
Development Projects ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Diverse Groups ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose International attention is increasingly turning to the challenge of creating age-friendly environments. This study aims to examine the application of asset-based approaches in undertaking community development projects with older people. The paper intends to share the learning that may be useful when designing community development projects for older people in the future. Design/methodology/approach This study followed a multiple project case study design, with a focus on project delivery practices. It was undertaken as a co-production exercise involving university researchers and trained older volunteer community researchers (CRs). Over 18–24 months of qualitative research was conducted in relation to six area-based urban projects between 2018 and 2020. Findings There were five leading themes as follows: mapping and building on assets in highly localised settings; creating governance and direction through steering groups; developing activities with diverse groups of older people; reaching isolated and lonely older people; building local capacity to embed sustainability. Practical implications The effectiveness of assets-based approaches in promoting age-friendly agendas appears to be contingent on the values, skills, capacity and resourcing of delivery agencies, alongside wider public sector investment in communities. Diversity and inequalities amongst older people need to be taken into account and community development that specifically focuses on older people needs to be balanced with the whole population and intergenerational practice. Originality/value This paper provides an empirical account of the practical application of assets practices specifically in the context of the age-friendly community agenda. The co-production method brings together insights from academic and volunteer older CRs.

scholarly journals The importance of a room with a view for older people with limited mobility

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 273-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Musselwhite
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Limited Mobility ◽  
Human Element ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Vantage Points ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how older people who are almost entirely housebound use a view from their window to make sense of the world and stay connected to the outside space that they cannot physically inhabit. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews with 42 individuals were carried out who were living at home, were relatively immobile and had an interesting view outside they liked from one or more of their windows. Findings The findings suggest that immobile older people enjoy watching a motion-full, changing, world going on outside of their own mobility and interact and create meaning and sense, relating themselves to the outside world. Practical implications Findings suggest that those working in health and social care must realise the importance of older people observing the outdoors and create situations where that is enabled and maintained through improving vantage points and potentially using technology. Originality/value This study builds and updates work by Rowles (1981) showing that preference for views from the window involves the immediate surveillance zone but also further afield. The view can be rural or urban but should include a human element from which older people can interact through storytelling. The view often contains different flows, between mundane and mystery and intrigue, and between expected and random.

3D printing technology in musical instrument research: reviewing the potential

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. 1511-1523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antreas Kantaros ◽  
Olaf Diegel
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Musical Instrument ◽  
Musical Instruments ◽  
Wind Instruments ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Class ◽  
History Of ◽  
New Applications ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to discuss additive manufacturing (AM) in the context of applications for musical instruments. It examines the main AM technologies used in musical instruments, goes through a history of musical applications of AM and raises the questions about the application of AM to create completely new wind instruments that would be impossible to produce with conventional manufacturing. Design/methodology/approach A literature research is presented which covers a historical application of AM to musical instruments and hypothesizes on some potential new applications. Findings AM has found extensive application to create conventional musical instruments with unique aesthetics designs. It’s true potential to create entirely new sounds, however, remains largely untapped. Research limitations/implications More research is needed to truly assess the potential of additive manufacturing to create entirely new sounds for musical instrument. Practical implications The application of AM in music could herald an entirely new class of musical instruments with unique sounds. Originality/value This study highlights musical instruments as an unusual application of AM. It highlights the potential of AM to create entirely new sounds, which could create a whole new class of musical instruments.

Caring relationships and efficient social care provision

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 419-436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Hollinrake ◽  
Will Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Care Provision ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Budget Cuts ◽  
Caring Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Support Mechanism ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the nature of support that helps older people continue living in their own homes for as long as they wish to. Design/methodology/approach – The research made use of a participatory approach in which service users, service providers and commissioners were involved in the design of the approach in addition to contributing to the research as participants in their own right. Findings – This paper presents analysis from the research which focuses on the importance of caring relationships for providing a support mechanism. The authors question whether budget cuts and efficiency drives within statutory care providers preclude the notion of caring relationships. Practical implications – The authors suggest, in the light of the evidence presented, that statutory service providers should acknowledge the role that caring relationships play in providing support for older people. Whilst budget cuts make providing support for caring relationships more challenging, the authors suggest that there is scope for delivering services and support in ways which promote the types of interactions which better support older people living independently. Originality/value – The analysis presented here provides a distinctive, timely and thoughtful insight into support for older people at a time when public sector budgets are under increasing pressure.

Democracy meets rangatiratanga: Playcentre's bicultural journey 1989-2011

2014 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-45
Author(s):  
Suzanne Manning
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
World View ◽  
Education Programme ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Liberal Democratic ◽  
Public Commitment ◽  
History Of ◽  
Political Association ◽  
Consensus Decision Making

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to trace the implementation of biculturalism in the New Zealand Playcentre Federation between 1989, when a public commitment to The Treaty of Waitangi was made, and 2011, when Tiriti-based co-presidents were elected. Design/methodology/approach – The data were drawn from the Playcentre Journal and papers from Playcentre National meetings, as well as from the author's experience as a Pākehā participating in Playcentre. The events are analysed using democratic theory. Findings – Despite a willingness to encompass biculturalism, the processes of democracy as originally enacted by Playcentre hindered changes that allowed meaningful rangatiratanga (self-determination) by the Māori people within Playcentre. The factors that enabled rangatiratanga to gain acceptance were: changing to consensus decision making, allowing sub groups control over some decisions, and the adult education programme. These changes were made only after periods of open conflict. The structural changes that occurred in 2011 were the result of two decades of persistence and experimentation to find a way of honouring Te Tiriti within a democratic organisation. Social implications – The findings suggest that cultural pluralism within a liberal democratic organisation is best supported with an agonistic approach, where an underlying consensus of world view is not assumed but instead relies on a commitment by the different cultures to retaining the political association within the structure of the organisation. Originality/value – Many organisations in New Zealand, especially in education, struggle to implement biculturalism, and the findings of this study could be useful for informing policy in such organisations. This history of Playcentre continues from where previous histories finished.

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