scholarly journals Older People and Social Connectedness: How Place and Activities Keep People Engaged

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene H. Yen ◽  
Janet K. Shim ◽  
Airin D. Martinez ◽  
Judith C. Barker
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Ethnic Differences ◽  
Social Distance ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Future

To understand how older adults perceive and navigate their neighborhoods, we examined the implications of activity in their neighborhoods for their health. We interviewed 38 adults (ages 62–85) who lived in San Francisco or Oakland, California. Seven key themes emerged: (1) people express a wide range of expectations for neighborliness, from “we do not bother each other” to “we have keys to each other’s houses”, (2) social distance between “other” people impede a sense of connection, (3) ethnic differences in living arrangements affect activities and activity locations, (4) people try to stay busy, (5) people able to leave their homes do many activities outside their immediate residential neighborhoods, (6) access to a car is a necessity for most, and (7) it is unusual to plan for the future when mobility might become limited. Multiple locations influence older adults’ health, including residential neighborhoods. Older adults value mobility, active lives, and social connections.

Social connectedness: what matters to older people?

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tessa Morgan ◽  
Janine Wiles ◽  
Hong-Jae Park ◽  
Tess Moeke-Maxwell ◽  
Ofa Dewes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Diverse Group ◽  
Cultural Backgrounds ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
What Matters

Abstract While social connectedness is heralded as a key enabler of positive health and social outcomes for older people, rarely have they themselves had the opportunity to express their views about the concept. Working with a diverse group of Pacific, Māori, Asian and New Zealand European older adults, this paper explores what matters to older people when discussing social connectedness? We draw from individual, in-depth interviews with 44 older adults, and three group interviews comprising 32 older adults. Data were analysed using thematic and narrative analyses. The three themes identified were: getting out of the house, ability to connect and feelings of burden. Fundamental to social connectedness was participants’ desire to be recognised as resourceful agents able to foster relationships on the basis of mutual respect. Social connectedness was conceptualised as multi-levelled: relating to interpersonal relationships as much as neighbourhoods and wider society. Alongside these similarities we also discuss important differences. Participants preferred to socialise with people from similar cultural backgrounds where they shared taken-for-granted social customs and knowledges. This is in the context where racism, poverty and inequalities clearly impeded already minoritised participants’ sense of social connection. Key structural ways to improve social connectedness should focus on factors that enable cohesion between levels of connection, including stable neighbourhoods serviced with accessible public transport, liveable pensions and inclusivity of cultural diversity.

Futures Past

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 4-27
Author(s):  
Erin Beller ◽  
Ruth Askevold ◽  
Robin Grossinger
Keyword(s):  
San Francisco ◽  
San Francisco Estuary ◽  
Local Potential ◽  
Future Scenarios ◽  
The Past ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Future

These maps, based on research by the San Francisco Estuary Institute’s Center for Resilient Landscapes, reconstruct California ecosystems as they were in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and compare them to present-day landscapes. They are designed to provide an understanding of the complexity and diversity of California ecosystems, to help explain how landscapes worked, to track persistence and change, and to identify potential future scenarios. The changes made evident when the maps are compared remind us of the enormous power we have to shape the landscapes we inhabit, and of the wide range of potential options available—options to create diverse, functional, and beautiful landscapes, inspired by the past and grounded in local potential—as we imagine and then create the future.

scholarly journals Changes in Social Networks as a Response to Loneliness Among Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 580-580
Author(s):  
Abhijit Visaria ◽  
Pildoo Sung ◽  
Angelique W M Chan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Representative Study ◽  
Frequency Of Contact ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Perceived Social Isolation

Abstract The expression of loneliness suggests perceived social isolation and the lack of meaningful, rewarding and desired social connections. In this paper we seek to estimate whether loneliness among older adults is related to subsequent changes in two attributes of their social networks, i.e. the size and frequency of contact with network members. We use the Panel on Health and Ageing of Singaporean Elderly, a nationally representative study of older adults aged 60 years and older, conducted in 2009 (N=4990) with two follow-up waves in 2011 and 2015, and measure loneliness in terms of relational connectedness, i.e. feeling a lack of companionship, and social connectedness, i.e. feeling left out. Our preliminary analysis shows that loneliness is associated with a subsequent reduction in the size but not strength of social networks. We further propose to assess the causal relationship using cross-lagged panel analysis, thereby accounting for the possibility of a reciprocal relationship.

scholarly journals Gerontology and Nursing in the Emergency Department

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerard Charles ◽  
Sophia Lau Pei Wen ◽  
Muhammad Saifuddin Bin Supandi
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Care Process ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Ageing Society ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Future

Background: With a rapid rise in our older adult population globally and due to their multimorbidities, our older adults are more likely to engage in the services provided in the emergency department at a higher rate than younger adults. The current emergency service delivery model may be ineffective against such an ageing phenomenon. Research reports most older adults having one or more co-morbidities including functional decline, dementia, and frailty. Studies have shown that older adults have been undertriaged with physicians not being able to comprehend their complex needs related to their presenting complaints in the emergency department. Geriatric emergency departments have incepted worldwide to better manage this care deficiency in the rapidly ageing society around the world. Data Sources: A search of published literature from 2010-2020 using (keywords) as described below was undertaken of which, relevant literature were selected for an informed review. Implications for Nursing: Understanding geriatric emergencies can enable healthcare workers to reduce undertriaging and provide appropriate care that improves patient's health outcomes currently and in the future in the emergency department. Further education in gerontology can also be a platform for our nurses to enhance their care and thought process, likewise upskilling themselves for the future geriatric population seeking treatment. Older healthcare workers will also be able to enhance their current job scope before retirement. In-house teachings from trained gerontologists or certified programs can shed light on the special care needs of our senior citizens globally. Conclusion: With our rapidly increasing population, we can expect an influx of our older patients both from home and long-term care facilities to present to the emergency department with a wide range of geriatric emergencies. By being able to create a geriatric screening process and tailored care models, healthcare workers will be able to understand their care process and in turn, improve patients' health outcomes and provide a quicker transition of care.

scholarly journals Preliminary Impact of a Social Connection Program on Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 922-922
Author(s):  
Rachel Ungar ◽  
Rifky Tkatch ◽  
Yan Cheng ◽  
Sandra Kraemer ◽  
Michael McGinn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Lag Time ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
High Likelihood ◽  
Secondary Objective ◽  
Telephone Calls ◽  
Automated Processes

Abstract Background Research demonstrates social connections decrease loneliness and improves life satisfaction among older adults. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has limited social connectedness, specifically for older adults. Thus, programs aiming to increase social connectedness among older adults are imperative. Purpose The primary objective of this study was to determine if the telephonic Peer-to-Peer (P2P) program can improve social connectedness and loneliness among older adults. A secondary objective was to determine whether additional improvements in life satisfaction and perception of aging were achieved. Methods Eligible older adults (age 65+) were recruited via outbound calls and/or a mailer. Participants were mailed a T1 survey, completed intervention training, and matched into a dyad. The matched dyad engaged in weekly telephone calls for 12 weeks. Post 12 weeks, participants completed a T2 survey, and a T3 four weeks later. Results Overall, 7,544 individuals were contacted to participate, and 759 expressed interest in participation. A total of 475 participants (62%) completed a T1, 372 (78%) completed training, and 348 (94%) were matched. Gender distribution was skewed towards females (74%), and most were 65-74 years old (53%). Preliminary results show significant differences between lonely and not lonely participants, with lonely participants reporting more negative health associations across all measures. Conclusion Once agreeing to participate, results showed a high likelihood of continuing in P2P, thus demonstrating a social connectedness opportunity for older adults. Delay in mailing and scheduling training may contribute to challenges in attrition. However, developing automated processes utilizing technology may decrease lag time for future phases.

scholarly journals Exploring the Impact of Age-Related COVID-19 Messaging on Internalized Ageism in Older Adulthood

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 945-945
Author(s):  
Ruheena Sangrar ◽  
Stephanie Chesser ◽  
Michelle Porter
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Social Constructionism ◽  
Financial Stability ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Public health messages during the COVID-19 pandemic have indicated a higher risk for older people and/or those who have multiple health conditions. Subsequent societal discourse, however, has at times arguably protested the full protection and treatment of older people from COVID-19, potentially contributing to internalized ageism. To date, how older people interpret age-related pandemic messaging and discourse has not been explored. This study examined older adults’ perspectives of age-related COVID-19 messaging and societal discourse, as well as their perceptions of vulnerability, using a social constructionism framework. Adults age 65 to 89 years participated in semi-structured interviews about their thoughts and experiences with ongoing pandemic-related public messaging. Preliminary analysis suggests that participant perspectives of COVID-19 messaging are situated along a continuum of concern associated with contracting the virus. While some, for example, describe minimal concern, others express being fearful. Individual perceptions of safety appear to be informed, in part, by the presence or absence of an underlying health condition. Individual approaches to media criticism and consumption, personal risk-taking thresholds, financial stability, and social connectedness also appear to influence how the participants perceive pandemic-related messaging. Findings suggest the framing of COVID-19 and pandemic protocols, as well as the media’s sensationalization of age-related issues, can impact older peoples’ perceived vulnerability of contracting the virus. Future research is needed to understand the long-term implications of ongoing pandemic-related messaging on older adults’ experiences of aging, as well as the consequences such messaging could pose to for their health and social behaviors.

Social Connections Among Siblings With and Without Intellectual Disability or Autism

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-33
Author(s):  
Hilary E. Travers ◽  
Mary Elizabeth Carlton ◽  
Erik W. Carter
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Young Adulthood ◽  
Sibling Relationships ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Future ◽  
Quality Relationships

Abstract Although the significance of sibling relationships is widely affirmed, little is known about these relationships in young adulthood. In this study, we examined the experiences and perspectives of 155 siblings (ages 18–30) of individuals with intellectual disability or autism. Our focus was on how young adults spend time with their brother or sister with a disability, the ways in which they view their relationship, and the expectations they hold for the future. We found that most siblings spent time together engaging in a wide range of activities, described their relationships as of high quality, and held varied expectations regarding their brother's or sister's future. Several factors were associated with more time spent together and higher quality relationships. We address implications for practice and suggest future directions for research.

scholarly journals Socioeconomic inequality in psychological distress among older adults in India: a decomposition analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shobhit Srivastava ◽  
Naina Purkayastha ◽  
Himanshu Chaurasia ◽  
T. Muhammad
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Older People ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Living Arrangements ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Decomposition Analysis ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey

Abstract Background Older people coming from a lower wealth gradient are more vulnerable to have stressful life events further adding more risk for common mental health disorders and psychological distress situations. The present study explores the associations between socioeconomic and health-related variables and psychological distress among older adults in India and the contribution of such factors to the inequalities in psychological distress. Methods A cross-sectional survey of 9181 older adults conducted as ‘Building a Knowledge Base on Population Ageing in India’ was assessed. Logistic regression and decomposition models were used to analyze the data. Psychological distress was measured from General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). The value of Cronbach's alpha was 0.90. It was having a scale of 0 to 12 on the basis of experiencing stressful symptoms and was re-coded as 0 (representing 6+ stressful symptoms) and 1 (representing 5 and fewer symptoms). Results Older adults from the poored, suffering from multi-morbidity, disabled, with low activities of daily living and low instrumental activities of daily living and poor cognitive ability were suffering from high psychological distress in India. Further, factors such as religion, caste, education, living arrangements, and self-worth in the family were major contributors to the concentration of psychological distress in older adults from poor households (concentration index: − 0.23). Conclusion The study suggests that among older people, there is a wide disparity of experiencing psychological distress across different socio-economic groups with significant factors being responsible for inequality in psychological distress. There is a need to build a “win-win” circumstance across sectors, including a broad spectrum of health, social and economic benefits to the vulnerable older population.

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