scholarly journals Activity Disengagement: Understanding Challenges and Opportunities for Reengagement

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krista Fox ◽  
Nancy Morrow-Howell ◽  
Stephanie Herbers ◽  
Paula Battista ◽  
Carolyn M. Baum
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Social Challenges ◽  
Senior Housing ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Person Centered Approach

Although maintaining engagement in activities has a positive influence on our health and wellbeing as we age, many programs that serve older adults struggle with getting participation in the programs they offer. This study sought to explore activity disengagement among older adults in a senior housing community and identify the challenges and opportunities for reengagement with the aim of informing future intervention development and testing. Fifty-one adults over the age of 60 participated in structured interviews. Findings highlighted that many older adults have activities patterns that are not optimal for health. Many reasons given for disengaging in activities (e.g., no opportunity) were surprising given that participants lived in a setting where a variety of programs were offered. Programs need to more purposively address social challenges to participating in activities and consider a more person-centered approach when developing interventions for the older adults they serve.

scholarly journals BUILDING H.O.U.S.E. (HEALTHY OUTCOMES USING A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT) FOR LGBTQ OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S973-S973
Author(s):  
Amy Rosenwohl-Mack ◽  
Matt Beld ◽  
Meredith Greene ◽  
Karyn Skultety ◽  
Leslie Dubbin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Senior Housing ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Supportive Environment ◽  
Income Disparities ◽  
Memory Problems ◽  
Social Difficulties

Abstract Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) older adults face unique challenges in finding affordable, inclusive, and supportive housing. These challenges may be due to discrimination, income disparities, and higher rates of health problems compared to cisgender heterosexual seniors. To our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal study of the health and wellbeing of older adults who move into LGBTQ-welcoming, affordable senior housing. Participants completed a brief baseline survey at the time of their housing lottery application. Questions focused on physical, psychological, and social health and current health service use. We calculated descriptive statistics on health status at baseline. 184 participants completed the baseline survey, mean age was 68 years (SD 5.2), and nearly 75% reported an annual income under $30,000. Almost half reported a diagnosis of hypertension, 40% depression, 27% anxiety, and 25% HIV/AIDS. Around 70% reported their health as good to excellent, 21% fair, and 9% poor or very poor. However, 58% reported their physical activities were at least somewhat limited by their physical health, 43% reported difficulties with balance or walking, and 32% reported memory problems. Nearly 3% had been admitted into the hospital and 10% had visited the emergency room in the past 30 days. In terms of social wellbeing, 63% felt isolated from others at least some of the time. In summary, LGBTQ older adults seeking affordable senior housing report relatively good health, although they also experience functional and social difficulties. New forms of housing that are explicitly LGBTQ-welcoming may help address these health challenges.

‘I'm happy in my life now, I'm a positive person’: approaches to successful ageing in older adults living with HIV in Ontario, Canada

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (10) ◽  
pp. 2128-2151 ◽  
Author(s):  
CHARLES A. EMLET ◽  
LESLEY HARRIS ◽  
CHARLES FURLOTTE ◽  
DAVID J. BRENNAN ◽  
CHRISTINA M. PIERPAOLI
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Constructivist Grounded Theory ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Successful Ageing ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Living Well ◽  
Hiv Positive Adults ◽  
Life Threatening

AbstractWorldwide approximately 3.6 million people aged 50 and older are living and ageing with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Few studies have explored successful ageing from the insider perspective of those living well and ageing with HIV. This study draws upon the lived experience and wisdom of older, HIV-positive adults living in Ontario, Canada in order to understand their views and strategies for successful ageing. This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with 30 individuals age 50 years and older who are HIV-positive. Purposive sampling techniques were used to recruit individuals who shared their experiences of successful ageing. Constructivist grounded theory coding techniques were used for analysis. Themes related to successful ageing included resilience strategies and challenges, social support and environmental context. Stigma and struggles to maintain health were identified as impediments to successful ageing. Models of successful ageing must take into account the potential for a subjective appraisal of success in populations suffering from chronic and life-threatening illnesses including HIV. Practitioners can draw upon organically existent strengths in this population in order to provide intervention development for older adults around the world who are struggling to manage their HIV.

scholarly journals Exploring the challenges and opportunities for improving the health and wellbeing of international students: Perspectives of professional staff at an Australian University.

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-92
Author(s):  
Danielle C. Newton ◽  
◽  
drian J. Tomyn ◽  
Anthony D. LaMontagne ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
International Students ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
International Student ◽  
Professional Staff ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Language And Culture ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities

There are growing concerns about the mental health of university students, with particular concerns for international students studying in countries with different language and culture from the country of origin. We sought to explore the challenges and opportunities for supporting and improving the health and wellbeing of international students through interviews with health and other support services staff at an Australian University. Semi-structured interviews with a range of health and support services staff were conducted in person or by telephone in late 2018. Staff were asked about their perceptions of 1) health and wellbeing issues for international students, 2) barriers to international students accessing campus-based services for health and wellbeing concerns, and 3) strategies to improve international students’ health and wellbeing. Transcribed interviews were analysed thematically. Mental health/illness was identified as the most important health and wellbeing concern for international students. Barriers to help-seeking included fear of repercussions for coming forward, lack of problem and symptom recognition, poor understanding of health information, cultural stigma associated with counselling and language barriers. A tendency among international students to delay help-seeking until problems reached crisis-point was also identified as a concern. Suggested strategies to improve wellbeing included pre-departure education/orientation to life in Australia, the integration of health and wellbeing education with other university programs, education about confidentiality, better supporting students in how to access services, and skill building to promote social connection. Addressing the identified issues and opportunities would support international student health and wellbeing and may assist in attracting international students back to Australia post-COVID.

Understanding the Challenges and Opportunities of Smart Mobile Devices among the Oldest Old

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Marie Piper ◽  
Raymundo Cornejo Garcia ◽  
Robin N. Brewer
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
User Experience ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Smart Mobile ◽  
Future Work ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Smart Mobile Devices

While smart mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablet computers, and e-readers, are becoming more common among older populations, little is known about the user experience of this technology for older adults in naturalistic settings or how this demographic sustains use of these devices over time. To understand this, the research team conducted 18 months of contextual inquiry within two computer rooms at one senior residential facility and semi-structured interviews with 28 older adults (age 80+) within the same community. The analysis examines older adults' experiences around adoption and usage of smart mobile devices, the challenges presented by these devices as a platform for communication, and the nuances of maintaining these devices over time in the context of late-life disability. The paper concludes with a discussion of design considerations for future work aimed at improving the user experience of smart mobile devices for older adults.

Uplifting the voices of rural American Indian older adults to improve understanding of physical activity behavior

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maja Pedersen ◽  
Kari Jo Harris ◽  
Jordan Lewis ◽  
Mattea Grant ◽  
Chelsea Kleinmeyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Disparities ◽  
American Indian ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Physical Activity Behavior ◽  
Adult Health ◽  
Structured Interviews

Abstract American Indian (AI) older adults experience pronounced health disparities and demonstrate one of the lowest levels of physical activity (PA) among racial and ethnic groups. Nearly half of AI older adults live in rural areas, indicating distinct challenges to participation in PA. Research to identify factors influencing PA in this population is missing from the literature, yet is critical to informing culturally relevant PA intervention development and implementation. The purpose was to identify barriers to and facilitators of PA among rural AI older adults using the ecological model and qualitative methods. A community-based approach was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with rural AI older adults. Interview questions were based on a multi-level ecological model. Content analysis was performed, using an iterative coding process to identify findings. The mean age of participants (n = 21) was 66 years. Barriers to and facilitators of PA were identified across ecological model levels. Barriers included factors such as caregiving and community responsibilities, lack of acceptable areas for walking, and overall lack of community-level support for older adult health. Facilitators included a personal connection to the land and ancestors through PA, multigenerational participation, and supportive tribal policies. This study addressed a gap in the literature by identifying barriers to and facilitators of PA among rural AI older adults, which can inform PA intervention development. With barriers and facilitators identified by AI older adults themselves, the voices of those directly affected are uplifted to shape efforts toward addressing longstanding health disparities through relevant public health interventions.

scholarly journals Qualitative Research With LGBTQ Older Adults and Older Adults Living With HIV/AIDS During COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 586-587
Author(s):  
Sara Bybee ◽  
Austin Oswald
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Research Participants ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Conducting Research ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Aids

Abstract In this symposium, researchers will discuss conceptual and practical challenges to conducting qualitative research with older LGBTQ+ adults and older adults living with HIV/AIDS during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers who conduct studies with LGBTQ+ populations and with older adults living with HIV/AIDS already face challenges in recruiting and retaining large enough sample sizes. Social distancing guidelines during the pandemic prohibited many researchers from conducting in-person studies. Conducting health and social science research entirely online may have its challenges when working with these older adult populations, but it may also present new opportunities for reaching hidden or hard-to-reach groups. Presenters draw on their recent experiences conducting semi-structured interviews, online surveys, and qualitative analyses of public records to illuminate the complex considerations of conducting research remotely with LGBTQ+ older adults and older adults living with HIV/AIDS. Presenters also discuss how conducting remote research with these populations may require methodological changes in study design in order to collect the most meaningful and reliable data from research participants. Ultimately, COVID-19 has required researchers to alter or change their methods of conducting research. As the internet becomes more heavily relied upon for conducting research, it is imperative that scholars in LGBTQ+ aging and HIV/AIDS consider the potential challenges and opportunities that online research presents for their studies, and for research participants who are living with HIV/AIDS or who identify as LGBTQ+.

scholarly journals Identifying the enablers and barriers to community participation amongst older adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 79 (12) ◽  
pp. 742-751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Papageorgiou ◽  
Ruth Marquis ◽  
Julie Dare
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Community Participation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Human Occupation ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Intrinsic Factors ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Substantial Growth ◽  
Model Of Human Occupation ◽  
Limited Opportunity

Introduction The proportion of older adults throughout the world has increased significantly over the last decade and continues to rise. Such substantial growth highlights the importance of facilitating older people’s wellbeing. This research aimed to identify enablers and barriers to participation in community-based activities experienced by active older adults. Method This qualitative study employed the evidence-based paradigm of occupation and Model of Human Occupation to underpin protocol and discussion. Ten participants (females = 9, males = 1) who were aged 64–83 years and actively engaged in their community took part in semi-structured interviews. Participants reported mixed health levels including chronic/terminal illnesses and normal degenerative changes. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Analysis identified four themes of enablers and barriers to community participation. These were: relationships; interests; personal knowledge and awareness towards health and wellbeing; and resources and the environment. Conclusion Intrinsic factors such as developing or maintaining strong relationships and developing interests were identified as enabling community participation. Barriers identified within this study included unappealing group cultures or structures, such as having limited opportunity to develop friendships or explicitly targeting ‘seniors aged 60+ years’ and accessibility limitations. Recommendations were established to inform the development of programmes to increase community participation among this group.

scholarly journals Using Smart Speakers in Low-Income Senior Housing to Enhance the Aging in Place Experience: Stakeholder Views

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 663-664
Author(s):  
Jane Chung ◽  
Jodi Winship ◽  
Katherine Falls ◽  
Pamela Parsons ◽  
Michael Bleich
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Aging In Place ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Emotional Wellbeing ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Senior Housing ◽  
Target User ◽  
Voice Technology

Abstract Smart speakers provide a platform that can integrate smart home technology and/or safety devices within the home to enhance quality of life and independent living for older adults. However, few attempts to utilize this technology specifically within low-income senior housing (LISH) residents have been documented. Our purpose was to explore different stakeholder perceptions about the use of smart speakers to support aging in place in older adults living alone in LISH. Smart speakers were deployed in individual LISH apartments, equipped with a voice technology-based aging in place solution for the facility. A qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews using a constant comparative approach for emerging themes was conducted (n=10: older adult users, n=2: housing staff, n=2: voice technology developers). The three participant groups showed diverging perceptions in terms of benefits, uses, and stakeholder interests. Older adults found smart speakers useful in four main areas: assistance with daily tasks, feeling connected, safety measures, and emotional wellbeing. The two other groups showed a broader interest in the use of the smart speaker device, such as residential management tools and communication channels in addition to its potential use as safety and wellness tools. Older adults experienced significant difficulty setting up desired functions or finding instructions, which restricted utilization of the technology to a limited set of tasks. All stakeholder groups addressed a need for formal training or personalized tech support for older adult users. Findings indicate the importance of developing deployment strategies tailored to the needs and characteristics of the target user group.

scholarly journals Planning and optimising a digital intervention to protect older adults’ cognitive health

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosie Essery ◽  
Sebastien Pollet ◽  
Kirsten A. Smith ◽  
Fiona Mowbray ◽  
Joanna Slodkowska-Barabasz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Intervention Development ◽  
Logic Model ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Behavioural Analysis ◽  
Scoping Reviews ◽  
Intervention Content ◽  
Guiding Principles

Abstract Background By 2050, worldwide dementia prevalence is expected to triple. Affordable, scalable interventions are required to support protective behaviours such as physical activity, cognitive training and healthy eating. This paper outlines the theory-, evidence- and person-based development of ‘Active Brains’: a multi-domain digital behaviour change intervention to reduce cognitive decline amongst older adults. Methods During the initial planning phase, scoping reviews, consultation with PPI contributors and expert co-investigators and behavioural analysis collated and recorded evidence that was triangulated to inform provisional ‘guiding principles’ and an intervention logic model. The following optimisation phase involved qualitative think aloud and semi-structured interviews with 52 older adults with higher and lower cognitive performance scores. Data were analysed thematically and informed changes and additions to guiding principles, the behavioural analysis and the logic model which, in turn, informed changes to intervention content. Results Scoping reviews and qualitative interviews suggested that the same intervention content may be suitable for individuals with higher and lower cognitive performance. Qualitative findings revealed that maintaining independence and enjoyment motivated engagement in intervention-targeted behaviours, whereas managing ill health was a potential barrier. Social support for engaging in such activities could provide motivation, but was not desirable for all. These findings informed development of intervention content and functionality that appeared highly acceptable amongst a sample of target users. Conclusions A digitally delivered intervention with minimal support appears acceptable and potentially engaging to older adults with higher and lower levels of cognitive performance. As well as informing our own intervention development, insights obtained through this process may be useful for others working with, and developing interventions for, older adults and/or those with cognitive impairment.

Interventions for Mental Health Problems in Later Life

2010 ◽  
pp. 810-837
Author(s):  
Jason M. Holland ◽  
Dolores Gallagher-Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Clinical Psychologist ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Worldwide Population ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Post Traumatic

Older adults are increasingly making up a larger segment of the worldwide population, which presents both challenges and opportunities for the clinical psychologist in the 21st century. In this chapter, we address some of the unique aspects of working with this population, focusing on general guidelines for tailoring interventions for older adults, specific treatments for particular problems commonly faced in later life, as well as issues of diversity and how they might impact psychotherapy with older clients. We also outline several areas in geropsychology that are in need of further investigation, namely the use of technology, post-traumatic stress, and family therapy, and offer some recommendations for future directions in this field of study.

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