“We need more things for us”: Being low income and underoccupied in older age

2019 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-29
Author(s):  
Kendra S. Heatwole Shank ◽  
Benjamin Kenley ◽  
Stacy Brown ◽  
Jenna Shipley ◽  
Maya Baum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Spatial Data ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Occupational Engagement ◽  
Control Community ◽  
Community Navigation ◽  
Observational Cohort

Background. Low-income older adult populations have increased vulnerability to occupational engagement barriers and poor health outcomes while aging in community settings. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between community navigation and well-being for low-income older adults. Method. Community-dwelling older adults ( N = 10) were recruited for this multimethod observational cohort study, which employed GPS data, measures of well-being, and semistructured interviews across 12 months. Grounded theory processes were followed to analyze and integrate the qualitative, quantitative, and spatial data. Findings. Findings were three patterns of community navigation. In particular, patterns of being chronically underoccupied were noted for this low-income population. Specific place-based challenges are explained along with strategies used to mitigate these challenges. Implications. Supporting community navigation, especially social interaction opportunities, can maximize well-being; and older residents’ occupational participation may be unnecessarily curtailed by geographic, economic, and social factors beyond their control. Community navigation strategies should be considered holistically by occupational therapists as part of interventions supporting aging in place.

scholarly journals AN ACTING AND IMPROV CLASS: WELL-BEING AND COMMUNITY BELONGING FOR OLDER AFRICAN AMERICANS IN LOW-INCOME HOUSING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S144-S144
Author(s):  
Laura Sutherland ◽  
Ruth E Dunkle ◽  
Garrett T Pace ◽  
Ariel Kennedy ◽  
Pat Baldwin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Public Performance ◽  
Community Belonging ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
Low Income Housing

Abstract Arts-based interventions can enhance the quality of life of older adults, but community-dwelling older adults may have reduced access to such interventions. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a creative arts program can improve the overall health and well-being of older adults in low-income housing. A university social work department and community agency collaborated in establishing a professionally run theater group of older adults in two low-income housing buildings in an urban area. All residents were encouraged to participate. The study consisted of three twelve-week acting and improvisation courses, focusing on either staged reading of monologues and dialogues, co-writing a script, or staged reading of a complete play. Each class culminated in a public performance for the building. Fourteen participants enrolled, all African American (11 women, 3 men; mean age 66 years; mean ADL = 1.4 (range of 1-2.5)). Attendance on average was 8 classes. Data were collected through pre- and post-test questionnaires, participant observation of class sessions, semi-structured interviews with building managers, and post-session participant reflections. Thematic analysis was performed, and revealed key themes of increased community belonging, increased confidence, and increased daily coping abilities. Additional themes included the gaining of new artistic skills and interest in continuing classes. Barriers to participation included difficulty in recruitment and absence due to ongoing health conditions and caregiving responsibilities. This project has implications for the potential of arts-based programming to increase well-being for underrepresented community-dwelling older adults.

scholarly journals Dynamic Relationships Between Perceived Housing and Life Transitions: A Better Understanding of Good Aging in Place

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 444-444
Author(s):  
Frank Oswald ◽  
Steven Schmidt ◽  
Malcolm Cutchin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Life Transitions ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Life Transition ◽  
Dynamic Relationship ◽  
Dynamic Relationships ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Housing has gained increased relevance as a central factor for health and well-being. Many countries have implemented ageing in place policies, which provide services focused on improving the physical environment. Housing needs change as people grow older and experience different transitions across their life courses. Studies have demonstrated relationships between housing and health and well-being in later life on the one hand and life transitions and health and well-being in later life on the other hand. However, research on life transitions in combination with perceived housing in relation to indicators of good ageing is virtually nonexistent. This symposiums aims to address the dynamic relationship between perceived housing and life transitions and how they impact health, well-being, functioning, and social/neighborhood participation as people age by data from a mixed-method approach in Sweden and Germany. The first contribution by Slaug and colleagues introduces changes in how older adults perceive their housing following the life transition of a fall at home. Second, Eriksson and colleagues present qualitative results on the experience of relationships between perceived housing, several life transitions and well-being among community-dwelling Swedish older adults. Third, Wanka and colleagues present partially different results from a comparable study in German on the same topic but emphasizing the experience of interrelationships between different life course transitions. Fourth, Granbom and colleagues explore how low-income older adults in Sweden reason about their current housing situation and a future life transition of relocation. Finally, Malcolm P. Cutchin will serve as the session’s discussant.

scholarly journals Older Adults’ Subjective Well-being Following an Exergame Intervention “Bandit the Dolphin”: Focus Group Findings

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 169-170
Author(s):  
Brittany Drazich ◽  
Breanna Crane ◽  
Kyle Moored ◽  
Karl Shieh ◽  
Janiece Taylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Mental Illness Stigma ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Adult Participants

Abstract Due to generational mental illness stigma and under diagnosis of mental illness, older adults do not always receive the mental health help that they need. One unique technology that has the potential to improve mood in older adults is exergames, or exercise video games. The objective of this sub-study (main study: Stimulation With Intricate Movements “SWIM” Study) was to explore older adults’ mood following an exergame intervention called “Bandit the Dolphin,” created by the Johns Hopkins KATA Studio. Researchers conducted three focus groups with 14 community-dwelling older adult participants who took part in the SWIM Study exergame intervention. The semi-structured focus groups were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using deductive and inductive techniques described by Ray Maietta’s “sort and sift, think and shift” method. Three themes related to playing “Bandit the Dolphin” and mood emerged. First, participants described their perceived association between activity and mood. Participants felt that both active and passive activities, “Bandit the Dolphin” and otherwise, improved their mood through the “fun” factor, and through feelings of achievement. Second, the participants described that the competition and frustration of playing “Bandit the Dolphin” increased eventual feelings of achievement. Third, participants described how feelings of immersion, or being absorbed in the game, helped them forget their other life concerns. These findings provide a better understanding of older adults’ perceived relationship between an exergame intervention, “Bandit the Dolphin,” and short-term improved mood. Future health and engineering researchers should explore exergames as a potential tool to improve the mental health of older adults.

Community-dwelling older adults who are low-income and disabled weathering financial challenges

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 901-907
Author(s):  
Laura J. Samuel ◽  
Rebecca Wright ◽  
Marianne Granbom ◽  
Janiece L. Taylor ◽  
Ciara Hupp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Financial Challenges ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

scholarly journals Increasing Older Adult Involvement in Geriatric Assessment: A Mixed-Methods Process Evaluation

2021 ◽  
pp. 089826432199332
Author(s):  
Wanda Rietkerk ◽  
Jannet de Jonge-de Haan ◽  
Joris P. J. Slaets ◽  
Sytse U. Zuidema ◽  
Debby L. Gerritsen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Goal Setting ◽  
Geriatric Assessment ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Implementation Processes ◽  
Adult Involvement ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Objectives: Goal setting and motivational interviewing (MI) may increase well-being by promoting healthy behavior. Since we failed to show improved well-being in a proactive assessment service for community-dwelling older adults applying these techniques, we studied whether implementation processes could explain this. Methods: Goals set during the comprehensive geriatric assessment were evaluated on their potential for behavior change. MI and goal setting adherence wasassessed by reviewing audiotaped interactions and interviewing care professionals. Results: Among the 280 goals set with 230 frail older adults (mean age 77 ± 6.9 years, 59% women), more than 90% had a low potential for behavior change. Quality thresholds for MI were reached in only one of the 11 interactions. Application was hindered by the context and the limited proficiency of care professionals. Discussion: Implementation was suboptimal for goal setting and MI. This decreased the potential for improved well-being in the participating older adults.

scholarly journals The Effects of Technological Interventions on Social Participation of Community-Dwelling Older Adults with and without Dementia: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2308
Author(s):  
Pascale Heins ◽  
Lizzy M. M. Boots ◽  
Wei Qi Koh ◽  
An Neven ◽  
Frans R. J. Verhey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Technological Interventions ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Social isolation in community-dwelling older adults with dementia is a growing health issue that can negatively affect health and well-being. To date, little attention has been paid to the role of technology in improving their social participation. This systematic review aims to provide a systematic overview of the effects of technological interventions that target social participation in community-dwelling older adults with and without dementia. The scientific databases Medline (PubMed), PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched and independently screened by two reviewers. Results were synthesized narratively. The methodological quality of included studies was independently assessed by two reviewers. In total, 36 studies of varying methodological quality were identified. Most studies evaluated social networking technology and ICT training programs. Three studies focused on people with dementia. Quantitative findings showed limited effects on loneliness, social isolation, and social support. Nevertheless, several benefits related to social participation were reported qualitatively. Social interaction, face-to-face contact, and intergenerational engagement were suggested to be successful elements of technological interventions in improving the social participation of community-dwelling older adults. Rigorous studies with larger sample sizes are highly needed to evaluate the long-term effects of technology on the multidimensional concept of social participation.

scholarly journals Enhancing Our Understanding of Transitional Care Programs

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 136-137
Author(s):  
Katherine McGilton ◽  
Shirin Vellani ◽  
Alexandra Krassikova ◽  
Alexia Cumal ◽  
Sheryl Robertson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Transitional Care ◽  
Discharge Planning ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Multidisciplinary Teams ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Hospitalized Older Adults

Abstract Many hospitalized older adults experience delayed discharge. Transitional care programs (TCPs) provide short-term care to these patients to prepare them for transfer to nursing homes or back to the community. There are knowledge gaps related to the processes and outcomes of TCPs. We conducted a scoping review following Arksey & O’Malley’s framework to identify the: 1) characteristics of older patients served by TCPs, 2) services provided within TCPs, and 3) outcomes used to evaluate TCPs. We searched bibliographic databases and grey literature. We included papers and reports involving community-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 65 years and examined the processes and/or outcomes of TCPs. The search retrieved 4828 references; 38 studies and 2 reports met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were conducted in Europe (n=19) and America (n=13). Patients admitted to TCPs were 59-86 years old, had 2-10 chronic conditions, 26-74% lived alone, the majority were functionally dependent and had mild cognitive impairment. Most TCPs were staffed by nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers and physicians, and support staff. The TCPs provided 5 major types of services: assessment, care planning, treatment, evaluation/care monitoring and discharge planning. The outcomes most frequently assessed were discharge destination, mortality, hospital readmission, length of stay, cost and functional status. TCPs that reported significant improvement in older adults’ functions (which was the main goal of the TCPs) included multiple services delivered by multidisciplinary teams. There is a wide variation in the operationalization of TCPs within and between countries.

scholarly journals Views on Aging and Well-Being in the Covid Crisis – A Longitudinal Study in Luxembourg

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 961-961
Author(s):  
Anna Kornadt ◽  
Martine Hoffmann ◽  
Elke Murdock ◽  
Josepha Nell ◽  
Isabelle Albert
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Individual Development ◽  
Subjective Age ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Loss ◽  
Physical Decline

Abstract During the Covid-Crisis, stereotypes of older adults as helpless and vulnerable were spread, and intergenerational conflict was stirred more or less openly. We thus focused on perceived ageism during the crisis and its effects on well-being and health of older adults. Since views on aging are multifaceted and can be both, risk and resource for individual development, we assessed people’s self-perceptions of aging (SPA) as social loss, continued growth and physical decline and subjective age (SA). We hypothesized that people with SPA of social loss and physical decline would be more susceptible to negative effects of perceived ageism, whereas those with SPA of continued growth and younger SA would be less affected. NT1 = 611 community-dwelling adults aged 60 – 98 (Mage = 69.92 years) were recruited in June 2020 online and via phone in Luxembourg. In September 2020, participants will be contacted again for a follow-up. Analyses with cross-sectional data show that participants who felt more discriminated reported lower life satisfaction after the onset of the crisis (r = -.35) and worse subjective health (r = -.14). SPA of social loss and higher SA increased the negative effect of ageism on well-being (beta = -.57) and subjective health (beta = -.53), respectively. Our results point to mid- and long-term consequences of age discriminatory and stereotype-based crisis communication for the well-being of older adults and the importance of individual SPA in critical situations.

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