“I Could Do Stereotypical Old People Things … but I Feel Like I Would Get Bored With That Stuff”: College Students’ Proactive Steps to Avoid Negative Aspects of Aging

2020 ◽  
pp. 009141502098188
Author(s):  
Sarah J. Hahn ◽  
Jennifer M. Kinney
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
College Students ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Negative Outcomes ◽  
Old People ◽  
Interpretive Phenomenology ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
External Resources ◽  
Age Related

The preventive and corrective proactivity model explores how internal and external resources mediate age-related stressors to counter negative outcomes of aging. Older adults’ proactivity about their future is consistently associated with higher quality of life, but research has not explored younger adults’ perceptions of their aging. We used interpretive phenomenology analysis to analyze 24 students’ essays from the beginning and end of an introductory gerontology course to understand anticipated adaptation to their 75-year-old self. The superordinate theme proactive steps to avoid negative aspects of aging comprised five subordinate themes (being productive, exercising and eating right, being financially stable, being socially connected, and the roles of older adults). Students presented unrealistically positive selves at 75 and discussed how to maintain and adapt to redefine their aging experience. Findings have implications for research on adaption, proactivity, and the future-self, and suggest that pedagogy incorporates realistic expectations of aging.

scholarly journals Gaming Technology to Support Leisure Activities Among Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 559-559
Author(s):  
Walter Boot
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Gaming Technology ◽  
Research And Education

Abstract There has been a great deal of research on technology to support older adults in their performance of Activities and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. There has been substantially less research, however, on exploring technology solutions that support hobbies and leisure. This is unfortunate, as quality of life and well-being are determined by more than just one’s ability to manage everyday tasks. An overview will be presented of research the Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) has conducted over two decades with the goals of understanding and supporting older adults’ performance of technology-based leisure activities. Many of these studies have involved videogaming, where there exists a substantial age-related digital divide. CREATE has evaluated older adults’ attitudes and game experiences through survey and research studies and has even recorded longitudinal gameplay. How these findings can be applied to support technology-based leisure activities will be expanded upon. Part of a symposium sponsored by Technology and Aging Interest Group.

Visitation and quality of life among older adults in jail

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Grace Prost ◽  
Meghan A. Novisky
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Developmental Theory ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper aims to examine differences in measures of and relationships between visitation and quality of life (QOL) among older and younger jailed adults. The authors also explored the contribution of visitation to QOL among adults in this setting. The authors anticipated fewer visits and lower QOL among older adults. Framed by psychosocial developmental theory, the authors also anticipated a larger effect in the relationship between visitation and QOL among older rather than younger adults and that visitation would contribute most readily to psychological QOL. Design/methodology/approach Cross-sectional data from a large US jail were used (n = 264). The authors described the sample regarding visitation and QOL measures among older (≥45) and younger adults (≤44) and examined differences in measures of and relationships between visitation and QOL using independent sample t-tests and bivariate analyses. The authors explored the contribution of visitation to psychological, social relationships, physical and environmental QOL among jailed adults using hierarchical multiple linear regression. Findings Older adults had fewer family visits and lower physical QOL than younger adults, disparities were moderate in effect (d range = 0.33–0.35). A significant difference also emerged between groups regarding the visitation and environmental QOL relationship (z = 1.66, p <0.05). Visitation contributed to variation in physical and social relationships QOL among jailed adults (Beta range = 0.19–0.24). Originality/value Limited research exists among jailed older adults and scholars have yet to examine the relationship between visitation and QOL among persons in these settings.

Internet Use among Older Adults

2013 ◽  
pp. 124-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiwei Chen ◽  
Bob Lee ◽  
Robert M. Kirk
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Emotional Needs ◽  
Cognitive Limitations ◽  
Selective Optimization With Compensation ◽  
Emotional Processes ◽  
Age Related

Older adults (65 and above) are the fastest growing population to use computers and the Internet in their everyday lives. The primary purpose of this chapter is to use a Lifespan Developmental Perspective to examine both the constraints and the opportunities of Internet use among older adults. Given age-related changes in physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional processes, older adults may encounter different constraints in Internet use from younger adults. The Selective Optimization with Compensation model is used to explore opportunities for older adults in using the Internet to improve quality of life. Future product designs and training programs should take into account older adults’ physical and cognitive limitations, as well as their socio-emotional needs. It is also recommended that social policies should help older adults overcome these constraints in order to reduce age-related digital divide and promote quality of life for older adults.

The Influence of Social Support and Coping on Quality of Life Among Elderly With Age-Related Hearing Loss

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Moser ◽  
Wolfgang Luxenberger ◽  
Wolfgang Freidl
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
World Health ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Age Related Hearing Loss

Purpose The consequences of hearing loss hinder the everyday life of older adults and are associated with reduced well-being. The research aim was to explore the influence of hearing problems, various coping strategies, and perceived social support on quality of life. Method Sixty-five older adults with age-related hearing loss (≥55 years) in Austria participated and completed a paper–pencil survey with standardized questionnaires: Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (Ventry and Weinstein, 1982), Assessment for Coping and Stress (Laireiter, 1997), short form of the Social Support Questionnaire (Fydrich, Sommer, Tydecks, & Brähler, 2009), and World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale–Brief Version (World Health Organization, 1996). Results Quality of life was predicted by perceived social support and the number of comorbid diseases (i.e., the physical, psychological, environmental, and social quality of life was better the greater the extent of perceived social support and poorer the more diseases from which the participants suffered). Conclusions Perceived social support may be a relevant factor to focus on in auditory rehabilitation programs, in particular, for participants who communicate little support in hearing-related situations and are, hence, at a relative disadvantage. The involvement of significant others in counseling could facilitate the everyday life for older adults with age-related hearing loss and their significant others.

scholarly journals Quality of life of older adults in nursing homes in Vietnam

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 205510292095471
Author(s):  
Vu Dung ◽  
Nguyen Thi Mai Lan ◽  
Vu Thu Trang ◽  
Truong Xuan Cu ◽  
Le Minh Thien ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Quality Of Services ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Old People ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Quality Of Life Index ◽  
Tangible Support

This study evaluated the quality of life of older adults in Vietnam. A survey was conducted on 291 old people at eight public and private nursing homes using cluster sampling. Quality of life was predicted by gender, duration of stay, center activities and community tangible support, and connection with family. Results were consistent across the four subscales of the Quality of Life Index. Quality of life of Vietnamese older adults depends not only on the quality of services provided by the nursing homes but also on family and community connections.

The Definition and Categories of Positive Solitude: Older and Younger Adults’ Perspectives on Spending Time by Themselves

2020 ◽  
pp. 009141502095737
Author(s):  
Sharon Ost Mor ◽  
Yuval Palgi ◽  
Dikla Segel-Karpas
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Definition Of

This paper attempts to develop a better understanding of the positive solitude (PS) phenomenon and its meaning among age groups, as well as formulate a unanimous definition for PS. A qualitative study ( N = 124) was conducted. Participants were gerontology professionals and laypeople. Interviews were conducted and content was analyzed in order to understand the essence of PS, themes, and subthemes. Two major categories were found: the essence and the components of the PS experience. Seven PS content categories and three meta-themes were raised: (1) PS is a matter of choice; (2) PS is satisfying and enjoyable; and (3) PS is meaningful. Differences in PS categories between younger and older adults were found. The meta-themes served as the foundation of a new definition. PS has different attributes in old age. A unified definition of PS may help distinguishing between PS and other forms of being alone. Recognizing and facilitating the PS experience among older adults might be beneficial and contribute to their quality of life.

Review on immunosenescence

2007 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 161-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lia Ginaldi ◽  
Lucia Paola Mengoli ◽  
Massimo De Martinis
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Old People ◽  
The Past ◽  
Human Lifespan ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Consequent Reduction ◽  
General Improvement

The improvements of socio-environmental conditions, medical care and quality of life have caused a general improvement in the health status of the population and a consequent reduction of morbidity and mortality, resulting in an overall increased life-expectancy. The role of immunosenescence was negligible in the past, when the human lifespan was 40–50 years, and its impact on morbidity and mortality has emerged in combination with the extension of lifespan. Immunosenescence results from multifactorial processes that act on all components of the immune system. The changes associated with immunosenescence are playing an increasingly important role in the emergence of a series of age-related pathologies, conditioning the present epidemiology of old people.

scholarly journals Multiple Myeloma in the Older Adult: Better Prospects, More Challenges

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (24) ◽  
pp. 2531-2540 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanya M. Wildes ◽  
Ashley Rosko ◽  
Sascha A. Tuchman
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Geriatric Assessment ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Disease Response

Purpose Multiple myeloma (MM) is disproportionately diagnosed in older adults; with the aging of the population, the number of older adults diagnosed with MM will increase by nearly 80% in the next two decades. Duration of survival has improved dramatically over the last 20 years, but the improvements in older adults have not been as great as those in younger adults with MM. Methods In this article, we address treatment approaches in older adults who are eligible for and those ineligible for high-dose therapy with autologous stem-cell transplantation as well as supportive care considerations and the potential role for geriatric assessment in facilitating decision making for older adults with MM. Results The evidence from recent studies demonstrates that combinations of novel and conventional antimyeloma agents result in improved response rates and, in some cases, improved progression-free and overall survival. However, some older adults are particularly vulnerable to toxicities of therapy and discontinuation of therapy and, consequently, they have poorer survival. In addition, older adults may prioritize other outcomes of therapy, such as quality of life, over more conventional end points such as disease response and duration of survival. Geriatric assessment can facilitate risk-stratification of older adults at greater risk for adverse events from therapy and aid in personalizing therapy for vulnerable or frail older adults. Conclusion Survival in older adults with MM is improving with novel therapeutics, but efficacy must be balanced with risk of toxicity of therapy and maintenance of quality of life. Novel instruments such as geriatric assessment tools may facilitate these aims.

scholarly journals Caloric Restriction May Help Delay the Onset of Frailty and Support Frailty Management

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pan Liu ◽  
Yun Li ◽  
Lina Ma
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Caloric Restriction ◽  
Clinical Syndrome ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Frailty is an age-related clinical syndrome that may increase the risk of falls, disability, hospitalization, and death in older adults. Delaying the progression of frailty helps improve the quality of life in older adults. Caloric restriction (CR) may extend lifespan and reduce the risk of age-related diseases. However, few studies have explored the relationship between CR and frailty. In this review, we focused on the impact of CR on frailty and aimed to identify potential associated mechanisms. Although CR may help prevent frailty, further studies are required to determine the underlying mechanisms and specific CR regimens suitable for use in humans.

scholarly journals Obstacles to Using Assistive Technology for Older Adults – Results from a Focus Group Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Fotteler ◽  
Beate Risch ◽  
Petra Gaugisch ◽  
Jan-Lukas Furmanek ◽  
Walter Swoboda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Assistive Devices ◽  
Related Case ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Coherent Information

Much hope is placed in the use of assistive technologies (AT) to support older adults and retain their independence and quality of life. AT could also be a way to help fulfill the increasing requirements of caring for an aging population. While many devices are freely available, successful and broad adoption is progressing slowly. In a qualitative analysis, we investigated the popularity of AT and the willingness to and obstacles for use. Eleven older adults aged 62–85 participated in three groups, each focusing on a specific age-related case example. Using content analysis, statements have been categorized into three levels: the affected person, their surroundings, and supportive devices. Information (knowledge, consultation) was the topic spoken about the most (n=101), followed by statements focusing on everyday life and the use of assistive devices (n=99). Comments on economic topics carried the least weight (n=28). The biggest obstacles for the reluctant adoption of AT don’t seem to be acceptance issues but rather a lack of knowledge of AT and where to get counseling. Thus, the provision and promotion of coherent information material and accessible consultation for users and relatives should be prioritized. AT training for healthcare professionals can provide further opportunities.

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