Planning for Older Adult Day Programs in an Arab American Community: Perceptions From Older Adults, Caregivers, and Professional Providers

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 519-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faith P. Hopp ◽  
CM Cassady ◽  
Kristine J. Ajrouch ◽  
Amne M. Talab ◽  
Jennifer Mendez
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Arab American ◽  
Geriatric Service ◽  
Day Programs ◽  
Social Service Provider ◽  
Policies And Programs

Background and Objective: This study explored Arab American stakeholders’ perceptions about potential future adult day programming to inform geriatric service providers about relevant services for culturally diverse older adults. Research Design and Method: Participants ( N = 28) in five focus groups were recruited through a social service provider in Metropolitan Detroit, Michigan. Results were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Themes included basic requirements, promoting clear and transparent understanding of adult day programs (ADPs), respecting the person, social engagement and activities, explaining complex ethnic and geographic identities, and implementing diversity. Discussion and Implications: ADP service providers can enhance services by drawing on the life experiences, resilience, and creativity of older Arab Americans. Person-focused policies and programs that draw on the strengths of the diverse local community should be developed and communicated clearly for potential participants, family members, and service providers.

scholarly journals The Association Between Health, Social Engagement, and Psychological Well-Being Among Older Adults in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 95-96
Author(s):  
Yuekang Li
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Coping Resources ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Stress Process

Abstract Psychological health and health-related quality of life of older adults have been long minimized by caregivers, service providers and the society in developing countries, such as China. According to the Stress Process Model, the stress of physical disadvantages influences mental health outcomes directly and indirectly. However, being socially engaged has the potential to reduce disease burden and improve psychological wellbeing of older adults. The purpose of this study is to examine the role played by social engagement in the pathway through which physical health predicts mental health. Using the WHO Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health China wave 2010, 6,276 individuals ages 60 years and older were included for analyses. Structural equation modeling was used to construct a directional path leading from the functioning and chronic disease, impacting the social engagement, in turn impacting the psychological wellbeing. All variables in this model are latent constructs. Functioning and chronic diseases in later life were associated with social engagement and psychological wellbeing, and the link between social engagement and psychological wellbeing was also significant. The effect of function was greater than that of chronic diseases. Though the significant indirect effect of physical health on psychological wellbeing was not supported in this study, this study suggests the multiple roles of social engagement as coping resources in the stress process of physical impairment and illness of older adults. This present study also adds to the existing literature by exploring how SEM methods can be applied to studies of social engagement.

scholarly journals BARRIERS AND OPPORTUNITIES TO HEALTHY AGING IN ANCHORAGE, ALASKA, USING CONCEPT MAPPING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S422-S423
Author(s):  
Britteny M Howell ◽  
Daniel McLinden
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Concept Mapping ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Participatory Approach ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Holistic Model

Abstract Alaska currently has the fastest growing proportion of older adults than any state in the country, and seniors are choosing to age-in-place in Anchorage in record numbers. Research shows that including older adults with community-based professionals (aging advocates, researchers, service providers) in focus group activities can provide a rich and holistic model of aging that demonstrates a robust foundation for supporting aging and addressing health disparities. This paper presents the results of a project conducted with older adults (50+ years), advocates, and other stakeholders in Anchorage using Concept Mapping (CM) methodology, a technique not often used in the gerontology literature. CM is a mixed-method, participatory approach that uses brainstorming and unstructured card-sorting combined with multivariate statistics (multi-dimensional scaling, hierarchical cluster analysis) to create a data-driven visual representation of thoughts or ideas of a community. CM is well suited to integrating perspectives from multiple points of view. Participants were prompted to address the research question: how do we think about aging in Anchorage & what are the barriers and facilitators to aging well? Results indicate services for seniors should include culturally responsive health programming, low-cost opportunities for social engagement, inclusion of older adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, transportation considerations, navigators to locate services in Anchorage, and more. CM allowed the researchers to identify how residents view healthy aging in this urban subarctic location and brainstorm practical solutions with stakeholders and local policy-makers. This presentation will also share lessons-learned regarding the use of this participatory approach with older adults.

scholarly journals MOVING TOWARD BEST PRACTICES IN STATE APPROACHES TO SUPPORTING FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S386-S386
Author(s):  
Julia Burgdorf ◽  
Jennifer Aufill ◽  
Jennifer L Wolff
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Family Caregiving ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Key Informants ◽  
Community Needs ◽  
Services And Supports

Abstract In January 2018, Congress passed the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act to establish a national strategy to acknowledge and assist family caregivers. The success of such an effort will be contingent on knowledge and dissemination of best practices. We conducted a policy project funded by the Milbank Memorial Fund that profiles five geographically and politically diverse states that have pursued novel approaches to supporting family and unpaid caregivers of older adults. We discuss findings from national and state reports, state aging plans, and interviews with 26 key informants. We find that each state (Hawaii, Maine, Minnesota, Tennessee, Washington) sought to strengthen supports for family caregivers as an element of broader community-based long-term services and supports strategies. Supports for family caregivers included financial support for working caregivers, caregiver assessment and care planning, and expanded access to respite care: several states included these services within programs targeted to persons at high risk of institutionalization or Medicaid-entry. Key informants noted the importance of tailoring programs to suit each state’s unique demographic, geographic, and service delivery context, and reported that individual stories, advocacy, and data were critical to placing family caregiving on legislative policy agendas. State leaders highlighted the pivotal role of state aging networks in efforts to supporting caregivers, given these entities’ deep knowledge of local community needs and challenges and established relationships with local service providers. Meaningful change often required a long-term commitment and sustained incrementalism, typically by innovating on a smaller scale before expanding statewide.

scholarly journals Having a Casino in the Community: Implications for Older Residents

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 53-54
Author(s):  
Cindy Bui ◽  
Caitlin Coyle
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
The State ◽  
Senior Center ◽  
Older Population ◽  
Senior Center Directors

Abstract Casino-going has been acknowledged as a common leisure activity for older adults, but what having a casino in the community means for the local older population has been understudied. Previous research has focused on problem gambling among older adults, but little is understood about how older residents perceive having a casino nearby and further how it impacts relevant senior services. This mixed-methods study gathered perspectives from 14 senior center directors and older residents (N = 411) of communities in Massachusetts that surround Plainridge Park Casino, the first casino that opened in the state in 2015. We conducted qualitative interviews with senior center directors and distributed a quantitative survey to older residents of the surrounding communities and those who visited the casino during the study period. We found that while most senior centers did not engage in trips to this “hometown” casino, many had other creative interactions with the casino, such as using casino space to host senior center events or seeking funding support from the casino. Older residents exhibited low rates of problem gambling risk, preferred to go to casinos outside of the state as an excursion, and attributed their reasoning to go to casinos to socializing rather than gambling aspects. While we must be aware of risks for problem gambling, this study also highlights the possibility of reframing a local casino as a potential asset that could contribute back to the community by providing resources for senior service providers and expanding social engagement opportunities for the older population.

Perceived Voice Disorders in Older Adults and Impact on Social Interactions

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Connie K. Porcaro ◽  
Clare Singer ◽  
Boris Djokic ◽  
Ali A. Danesh ◽  
Ruth Tappen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Voice Disorders ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Vocal Performance ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Cross Sectional

Purpose Many aging individuals, even those who are healthy, report voice changes that can impact their ability to communicate as they once did. While this is commonly reported, most do not seek evaluation or management for this issue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and differences in voice disorders in older adults, along with the effect of fatigue on their social interactions. Method This is a cross-sectional investigation of a community-dwelling sample of individuals aged 60 years or older. Participants completed the Questionnaire on Vocal Performance, the Social Engagement Index subset “Engagement in Social or Leisure Activities,” and the Fatigue Severity Scale. Results Results indicated 32.5% of the 332 participants reported symptoms of voice problems with no difference found between male and female respondents. A slight increase in report of voice problems was noted with each year of age. Participants who self-reported voice problems indicated less interaction in social activities involving communication than those who did not. Finally, as severity of self-reported voice problems increased, an increase was reported by the same individuals for signs of fatigue. Conclusions Voice problems and resulting decreased social interaction are commonly experienced by older individuals. Voice symptoms in older adults have been found to benefit from evidence-based treatment strategies. It is critical to provide education to encourage older individuals to seek appropriate evaluation and management for voice issues through a speech-language pathologist or medical professional.

scholarly journals Brain Health: Attitudes towards Technology Adoption in Older Adults

Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 23
Author(s):  
Nadir G. Abdelrahman ◽  
Raza Haque ◽  
Molly E. Polverento ◽  
Andrea Wendling ◽  
Courtney M. Goetz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Handheld Devices ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Health Related

(1) Background: There is increasing scholarly support for the notion that properly implemented and used, technology can be of substantial benefit for older adults. Use of technology has been associated with improved self-rating of health and fewer chronic conditions. Use of technology such as handheld devices by older adults has the potential to improve engagement and promote cognitive and physical health. However, although, literature suggests some willingness by older adults to use technology, simultaneously there are reports of a more cautious attitude to its adoption. Our objective was to determine the opinions towards information technologies, with special reference to brain health, in healthy older adults either fully retired or still working in some capacity including older adult workers and retired adults living in an independent elderly living community. We were especially interested in further our understanding of factors that may play a role in technology adoption and its relevance to addressing health related issues in this population; (2) Methods: Two focus groups were conducted in an inner-city community. Participants were older adults with an interest in their general health and prevention of cognitive decline. They were asked to discuss their perceptions of and preferences for the use of technology. Transcripts were coded for thematic analysis; (3) Results: Seven common themes emerged from the focus group interviews: physical health, cognitive health, social engagement, organizing information, desire to learn new technology, advancing technology, and privacy/security; and (4) Conclusions: This study suggests that in order to promote the use of technology in older adults, one needs to consider wider contextual issues, not only device design per se, but the older adult’s rationale for using technology and their socio-ecological context.

scholarly journals Social Engagement and Episodic Memory in Non-Hispanic Black and White Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 343-343
Author(s):  
Abbey Hamlin ◽  
A Zarina Kraal ◽  
Laura Zahodne
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Significant Positive Association ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Social engagement may confer cognitive benefits in older adulthood, but studies have typically been restricted to largely non-Hispanic White (NHW) samples. Levels of social engagement vary across race such that NHW report larger social networks, more frequent participation in social activities, and greater social support than non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB). Associations between social engagement and cognition may also vary by race, but research is sparse. The current cross-sectional study examined associations between different aspects of social engagement and episodic memory performance, as well as interactions between social engagement and race among NHB and NHW participants in the Michigan Cognitive Aging Project (N = 247; 48.4% NHB; age = 64.19 ± 2.92). Social engagement (network size, activities, support) was self-reported. Episodic memory was a z-score composite of immediate, delayed, and recognition trials of a list-learning task. Separate hierarchical linear regression models quantified interactions between race and each of the three social engagement variables on episodic memory, controlling for sociodemographics, depressive symptoms, and health conditions. Results showed a main effect of more frequent social activity on better episodic memory, as well as an interaction between race and social support indicating a significant positive association in NHB but not NHW. These preliminary findings suggest that participating in social activities may be equally beneficial for episodic memory across NHB and NHW older adults and that social support may be particularly beneficial for NHB. Future research is needed to determine the potential applications of these results in reducing cognitive inequalities through the development of culturally-relevant interventions.

scholarly journals Gentrification and Chronic Conditions in Older Adults: Service Providers’ Perspectives

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 341-341
Author(s):  
Ronica Rooks
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
City Government ◽  
Property Taxes ◽  
Lower Socioeconomic ◽  
Community Information ◽  
Social Vulnerabilities

Abstract Where we live impacts our health, but this is more apt for older adults (aged 55+) aging-in-place in their neighborhoods. Gentrification, i.e. the transformation of neighborhoods from low to high value, can put community-dwelling older adults at risk for residential displacement with limited retirement incomes and financial stressors like increased housing costs and property taxes, residential turnover and changing access to resources. As a place-based stressor, gentrification may exacerbate social vulnerabilities (e.g., lower socioeconomic status and racial/ethnic minority status) related to chronic condition (CC) disparities. But, little gentrification research focuses on these issues. This research examines associations between gentrification and older adults’ CC management related to broader social determinants in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada from health and social service providers’ perspectives. Hamilton, a recovering steel industry city with in-migration from Toronto, is experiencing higher costs of living, income inequality and tension with recent gentrifiers. I conducted key informant interviews with service providers in city government and community-based organizations using thematic analysis. Across providers, food insecurity, social isolation and displacement were the biggest issues associated with gentrification and CC, particularly for older adults with lower incomes and government disability support. Results thus far reveal Hamilton has numerous older adult-focused providers, but older adults often have difficulties accessing services due to a lack of knowledge, not always asking or realizing when they need help and coordinated referral difficulties across providers. To address these challenges, providers consider environmental scans, mapping resources and advertisement in an online community information database from the city’s public library.

scholarly journals Service providers’ use of harm reduction approaches in working with older adults experiencing abuse: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna Goodridge ◽  
Kerstin Stieber Roger ◽  
Christine A. Walsh ◽  
Elliot PausJenssen ◽  
Marina Cewick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Harm Reduction ◽  
Professional Practice ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Risk Environment ◽  
Intervention Process ◽  
Process Enactment ◽  
Humanistic Approach

Abstract Background Although abuse experienced by older adults is common and expected to increase, disclosure, reporting and interventions to prevent or mitigate abuse remain sub-optimal. Incorporating principles of harm reduction into service provision has been advocated as a strategy that may improve outcomes for this population. This paper explores whether and how these principles of harm reduction were employed by professionals who provide services to older adults experiencing abuse. Methods Thematic analysis of qualitative interviews with 23 professionals providing services to older adults experiencing abuse across three Western provinces of Canada was conducted. Key principles of harm reduction (humanism, incrementalism, individualism, pragmatism, autonomy, and accountability without termination) were used as a framework for organizing the themes. Results Our analysis illustrated a clear congruence between each of the six harm reduction principles and the approaches reflected in the narratives of professionals who provided services to this population, although these were not explicitly articulated as harm reduction by participants. Each of the harm reduction principles was evident in service providers’ description of their professional practice with abused older adults, although some principles were emphasized differentially at different phases of the disclosure and intervention process. Enactment of a humanistic approach formed the basis of the therapeutic client-provider relationships with abused older adults, with incremental, individual, and pragmatic principles also apparent in the discourse of participants. While respect for the older adult’s autonomy figured prominently in the data, concerns about the welfare of the older adults with questionable capacity were expressed when they did not engage with services or chose to return to a high-risk environment. Accountability without termination of the client-provider relationship was reflected in continuation of support regardless of the decisions made by the older adult experiencing abuse. Conclusions Harm reduction approaches are evident in service providers’ accounts of working with older adults experiencing abuse. While further refinement of the operational definitions of harm reduction principles specific to their application with older adults is still required, this harm reduction framework aligns well with both the ethical imperatives and the practical realities of supporting older adults experiencing abuse.

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