scholarly journals Implications of COVID-19 on the Loneliness of Older Adults in Residential Care Homes

2021 ◽  
pp. 104973232110509
Author(s):  
Ken H. M. Ho ◽  
Agnes K. P. Mak ◽  
Rosenna W. M. Chung ◽  
Doris Y. L. Leung ◽  
Vico C. L. Chiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Residential Care ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Centered Care ◽  
Familiar World

With little understandings on the loneliness of older adults in residential care homes structured by social contact restrictions, the provision of person-centered care was jeopardized during the pandemic. This study employed hermeneutic phenomenology to explore the lived experiences of loneliness of this population during a 5-month period of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted unstructured face-to-face interviews with 15 older adults living in seven residential care homes. Thematic analysis was guided by Van Manen’s approach. The essence of loneliness was uncovered as “A deprived sense of self-significance in a familiar world contributes to older adult’s disconnection with prior commitments.” A sub-theme “From collapse to dissolution of self-understanding” revealed how COVID-19 structured their loneliness. Another sub-theme, “Restoring meanings by establishing connections with entities” illustrated the ways to mitigate loneliness during the pandemic. Activities fostering alternative self-interpretation are important to protect older adults against loneliness.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic: The Lived Experiences of Older Adults in Aged Care Homes

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 299-317
Author(s):  
Shi Yin Chee
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
World Health ◽  
Phenomenological Method ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused untold fear and suffering for older adults across the world. According to the World Health Organization, older adults in aged care homes are at a higher risk of the infection living in an enclosed environment with others. This article adopts a qualitative approach using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method to explore the lived experiences of older adults during COVID-19. Between December 2019 and June 2020, 10 in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants aged 60 years and above in two aged care homes. The lived tension that has penetrated all participants’ stories in five themes of the meanings described as ‘disconnected in a shrinking world’ filled with uncertainties. COVID-19 has brought unprecedented challenges and disproportionate threat onto older adults’ lives, relationships and well-being. The overarching message was that older adults believe that ‘this too shall pass’ and regain their freedom that was lost during the pandemic.

scholarly journals Mobile device use and the cognitive function and depressive symptoms of older adults living in residential care homes

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lu Lin ◽  
Xiu-Chen Jing ◽  
Shu-Jiao Lv ◽  
Jing-Hong Liang ◽  
Li Tian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Residential Care ◽  
Mobile Device ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Device Use

Neighborhood Environment, Residential Satisfaction, and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults in Residential Care Homes

2017 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. 268-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susu Liu ◽  
Zheng Ouyang ◽  
Alice M. Chong ◽  
Haitao Wang
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Residential Care ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Residential Satisfaction ◽  
Neighborhood Environment ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Environmental Characteristics ◽  
Cross Sectional

Burgeoning evidence has shown that neighborhood environments are related to depressive symptoms in the older population. Older adults living in residential care homes may be more vulnerable to environmental characteristics. The current study sought to understand how institutionalized older adults relate to environmental factors and residential satisfaction in terms of depressive symptoms. Data were collected from a cross-sectional national survey of 1,429 Chinese elders living in residential care homes. The findings reveal that 46.1% of the older Chinese residents living in residential care homes suffered from mild to severe depression. In addition, the current study finds that both environmental factors (e.g., geographic position, air quality, and transportation) and residential satisfaction are negatively associated with depressive symptoms. The findings support that residential satisfaction partially mediate the relationship between exterior environmental characteristics and depressive symptoms.

scholarly journals Mobile device use and the cognitive function and depressive symptoms of older adults living in residential care homes

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lu Lin ◽  
Xiuchen Jing ◽  
Shujiao Lv ◽  
Jinghong Liang ◽  
Li Tian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Residential Care ◽  
Mobile Device ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Device Use ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Moca Score

Abstract Background With the fast-paced aging and increasing digitalization of society, there has been a growing interest in the effect of mobile device use on cognitive function and depression in older adults. However, research examining this issue among older adults in residential care homes (RCHs) is scant. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the impact of mobile device use on the cognitive function and depressive symptoms of older adults living in RCHs. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). Results A total of 235 senior residents (aged 82.58 ± 5.54) in four RCHs were surveyed. Users of mobile devices had a significantly higher total MoCA score (25.02 ± 4.14) and a significantly lower GDS-15 score (3.28±2.74) than non-users (MoCA: 19.34 ± 5.21, GDS-15: 4.69±2.90). Multivariate linear regression indicate that mobile device use is significantly associated with total MoCA score, six of the seven sub-scores (visuospatial abilities and execution functions, attention, language, abstraction, delayed recall, and orientation)(P<0.05). Logistic regression showed that mobile device use was significantly associated with the level of depressive symptoms (OR=0.458, 95%CI=0.249-0.845). Conclusions Use of mobile devices has a significant association with the cognitive function and depressive symptoms of older adults living in RCHs, and thus should be encouraged as a measure to maintain and improve cognition and prevent depression.

scholarly journals Impact of mobile device use on the cognitive function and depressive symptoms of older adults living in residential care homes

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lu Lin ◽  
Xiuchen Jing ◽  
Shujiao Lv ◽  
Jinghong Liang ◽  
Li Tian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Residential Care ◽  
Mobile Device ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Device Use ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Moca Score

Abstract Background With the fast-paced aging and increasing digitalization of society, there has been a growing interest in the effect of mobile device use on cognitive function and depression in older adults. However, research examining this issue among older adults in residential care homes (RCHs) is scant. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the impact of mobile device use on the cognitive function and depressive symptoms of older adults living in RCHs.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15).Results A total of 235 senior residents (aged 82.58 ± 5.54) in four RCHs were surveyed. Users of mobile devices had a significantly higher total MoCA score (25.02 ± 4.14) and a significantly lower GDS-15 score (3.28±2.74) than non-users (MoCA: 19.34 ± 5.21, GDS-15: 4.69±2.90). Multivariate linear regression indicate that mobile device use is significantly associated with total MoCA score, six of the seven sub-scores (visuospatial abilities and execution functions, attention, language, abstraction, delayed recall, and orientation)(P<0.05). Logistic regression showed that mobile device use had a significant effect on the level of depressive symptoms (OR=0.458, 95%CI=0.249-0.845).Conclusions Use of mobile devices has a significant impact on the cognitive function and depressive symptoms of older adults living in RCHs, and thus should be encouraged as a measure to maintain and improve cognition and prevent depression.

scholarly journals Men and loneliness in the Covid-19 pandemic: insights from an interview study with UK-based men

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Ratcliffe ◽  
Paul Galdas ◽  
Mona Kanaan
Keyword(s):  
Social Skills ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Diverse Group ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Men's Experience ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

As the SARS-COV-2 pandemic hit, the UK, like many countries, introduced severe restrictions on social contact, and injunctions of 'social distancing', to reduce transmission. This led to a concern that loneliness may increase, facilitating poorer mental and physical health. Twenty qualitative interviews were conducted, with a diverse group of UK-based men, between January and March 2021, during severe restrictions. Our aim was to generate new insights into men's experience of loneliness during the pandemic, and consider the ramifications of these for continued/future restrictions, the easing of restrictions, and the future beyond the pandemic. Thematic analysis, focused on semantic themes, was employed as part of a 'grounded' epistemology whereby the stated perspectives of the interviewees drove the content of the study. Six themes were constructed: i) people to see and things to do (broken, changed, and new); ii) rethought and renewed recognition of what is important; iii) loneliness with a purpose; iv) loneliness as normal; v) anxiety of social contact; and vi) easier for some than others. The restrictions did cause some loneliness, particularly because of lost routines and opportunities, and the reduction in face-to-face interaction. However, a need to reduce transmission of SARS-COV-2, and a fear of catching it, became important features of participants lives that also affected loneliness and its causes. Remote forms of interaction were often utilised, and though they were imperfect, those that were dependable, were smaller than might be desired in person, and ensured a chance to speak, were constructed as more positive. The fear of Covid-19, and a loss of social skills, may mean that reducing restrictions alone will not return everyone to pre-pandemic levels of loneliness. Some believed the building of supportive local communities, and a destigmatisation of loneliness, may allow for the building of a more compassionate and less lonely society.

Older adults’ views and experiences of doll therapy in residential care homes

Dementia ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 574-588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi Alander ◽  
Tim Prescott ◽  
Ian A James
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Residential Care ◽  
Care Homes

Reconsidering the “Asphalt Identikit”

2016 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 403-414
Author(s):  
Nicola Ann Plastow
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Possible Selves ◽  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Grocery Shopping ◽  
Driving Cessation ◽  
Identity Maintenance ◽  
Positive Sense ◽  
Mental Well Being

Background/Aim The “asphalt identikit” theory suggests that driving cessation inevitably leads to feelings of incompetence and dependency. This article challenges this proposition by investigating the driving-related possible selves of British older adults living in West London. Methods Thematic analysis of data from 19 of 39 interviews in which older adults participating in a larger study talked about driving in the context of their grocery shopping. Results Three themes were evident: “I can drive – that makes a huge difference,” “Expecting to lose my license,” and “I gave up my license.” Discussion Driving cessation is not a dreaded possible self for all older adults. Older adults may use a variety of identity maintenance processes to retain their positive sense of self. Conclusions Mental well-being can be maintained during driving cessation by finding ways to compensate for the loss of a license and finding alternative ways of achieving hoped-for possible selves.

scholarly journals Mobile device use and the cognitive function and depressive symptoms of older adults living in residential care homes

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lu Lin ◽  
Xiuchen Jing ◽  
Shujiao Lv ◽  
Jinghong Liang ◽  
Li Tian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Residential Care ◽  
Mobile Device ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Device Use ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Moca Score

Abstract Background With the fast-paced aging and increasing digitalization of society, there has been a growing interest in the effect of mobile device use on cognitive function and depression in older adults. However, research examining this issue among older adults in residential care homes (RCHs) is scant. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the impact of mobile device use on the cognitive function and depressive symptoms of older adults living in RCHs. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). Results A total of 235 senior residents (aged 82.58 ± 5.54) in four RCHs were surveyed. Users of mobile devices had a significantly higher total MoCA score (25.02 ± 4.14) and a significantly lower GDS-15 score (3.28±2.74) than non-users (MoCA: 19.34 ± 5.21, GDS-15: 4.69±2.90). Multivariate linear regression indicate that mobile device use is significantly associated with total MoCA score, six of the seven sub-scores (visuospatial abilities and execution functions, attention, language, abstraction, delayed recall, and orientation)(P<0.05). Logistic regression showed that mobile device use was significantly associated with the level of depressive symptoms (OR=0.458, 95%CI=0.249-0.845). Conclusions Use of mobile devices has a significant association with the cognitive function and depressive symptoms of older adults living in RCHs, and thus should be encouraged as a measure to maintain and improve cognition and prevent depression.

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