scholarly journals The revitalization of “Osekkai”: How the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of Japanese voluntary social work

2020 ◽  
pp. 147332502097334
Author(s):  
Ryuichi Ohta ◽  
Akiko Yata
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Social Connection ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Rural People ◽  
Japanese Word ◽  
The Face

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused worldwide panic, and rural areas are no exception. In Japanese rural areas, many older people live alone and lack access to reliable sources of information. During the pandemic, older adults were initially isolated from their communities because of the recommended social isolation measures, even when there were no cases in rural communities. However, various formal and informal caregivers went beyond their usual roles and tried to reconnect the older rural population with their communities and nurtured their social connections; Japanese community workers mitigated the stress and fear experienced by the rural elderly in the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, this pandemic encouraged rural Japanese customs. One such custom is “Osekkai.” The Japanese word Osekkai describes actions that someone considers useful and meaningful to perform for others. Osekkai involves both formal and informal care, and as social gatherings began to disappear, Osekkai allowed individuals to deal with the various social problems created by the pandemic. Conferences based on Osekkai can strengthen rural people’s connections and improve their social capital. Activities of rural people that are constructed through Osekkai conferences are not only evidence-based but also based on reliance. This unprecedented pandemic has taught us not only the importance of usual healthcare and precautions against infection but also that nurturing social connection in communities is crucial in the face of social turbulence.

scholarly journals Exploring Daily Activity Patterns on the Typical Day of Older Adults for Supporting Aging-in-Place in China’s Rural Environment

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (22) ◽  
pp. 8416
Author(s):  
Ziqi Zhang ◽  
Zhi Qiu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Rural China ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Economic Security ◽  
Paid Work ◽  
Definition Of

Severe aging in rural China is prompting communities to promote support for older people to age in place. The study of the daily life of older adults in rural areas is conducive to understanding their real life and demands, as well as the way they interact with their environment, to develop feasible strategies. In this study, 171 older adults over 60 years old in two different types of villages in Northern Zhejiang Province were investigated and analyzed in terms of the temporal and spatial features of daily activities, as well as their relationship with population attributes, personal competence, and subjective demands. The results show that: (1) significant association can be seen between working hours and the demand for health services, housework hours and gender and age, as well as leisure hours and ADL and the demand for recreational services. (2) The older adults appear to have inter-group homogeneity in some aspects: basic living activities, leisure hours, the gender difference in housework hours, and recreational preference, while they have higher average paid work hours and fewer leisure alternatives than their urban counterparts. Their definitions of paid work, housework, and leisure activities are vague. (3) The definition of home by the older adults in rural places sometimes seems to go beyond the scope of their own house, and the extensive definition of home may change their recognitions of some activities. They also inclined to assign meaning to a place through frequent use rather than through external definitions. (4) The weak consciousness on buying services and deteriorated financial situation hinders the older adults in rural communities from expressing their real demands. Unspoken demands include economic security, recreational choices, and assistance in housework. The results will help to provide references for the improvement of eldercare services and the community environment.

scholarly journals FALL RISK BEHAVIORS AND INTRINSIC RISK FACTORS FOR FALLS IN INDIGENOUS AND NON-INDIGENOUS RURAL OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S471-S472
Author(s):  
Andre G Bouweraerts ◽  
Justus Ortega
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Fall Risk Factors ◽  
Fall Rates ◽  
Risk Factors For Falls

Abstract Within California, older adults living in rural counties have reported higher rates of falls than urban dwelling older adults. Although many Indigenous people live in rural areas, it is unclear whether the rate of falls among Indigenous older adults is similar to that of non-indigenous older adults living in rural areas. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine fall risk behaviors and intrinsic risk factors for falls in rural dwelling Indigenous (N = 89), and non-Indigenous (N = 68) older adults 60-95 years of age living in California. Results showed that both Indigenous and non-Indigenous older adults share similarly high fall rates, but there are a much greater number of Indigenous older adults falling multiple times a year. Moreover, fall risk behaviors and intrinsic fall risk factors were significantly different between Indigenous and non-Indigenous rural-dwelling older adults. Future studies should investigate falls and fall risk factors in different tribes/locations of Indigenous older adults to better understand whether these risk factors differ among tribes. Moreover, it would be beneficial for future studies to assess the effectiveness of fall prevention exercises on fall risk in these communities. Information gained from this study helps to inform clinicians and researchers alike about the prevalence of falls and factors contributing to falls among Indigenous older adults living in rural communities; and helps to influence decisions in the future of programs for reducing fall risk in this often neglected population.

Community-Engaged Older Adult-Led Policy, Systems, and Environment Interventions in the MS High Obesity Program

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 420-420
Author(s):  
Masey Smith ◽  
Katie Halfacre ◽  
Megan Holmes ◽  
David Buys
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Community Gardens ◽  
Community Based Participatory Research ◽  
Poor Outcomes ◽  
New Policies ◽  
Policy Systems ◽  
Work Done

Abstract Older adults in rural areas are at unique risk for poor outcomes due to social isolation and limited access to resources. The Mississippi High Obesity Program (HOP) aims to enhance access to social connections and resources like community gardens, food pantries, and physical activity as part of its broader objective to prevent and reduce obesity. Through policy, systems and environment strategies, development of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between aforementioned entities, and community based participatory research approaches, Mississippi HOP efforts enhance food systems improvement efforts; grow multi-sectoral collaboration; and evaluate the effectiveness of new policies, and specifically MOUs, in reaching these goals. Older adults represent more than 40% (n=27) of all coalition members and stakeholder leaders (n=61); they are essential for the success of these initiatives. This presentation will highlight the work done during the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of and benefits to older adults, especially ones in rural communities.

scholarly journals Do Age-Friendly Rural Communities Affect Quality of Life? A Comparison of Perceptions from Middle-Aged and Older Adults in China

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7283
Author(s):  
Jingyu Yu ◽  
Guixia Ma ◽  
Shuxia Wang
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Public Transportation ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Test Reliability ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Aged People ◽  
Outdoor Spaces

The aging population in rural areas of China faces serious challenges due to urban–rural disparities. In order to improve the active aging of rural older adults, the establishment of age-friendly communities is encouraged. However, globally, the focus is on age-friendly communities in urban areas, not reflecting rural communities. Hence, we addressed the importance of age-friendly rural communities (AFRCs) and aimed to investigate their impact on the quality of life (QoL) of older adults. We examined different perceptions of AFRCs among older adults (aged over 60) and middle-aged people (45–60) in rural communities with questionnaire surveys (n = 470 and 393, respectively). Several statistical methods, such as Chi-squared test, t-test, reliability test, and multiple regression, were adopted to investigate and compare the perceptions of these two. The results indicated that (1) middle-aged people were more satisfied with AFRC components and had a higher QoL than older adults; (2) the QoL of middle-aged people was predicted by housing, accessibility, and outdoor spaces; (3) the QoL of older adults was affected by housing, outdoor spaces, social participation, and public transportation. These findings aid in our understanding of rural communities and the QoL of rural residents. They are helpful for urban planners and policymakers to improve the planning of AFRCs and supplement research on age-friendly communities in rural areas. Practical implementations are proposed for the planning of AFRCs, such as the passive design of residential housing, grouping of community facilities together, and improvement in the hygiene of outdoor spaces in rural areas.

scholarly journals Age-Friendly Online Training Programs for Long-Term Services and Supports Staff to Improve Care for Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 532-532
Author(s):  
Linda Edelman ◽  
Kara Dassel
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Online Training ◽  
Team Leadership ◽  
Educational Opportunities ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Term Care

Abstract The purpose of our Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program is to provide geriatric and primary care education and training to long-term care (LTC) providers and staff, health professions students and community members. Our LTC partners and the communities we serve are often very rural and travel to urban areas for training can be difficult. Therefore, we have developed four online training that are offered free to our partners and rural communities statewide. These programs are designed to integrate the aims of the Age-Friendly 4M’s model (i.e., What Matters, Mobility, Medication, Mentation). The LTC nurse residency program provides gerontological nursing and inter-professional leadership training (all 4M’s), in a synchronous online environment. The asynchronous Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias training modules educate LTC staff and family caregivers about types, diagnosis and care of older adults with dementia (Mentation and Medication). The asynchronous Opioid Use in LTC modules were developed with partners to deliver live at LTC staff trainings about opioid stewardship (Medication). The LTC Learning Communities are monthly tele-health sessions for inter-professional LTC teams to discuss current issues and propose solutions (all 4M’s). We have successfully leveraged different synchronous and asynchronous online modalities to increase educational opportunities for formal and informal caregivers, including those in rural areas whose educational opportunities are geographically limited. To date our programs have reached over 500 individuals across our state, increasing knowledge about geriatric concepts, communication and team leadership. Moving forward, we will continue to develop and refine educational programs that promote the Age-Friendly geriatric-focused health care.

scholarly journals A Community Space With Diverse Activities Support Older Adults’ Social Participation and Sustain Social Connection

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 433-434
Author(s):  
Dongyool Kim ◽  
Taichi Masuda ◽  
Shuichiro Higuma ◽  
Yerim Yang ◽  
Sayaka Terazawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Group Performance ◽  
Walking Distance ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Social Connection ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Maintenance ◽  
Community Space

Abstract Active older adults in Japan participate in multiple social activities to be socially involved. However, physical limitation and decline in enthusiasm due to ageing decrease their participation. Diverse activities should be available at one place, close to older adult’s residence, to sustain social connections. A community space was launched at Toyoshikidai housing complex (Kashwia, Japan) in February 2018. The place offers about 25 activities per month. This research aimed to elucidate the relationship between activity type and motivation for participation, and study the effect of the community space on older adults’ social connection. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted targeting the attendees of community space (February 2020). Of attendees, 68% lived within 10-minutes walking distance to the community space (N=101). The activities were classified into craft, exercise, and music. The motivation for attending craft events were information exchange and relaxation, as was health maintenance for exercise events. Participating in group performance was the motivation to attend active music event, and casual gathering and network expansion was for passive music event. The frequency of social participation outside the community space was low in the group aged over 75 years. This group attended the activities at the community space more frequently than did the younger group. Differences in the number of social connections were not found. This result implies that older adults maintained their social connection by attending activities held at the community space. The diverse programs and close location of the community space might have contributed to the motivation of participation.

scholarly journals THE NEXUS OF ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIORS AND PRODUCTION BEHAVIORS OF THE HEAD OF THE AGRICULTURAL HOLDING IN TURKEY: KIRSEHIR PROVINCE CASE

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 125-133
Author(s):  
H. Ozcan Ozdemır
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Intrinsic Motivation ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Information Source ◽  
Important Change ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Leadership Qualities

The aim of the study has been to record the effect of the organisational behaviour of the heads of agricultural holdings on their agricultural behaviours in Kırşehir province of Turkey. It was attempted to represent the organizational behaviours of producers by three different scales that were developed by different researchers and adapted to the present study. These scales are “Intrinsic Motivation Scale (IMS)”, “Leadership Qualities Scale (LQS)” and “Physiological Empowerment Instrument (PEI)”. The study was conducted in Mucur district of the Kırsehir Province with 98 heads of the agricultural holding between February-March, 2020. As a result, it was determined that the 3 scales had separate effects on different variables. Upon examining the economic variables particularly from (SGDPV) point of view, producers with high PEI and LQS values were found to have more earnings and producers with high IMS value worked mainly in plant production (embraced agricultural production) and tended to have more risks. Individuals with high IMS and PEI were inclined towards formal sources of information and private sector while individuals with high LQS see themselves as the central source of information. Therefore, written and visual sources as well as private sector remain at the top of information source. The sociological changes in rural areas of Turkey produce significant results in agricultural production. Changes in the behaviours of producers lead to the emergence of different roles with the society. There is an important change in the perception of the society with regards to leader farmer and individual with producers having a tendency toward individual action. Therefore, organization behaviour ways of producers do not fit in the theoretical structure or do not affect their agricultural production behaviours. Therefore, more sociological researches are required and new scales should be developed for rural communities and even for agricultural communities. Keywords: Physiological Empowerment Instrument, Intrinsic Motivation Scores, Leadership Qualities

scholarly journals PLANNING FOR AGING IN PLACE IN RURAL AREAS: PERCEPTIONS AND NEEDS OF OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S252-S252
Author(s):  
Raven H Weaver ◽  
Cory Bolkan
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Family Care ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Service Access ◽  
Community Resources ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Age In Place

Abstract Most individuals prefer to live independently in their homes, but will need support to age-in-place safely. Rural-dwelling individuals historically have worse health, limited income, and restricted access to adequate services/supports compared to their urban counterparts. Community-based aging services organizations (i.e., Area Agency on Aging; AAA) offer in-home health, social support, and information/referral to community resources that support older adults in both urban and rural communities. A representative sample of adults aged 60+ (N=253, mean age=74) were surveyed via computer-assisted-telephone interviews about their health status, needs, and service utilization. Over half (54%) lived in rural counties, which was significantly associated with receiving insufficient health care services (X2=9.227, p=.002). Insufficient service access was also associated with experiencing a fall (X2=7.315, p=.007). While 53% reported having chronic conditions, most individuals still reported good health and their top reported needs included: yard work, interior/exterior house repairs, and housework. Content analysis of open-ended survey responses regarding future care needs revealed participants anticipate help from family/friends or neighbors; reliance on physicians for referrals; and expect insurance to cover their needs. Participants had varying awareness levels of available community resources and identified concerns about adequacy of services (e.g., mental health; transportation) and health insurance barriers (e.g., reimbursement; vision/dental coverage). Preparing for future needs and anticipating changing functional capacity is critical, especially among rural-dwelling older adults with chronic conditions. To improve ability for adults with diverse needs to age-in-place, preventive services/supports that span the continuum of care needs and that complement informal family care are necessary.

scholarly journals THE DIAL-UP BLUES: OPINIONS ON TELE-HEALTH AND BROADBAND AMONG RURAL RESIDENTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S358-S358
Author(s):  
Aisha Bonner Cozad
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Healthcare Cost ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
Services Research ◽  
Rural Residents ◽  
Reduce Healthcare Cost ◽  
Employed Women ◽  
Geographically Isolated

Abstract Findings from several AARP telephone studies on Caregiving and telehealth will be presented. Starting in 2017, AARP began collecting data on telehealth issues in the caregiving studies. As the amount of data began to grow, patterns of telehealth use began to emerge. Using a sample of 1,000 respondent’s age 45-plus, the data shows respondents are generally supportive of the telehealth. Telehealth activities are often billed as a way to reduce healthcare cost and to provide much needed healthcare to geographically isolated populations particularly those residing in rural areas. A key component to accessing telehealth services is having access to adequate broadband which can be challenging in rural communities. Data shows that older adults (65+) are less likely to be very interested in telehealth services. Research finds that those employed, women and AARP members are all more likely to be very interested in using the telehealth services.

scholarly journals ADDRESSING OLDER ADULT SOCIAL ISOLATION AND ABUSE THROUGH RURAL OUTREACH AND INTER-ORGANIZATIONAL COLLABORATION

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S59-S59
Author(s):  
Naomi R Meinertz ◽  
Megan Gilligan ◽  
Jeongeun Lee ◽  
Louise Peitz
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Elder Abuse ◽  
Direct Care ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Organizational Collaboration

Abstract Elder abuse is commonly linked with social isolation and in a rural state, such as Iowa, older adults may be at increased risk of social isolation and elder abuse. A community-based needs assessment aimed to record the first-hand perspectives of service providers regarding the needs of older adults in rural areas across the state of Iowa, covering 54 of the 99 counties. Through a survey (N=202) and focus groups (N=24), service providers, including direct care, Area Agencies on Aging, law enforcement, and attorneys, offered ways in which to address the gaps in service provision and prevention of elder abuse. Based on survey and focus groups, suggestions included ways to decrease social isolation among older adults by improving service outreach, provider training, and inter-organization communication. Discussion will outline gaps in service outreach and address future inter-organizational collaboration and strategies to prevent social isolation and elder abuse in rural communities.

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