Understanding Older Adults’ Perception and Usage of Indoor Lighting in Independent Senior Living

2021 ◽  
pp. 193758672098861
Author(s):  
Daejin Kim ◽  
Carl Chang ◽  
Jennifer Margrett
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Vision Impairment ◽  
Retirement Community ◽  
Smart Devices ◽  
Lighting Condition ◽  
Smart Lighting ◽  
Light Levels ◽  
Indoor Lighting

The main purpose of this research is to examine the lighting condition and residents’ perception of lighting in a senior retirement community in order to understand various environmental issues related to lighting. Also, this research aims to suggest a new lighting solution to compensate for older adults’ vision impairment and challenges at home for a successful aging place. In the normal aging process, more than 30% of older adults have a vision impairment, which negatively affects health and well-being of older adults such as limited activities, falling, loneliness, depression, anxiety, and a sense of control. Via a mixed method study design, residents in senior living communities were asked to describe the adequacy of light levels and specific tasks and needs related to lighting at their home. In addition to the survey and interview, indoor lighting assessments were conducted during the in-home session. The research findings highlighted older adults’ experience and perception of lighting in their homes. Paired-sample t test indicated that there were statistically significant differences in light levels between normal conditions and full capacity conditions in all spaces. In order to address various challenges which older adults have been experiencing in their home for a long time, this research suggests new smart lighting platform which provides a proper level of illumination in older adult’s homes. Such a smart platform is proactive and can dynamically adjust the smart devices or lighting fixtures in situ, while older adults are performing certain tasks.

scholarly journals PHYSIOLOGY OF SUCCESSFUL AGING: IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S434-S434
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Mantantzis ◽  
Denis Gerstorf ◽  
Thomas M Hess
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Empathic Accuracy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Use Of Data ◽  
Aging Study ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Relationship Factors

Abstract Research into peripheral physiology and its association with cognition, emotionality, and social/physical functioning has received considerable attention over the years. However, many of the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this symposium, we have compiled a set of four empirical projects that showcase current and future endeavors to address some of the long-standing questions about when, how, and why physiology shapes and is shaped by key psychosocial resources. Hawkley et al. make use of data from the NSHAP and HRS longitudinal studies to investigate whether social relationships such as number of friends predicts risk of diabetes among older adults. Wilson et al. use dyadic data from young and middle-aged couples to examine cardiometabolic similarity among spouses, and how such concordance is shaped by key relationship factors such as emotional closeness. Pauly et al. use data from two daily-life studies of older couples to investigate how physiological synchrony in cortisol is modulated by partner interactions, empathy, and empathic accuracy. Finally, Mantantzis et al. make use of multi-year longitudinal data from the Berlin Aging Study II to examine the role of glucose regulation capacity for trajectories of subjective well-being among older adults. Thomas Hess will discuss the importance of these papers, discuss strengths and weaknesses of the approaches chosen, and consider implications for future research.

scholarly journals Older HIV+ and HIV− Adults Provide Similar Definitions of Successful Aging: A Mixed-Methods Examination

2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 385-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pariya L Fazeli ◽  
Jessica L Montoya ◽  
Chastity N McDavid ◽  
David J Moore
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
General Health ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Neurocognitive Impairment ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Demographic Correlates ◽  
Biological Health ◽  
Design And Methods

Abstract Background and Objective As HIV-infected (HIV+) individuals age, there is a need to understand successful aging (SA) from the patient perspective. This study compared SA definitions between HIV+ and HIV-uninfected (HIV−) older adults and then examined correlates of SA categories. Research Design and Methods Ninety-three HIV+ and 46 HIV− older (aged 50+) adults provided brief definitions of SA, which was examined using content analysis. We then compared the frequency of SA categories by serostatus and examined the correlates of SA categories within both groups. Results Seven SA categories emerged: General Health, Cognitive Health & Ability, Physical/Biological Health & Ability, Social Relationships, Attitudes, Psychological, & Emotional Well-Being, Proactive & Engaged Lifestyle, and Independence. While no significant differences emerged, HIV− older adults were more likely to report General Health and the subcategory of Longevity/Survival, while HIV+ older adults were more likely to report subcategories of Enjoying Life & Fulfillment and Maintaining Balance. Few demographic correlates of SA categories emerged. Mood and HIV characteristics were not associated with SA categories. In both groups, those without neurocognitive impairment were significantly more likely to endorse General Health than those with neurocognitive impairment. Discussion and Implications HIV+ and HIV− older individuals may generally perceive SA similarly, and their definitions parallel with existing models of SA. Yet, living with a chronic illness may cause HIV+ older adults to place greater value on quality of life and life satisfaction than physical health and chronological age. Observational and intervention studies may use similar approaches in evaluating and maximizing SA.

scholarly journals Self-reported Vision Impairment and Subjective Well-being in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Mediation Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 589-595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoling Xiang ◽  
Vicki A Freedman ◽  
Khushali Shah ◽  
Rita X Hu ◽  
Brian C Stagg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Vision Impairment ◽  
Activity Limitations ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Medicare Beneficiaries ◽  
Poor Vision ◽  
Longitudinal Mediation ◽  
Participation Restrictions ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Vision impairment (VI) in older adults is associated with declines in well-being. However, the pathways through which poor vision leads to declines in well-being have not been well-described. The purpose of this study was to determine whether activity limitations and social participation restrictions mediate the impact of self-reported VI on subjective well-being. Methods The National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) is a nationally representative longitudinal study of Medicare beneficiaries 65 and older that includes detailed measures of the disablement process. A longitudinal mediation model was conceptualized linking self-reported VI and subjective well-being. Structural equation modeling was used to test the mediating effects of activity limitations and social participation restrictions while adjusting for relevant covariates. Results The final sample included 5,431 respondents. At baseline, 8.0% of Medicare beneficiaries had self-reported VI. Subjective well-being scores were significantly lower among respondents with self-reported VI (15.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.2, 16.2) compared with those without VI (17.6; 95% CI: 17.5, 17.7). Self-reported VI had a significant indirect effect on subjective well-being through limiting mobility (β = −0.04; 95% CI: −0.07, −0.03) and household activities (β = −0.05; 95% CI: −0.08, −0.03), but not self-care limitations (β = 0.0; 95% CI = 0.0, 0.0) or participation restrictions (β = 0.0; 95% CI = −0.01, 0.00). Total indirect effects from all mediation paths accounted for 42% of the effect of VI on well-being. Conclusions Mobility and household activity limitations are significant mediators that explain a considerable portion of the impact of poor vision on well-being. Interventions to promote successful accommodation may result in greater overall well-being for older adults with poor vision.

How Sedentary Are Older People? A Systematic Review of the Amount of Sedentary Behavior

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 471-487 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliet A. Harvey ◽  
Sebastien F.M. Chastin ◽  
Dawn A. Skelton
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Scale Population ◽  
Data Source

Background/objectives:Sedentary behavior (SB), defined as sitting (nonexercising), reclining, and lying down (posture), or by low energy expenditure, is a public health risk independent to physical activity. The objective of this systematic literature review was to synthesize the available evidence on amount of SB reported by and measured in older adults.Data source:Studies published between 1981 and 2014 were identified from electronic databases and manual searching. Large-scale population studies/surveys reporting the amount of SB (objective/subjective) in older adults aged ≥ 60 years of age were included. Appraisal and synthesis was completed using MOOSE guidelines.Results:349,698 adults aged ≥ 60 within 22 studies (10 countries and 1 EU-wide) were included. Objective measurement of SB shows that older adults spend an average of 9.4 hr a day sedentary, equating to 65–80% of their waking day. Self-report of SB is lower, with average weighted self-reports being 5.3 hr daily. Within specific domains of SB, older adults report 3.3 hr in leisure sitting time and 3.3 hr watching TV. There is an association with more time spent in SB as age advances and a trend for older men to spend more time in SB than women.Conclusion/implications:Time spent sedentary ranges from 5.3–9.4 hr per waking day in older adults. With recent studies suggesting a link between SB, health, and well-being, independent of physical activity, this is an area important for successful aging.Limitations:Different methodologies of measurement and different reporting methods of SB made synthesis difficult. Estimated SB time from self-report is half of that measured objectively; suggesting that most self-report surveys of SB will vastly underestimate the actual time spent in SB.

Successful Aging from the Viewpoint of Older Adults: Development of a Brief Successful Aging Inventory (SAI)

Gerontology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 359-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeong Eun Lee ◽  
Boaz Kahana ◽  
Eva Kahana
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Measurement Invariance ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Panel Study ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Psychometric Evaluation ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Retirement Community ◽  
Older Individuals

Objective: Researcher-defined criteria for successful aging (SA) have been criticized for their limited perspective and failure to acknowledge subjective perceptions of older individuals. We assessed the extent to which older individuals consider specific factors, which they had suggested, to be important in defining SA. The present study had 2 objectives: (a) to develop a brief multidimensional questionnaire for assessing SA and to evaluate its psychometric properties; and (b) to examine age associations with each dimension of SA. Methods: A survey was conducted with 550 participants in a panel study of older adult residents of an elderly retirement community and with community-dwelling older adults, regarding factors that they considered to be important for SA. The psychometric evaluation involved exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, reliability and validity analyses, and measurement invariance testing. Partial correlations were used to examine the association of age with SA. Results: The 4-factor solution provided a satisfactory fit to the data: proactive engagement, wellness resources, positive spirit, and valued relationships. Metric measurement invariance for this factor structure was confirmed across 2 age groups. The findings also suggest that the Successful Aging Inventory (SAI) scale might be a useful predictor of SA. Discussion: Our findings highlight the value of considering more comprehensive models of SA that include social relationships and proactive engagement.

scholarly journals Development of a Comprehensive Chinese Successful Aging Scale: Incorporating the Viewpoints of Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 215-216
Author(s):  
Edwin K H Chung ◽  
Dannii Yeung
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Initial Item ◽  
Civic Awareness ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Inspiring by Martinson and Berridge’s (2015) systematic review, the current definition of successful aging (SA) fails to acknowledge the laypeople’s conceptualization of SA. Adopting a mixed-method approach, two studies were conducted with the aim of soliciting older adults’ perceptions of SA and to develop a multidimensional instrument for assessing SA. Study 1 was a qualitative study and 27 community-dwelling older adults (Mage=68.07 years, SD=7.10, range=60–83; 56.3% females) were interviewed. Interview transcripts were analyzed, and seven themes were emerged. An initial item pool for the Successful Aging Scale (SAS) was then established based on these themes as well as those in the SA literature, such as acceptance and independence. Study 2 was a survey study which was conducted among 414 community-dwelling older adults (Mage=64.50 years, SD=4.01, range=60–82; 55.3% females) to identify optimal items for constitution of the SAS. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 12-factor solution, accounting for 62% of the variance. The 12 factors are adequate health, perceived constraints, flexible attitudes toward life, acceptance of age-related change, life embracement, active engagement, harmonious family, supportive friendship, civic awareness, social contribution, living independently, and adaptive coping strategies. The 12 factors exhibit similar strength of associations with most of the well-being measures, but certain factors show stronger correlation with depressive symptoms and social relationship, suggesting the uniqueness of each factor. Overall, the SAS demonstrates promising psychometric properties. These findings disclose that the older adults’ perceptions of SA could cover broader dimensions than those in Rowe and Kahn’s model (1997).

scholarly journals Meeting Challenges of Late Life Disability Proactively

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Kahana ◽  
Jeffrey S Kahana ◽  
Boaz Kahana ◽  
Polina Ermoshkina
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Functional Limitations ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Human Potential ◽  
Intergenerational Support ◽  
Self Advocacy ◽  
Integrative View ◽  
Future Care

Abstract Discussions of disability in the gerontological and the disability studies literatures have seldom considered unique perspectives and needs of older adults. Disability has often been stigmatized and viewed as antithetical to successful aging. We call for expansion of prevailing paradigms of disability to address the resilience and continuing human potential of older adults living with disabilities. In addition to recognizing the environmental context of disability, we propose greater attention to adaptive potential of disabled older adults. We discuss 6 types of proactive adaptations that can contribute to empowerment, meaning, enhanced quality of life and psychological well-being among persons living with late-life onset disabilities. These include: (a) helping others, (b) planning for future care, (c) marshaling intergenerational support, (d) self-advocacy for responsive health care, (e) making environmental modifications to improve safety and comfort of the home, and (f) finding strength in spiritual pursuits. Enacting proactive adaptations can contribute to resilience in facing late life impairments and functional limitations. Such efforts can complement utilization of services and obtaining accommodations. Maintaining life satisfaction among older adults living with disabilities also involves focus on transcendent personal goals and acceptance of an altered self. We note how a more integrative view of medical and social dimensions of disability, infused with concepts of human agency, contributes to rapprochement between alternative disciplinary orientations to late life disability. Without negating society’s important responsibilities for accommodating to needs of older adults living with disability, we reaffirm their potential for greater control and self-determination through proactive adaptations.

scholarly journals HIV and Aging Comes into the Spotlight: 2012 to 2015

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 848-848
Author(s):  
Mark Brennan-Ing
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Interest Group ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Critical Research ◽  
Research Focus ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Surveillance Report ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Hiv Aids

Abstract I had the privilege of serving as Principal- and Co-Convener of the HIV, AIDS and Older Adults Special Interest Group (SIG) for four years (2012 through 2015). During this era, when the proportion of U.S. older adults with HIV was projected to surpass 50%, we witnessed a number of milestones including the NIH Office of AIDS Working Group on HIV and Aging recommendations for critical research focus publication (JAIDS, 2012), the first CDC Surveillance Report on people 50 and older with HIV (2013), and the first UNAIDS report on HIV and aging (2013). During this period, the SIG was very successful in raising awareness about HIV and aging through numerous GSA presentations. Topics covered ranged from sexual health, to cognitive function, psychological well-being, social isolation, successful aging, and resilience. These presentations highlighted research findings that have been critical in developing interventions and shaping policy initiatives to support this growing population. Part of a symposium sponsored by the HIV, AIDS and Older Adults Interest Group.

Promoting Hope in Older Adults

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amber M. Gum
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Environmental Interventions ◽  
Physical Environments ◽  
Physical Barriers ◽  
Preliminary Research ◽  
Goal Pursuits

As evidenced by 15 years of research, hopeful older adults reject negative stereotypes of aging; envision themselves as aging successfully; plan for later life; cope with stressors; apply wisdom; and perceive good physical, mental, and social well-being. Hopeful older adults even live longer than less hopeful older adults. Preliminary research indicates that older adults participating in individual- and small-group interventions can learn and apply strategies to improve hope, goal pursuits, and distress. The larger social and physical environments create barriers to pursuing goals in later life, including ageism and physical barriers. Thus broader social and environmental interventions may provide additional pathways to foster older adults’ hope and goal pursuits, as well as to help younger generations develop more positive views of aging and prepare for successful aging.

scholarly journals TóMALO SUAVE (TAKE IT EASY): HOW LATINO OLDER ADULTS PERCEIVE OF POSITIVE AGING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S715-S715
Author(s):  
Lissette M Piedra ◽  
Melissa Howe ◽  
John Ridings ◽  
Yadira Montoya ◽  
Kendon Conrad
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Steering Committee ◽  
Positive Aging ◽  
Healthy Behaviors ◽  
Back Translation ◽  
N 93 ◽  
Latino Older Adults

Abstract With the help of the Positive Aging of Latinos Study (PALS) steering committee (N = 20), we used concept-mapping methods to learn what Latino older adults (N = 101) consider important for aging well, positively, and successfully. We used data from nine focus groups (six Spanish, three English) to generate an unabridged list of 171 statements that described what positive and successful aging meant to participants. The PALS steering committee reviewed the statements, assisted with the translation and back translation of items in Spanish, eliminated vague and duplicate statements, and approved a final list of 85 statements. Next, Latino older adults thematically sorted (n = 35) and rated (n = 93) the 85 statements (using a 1-5 scale; higher values indicate greater importance). These data were used to produce a concept map for how participants conceptualized positive and successful aging. The final map consisted of 11 clusters nested within 4 overarching regions. Region 1 [Self-Sufficiency] contains clusters of items which address “Stability” and “Independence.” Region 2 [Healthy Behaviors] includes clusters with items related to “Staying Healthy” and “Avoiding Trouble.” Region 3 [Perspectives on Life] encompasses four clusters of items that address mindsets: “Tómalo Suave (Take it Easy),” “Outlook on Life/Self-Care,” “Emotional Well-being,” and “Maturing.” Region 4 [Convivir (To coexist)] features indictors of interrelatedness such as “Social & Community Engagement,” “Coping & Adjustment,” and “Family Relationships.” These findings provide insights into how Latino older adults conceive of positive aging, which could be useful when designing culturally sensitive programming for Latino seniors.

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