scholarly journals MAYORES Y BIENESTAR PERSONAL / PERSONAL WELL-BEING IN THE ELDERLY

Author(s):  
Inmaculada Menacho Jiménez ◽  
Pedro Ramiro Oliver ◽  
Esperanza Marchena Consejero

Abstract:The purpose of this research was to analyze the differences between personal well-being in institucionalized and non institucionalized older adults. We also wanted to know the influence that some psychosocial factors could have upon the personal well-being. Factors considered were psychosocial variables such as gender, marital status, people living or not with them (partner, children, other family members), education and socioeconomic level, taking or not prescriptions, and the age. For people living in institutions, we studied how long they have been living in nursurey elderly home. The Questionaire to evaluate the personal well-being was the EBP from Sánchez-Cánovas (1998), but we just assesed two scales: psychological and material well-being because of our population. We evaluated 100 older adults aged between 58-98 year old. Some of them were living in institutions from the region of Cadiz (N= 49), and the others (N=51) were from a special university course for elderly people in the University of Cadiz. We calculated the t Student in order to analyze the differences in personal well-being between older adults living or not in institutions. Non statistically significant differences were found.Keywords: personal well-being, older adults, psychosocial variables and instituitions.Resumen:El propósito de esta investigación fue analizar las diferencias en bienestar personal entre población mayor institucionalizada y no institucionalizada, así como conocer la influencia de distintas variables psicosociales en el bienestar personal según la procedencia de la población mayor estudiada. Por tanto, las variables consideradas en este trabajo fueron el género, estado civil, la convivencia con otras personas incluyendo la pareja e hijos y otros familiares, el nivel de estudios, el nivel socioeconómico, la presencia o no de medicación y la edad. Además, para aquellos mayores procedentes de residencia de mayores, se consideró el tiempo que llevaban viviendo en la misma. El bienestar personal fue evaluado a través de la Escala de Bienestar Psicológico de Sánchez-Cánovas (1998), y sólo se tuvieron en cuenta las subescalas: bienestar psicológico y bienestar material dadas las características de la población objeto de estudio. El cuestionario se pasó a un total de 100 adultos mayores, en un rango de edad entre 58 y 98 años procedentes de residencia de mayores de la provincia de Cádiz por un lado, y por otro, del aula de mayores de la Universidad de Cádiz. Los primeros resultados tras aplicar la t de Student para analizar las diferencias de medias en bienestar personal entre mayores institucionalizados y no institucionalizados, no nos indican diferencias estadísticamente significativas.Palabras clave: bienestar personal, adultos mayores, variables psicosociales, mayores institucionalizados.

2002 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
G. M. Chigali ◽  
M. Marais ◽  
R. M. B. Mpofu

The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences which impact on aspects of the lives and sense of well-being of elderly people in a township in South Africa in order to make recommendations for future service delivery. A cross- sectional, qualitative survey was carried out in Mfuleni Township, a part of the Cape Metropolitan Region in the Western Cape.  Sixteen people of ages ranging from 60-82 years were conveniently selected from a group of elderly people who meet regularly at a community centre. Data were collected through focused  group discussions and unstructured interviews. Analysis of data revealed three main categories namely, psychological/ emotional, socio-economic and health, under which different themes emerged. The experiences of individuals in a given society may vary, but somehow, their basic rights tend to be universal as revealed by the literature. Loneliness and isolation, lack of recreation facilities, loss of dignity and respect, poor health services and lack of shelter are some of the experiences expressed by the elderly people in this sample. These experiences highlight the need for clearly stated policies andcommitment by governmental and non-governmental structures, appropriate health service strategies and improved socio-economic standards supported by properly researched data.


Motricidade ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 73 ◽  
Author(s):  
André Ramalho ◽  
João Petrica ◽  
António Rosado

This systematic review aimed to synthesize the scientific evidence about the relationship between sedentary behaviours and various psychological outcomes in older adults. The study searches were conducted in the following databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, ISI Web of Knowledge and ScienceDirect. We selected 15 observational quantitative studies according to specific eligibility criteria. The data extraction was performed independently by different authors, including the evaluation of the risk of bias of the studies and the classification of the force of evidence. The results showed a tendency of showing no associations between the sedentary behaviours, the well-being and quality of life of the elderly. Concerning life satisfaction and perceived stress, it seems that active sedentary activities have positive effects on these indicators. Evidence has also suggested that some sedentary behaviours may help maintain some cognitive functions in the elderly population, namely in different types of memory. In other studies, it has been demonstrated a tendency that too much time in passive sedentary activities has been associated with depressive symptomatology. However, this review suggested that the evidence is not yet consistent in the relationship between the sedentary behaviours of the elderly and the indicators analysed, and more research is needed.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 4337
Author(s):  
Neri Maria Cristina ◽  
d’Alba Lucia

Nutritional well-being is a fundamental aspect for the health, autonomy and, therefore, the quality of life of all people, but especially of the elderly. It is estimated that at least half of non-institutionalized elderly people need nutritional intervention to improve their health and that 85% have one or more chronic diseases that could improve with correct nutrition. Although prevalence estimates are highly variable, depending on the population considered and the tool used for its assessment, malnutrition in the elderly has been reported up to 50%. Older patients are particularly at risk of malnutrition, due to multiple etiopathogenetic factors which can lead to a reduction or utilization in the intake of nutrients, a progressive loss of functional autonomy with dependence on food, and psychological problems related to economic or social isolation, e.g., linked to poverty or loneliness. Changes in the aging gut involve the mechanical disintegration of food, gastrointestinal motor function, food transit, intestinal wall function, and chemical digestion of food. These alterations progressively lead to the reduced ability to supply the body with adequate levels of nutrients, with the consequent development of malnutrition. Furthermore, studies have shown that the quality of life is impaired both in gastrointestinal diseases, but especially in malnutrition. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of malnutrition in elderly people is necessary to promote the knowledge of age-related changes in appetite, food intake, homeostasis, and body composition in order to better develop effective prevention and intervention strategies to achieve healthy aging.


Author(s):  
Vanessa Silva Lins ◽  
Marcia Queiroz de Carvalho Gomes

A demência é uma das principais causas de incapacidade entre a população idosa, sua prevalência vem crescendo com o aumento da longevidade e vem se tornando um problema de saúde pública. O idoso acometido por demência tem as ocupações e o desempenho ocupacional bastante comprometido, necessitando da assistência do terapeuta ocupacional. O objetivo do presente estudo é analisar as contribuições da Terapia Ocupacional na atenção ao idoso com demência, descritas nas produções científicas publicadas em periódicos na área de saúde. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática, do tipo integrativa, realizada na plataforma BIREME, nas bases de dados da LILACS, SciELO e MEDLINE, usando os descritores “Demência AND Terapia Ocupacional” e “Doença de Alzheimer AND Terapia Ocupacional”, nos idiomas português e espanhol. Foram encontrados 33 artigos, desse total foram selecionados para análise 07 artigos, que estavam dentro dos critérios de inclusão. Esta revisão permitiu constatar que, apesar da tímida produção de publicações de terapeutas ocupacionais acerca da demência, nos dois idiomas pesquisados, a Terapia Ocupacional vem ampliando seu escopo de ação, para além das tradicionais abordagens cognitivas e centradas apenas no idoso, avançou na promoção de práticas preventivas e no manejo de sintomas psicológicos e comportamentais, que envolvem tanto o ambiente físico quanto o ambiente social do idoso. A Terapia Ocupacional tem desenvolvido e utilizado instrumentos próprios da profissão, tais como a DADL-Br e a COPM, fortalecendo sua identidade e especificidade. Vem contribuindo para a qualidade de vida e bem-estar do idoso com Demência e seus cuidadores/familiares, promovendo uma atenção integral e contextualizada. Abstract Dementia is one of the leading causes of disability among the elderly population. Its prevalence has increased with longevity growth and it has become a public health problem. The older adults person affected by dementia has his/her occupations and occupational performance quite compromised, requiring Occupational Therapy assistance. The objective of the present study is to analyze Occupational Therapy assistance contributions to the elderly with dementia, described in the scientific productions published in health journals. It is a review of the integrative type, performed in BIREME platform, in the databases of LILACS, SciELO and MEDLINE, using the descriptors "Dementia AND Occupational Therapy" and "Alzheimer's Disease AND Occupational Therapy", in Portuguese and Spanish.We have found 33 articles, from which 7 articles were selected for analysis, according to the inclusion criteria.This review showed that, in spite of the small number of publications about the performance of dementia in both languages, Occupational Therapy has expanded its scope of action. Beyond cognitive approaches focused on the older adults, it has been making progress on preventing and managing psychological and behavioral symptoms, involving both the physical and social environment of the older adults. Occupational Therapy has developed and used its own tests and evaluations, such as DADL-Br and COPM, strengthening its identity and specificity. It contributes to the quality of life and well-being of the elderly with Dementia and their caregivers / family, promoting integrated and contextualized care.Keywords: Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, Elderly; Occupational Therapy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 138-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antti O. Tanskanen ◽  
Johanna Kallio ◽  
Mirkka Danielsbacka

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate public opinions towards elderly care. The authors analysed respondents’ opinions towards financial support, practical help and care for elderly people. Design/methodology/approach The authors used nationally representative data collected in Finland in 2012. Respondents represent an older generation (born between 1945 and 1950, n=1,959) and their adult children (born between 1962 and 1993, n=1,652). Findings First, the authors compared the opinions of older and younger Finns but did not find that older adults were more likely than younger adults support the state responsibility, or vice versa. It was also when only actual parent-child dyads (n=779) from same families were included. Next, the authors found that several socioeconomic and family-related variables were associated with public opinions of elderly care in both generations. For instance, in both generations lower-income individuals supported the state’s responsibility more compared to their better-off counterparts. Originality/value The study provides important knowledge on attitudes towards elderly care using unique two-generational data of younger and older adults.


2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (8) ◽  
pp. 1282-1306
Author(s):  
Jinyu Liu ◽  
Lydia Li ◽  
Zhenmei Zhang ◽  
Hongwei Xu

Objectives: This study aimed to examine whether gender and marital status of coresiding adult children are associated with depressive symptoms of Chinese older adults. Methods: Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, linear regression analysis was conducted to identify longitudinal associations of intergenerational coresidence with depressive symptoms in rural and urban older Chinese. Results: Both rural and urban older adults living with unmarried sons had significantly higher depressive symptoms at four-year follow-up than those who did not live with children. Living with married sons was significantly associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms at four-year follow-up among rural elders only. Discussion: This study sheds light on the heterogeneity in the relationship between intergenerational coresidence and Chinese older adults’ psychological well-being by the gender and marital status of coresiding children. Further research is needed to understand the complex and dynamic household structures and health outcomes in later life.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 199-209
Author(s):  
Virginia Fernández-Fernández ◽  
Andrés Losada-Baltar ◽  
María Márquez-González ◽  
Teresa Paniagua-Granados ◽  
Carlos Vara-García ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTObjective:Although it is known that certain emotion regulation processes produce a buffering effect on the relationship between life events and well-being, this issue has been poorly studied in the elderly population. Thus, the aim of the present study is to test and confirm a comprehensive model of the impact that past life events have on older adults’ psychological distress, exploring the possible mediating roles of emotion regulation processes. These include rumination, experiential avoidance, and personal growth.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 387 people over 60 years old residing in the community were assessed on life events, physical functioning, emotion regulation variables, psychological well-being, as well as symptoms of anxiety and depression.Results:The structural model tested achieved a satisfactory fit to the data, explaining 73% of the variance of older adults’ psychological distress. In addition, the main results suggest possible mediation effects of both the physical functioning and the emotional variables: rumination, experiential avoidance, and personal growth in the face of hardship.Conclusions:These findings confirm the importance of emotion regulation processes in the final stages of life. They reveal the various adaptive and maladaptive mechanisms that underlie the relationship between life events and psychological distress. The findings suggest – both in the explanatory models of psychological well-being and in psychotherapeutic interventions – the importance of emotion regulation in the elderly population’s health.


2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (4 (254) ◽  
pp. 237-254
Author(s):  
Anna Kanios ◽  
Anna Bocheńska-Brandt

The ageing of people is one of the most important social issues of the modern world. This is a global phenomenon, concerning all regions and almost all countries. This problem pertains also to Poland and Germany. The following article is based on empirical studies whose subject were the social competencies profiles of Polish and German students preparing for caregiving of the elderly people. The method of the study was a diagnostic survey, whereas the research instruments used in the study were PROKOS. Social Competencies Profile by A. Matczak and K. Martowska and The questionnaire for the analysis of motivation to work with elderly people for students of social wellbeing majors (self-constructed questionnaire). Research studies were carried out between October and December 2018. In Poland, they involved students from Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin and the University of Rzeszów, while in Germany, students from universities of Münster, Osnabrück, Bielefeld and Wolfsburg. German students (200 people) constituted the main group, whereas the comparative group consisted of 167 Polish students. The results of the research demonstrated significant statistic differences in the range of all distinguished types of social competencies between the examined Polish and German groups of students (p < 0,001).


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roohollah Farhadloo ◽  
Sarallah Shojaei ◽  
Hamid Torabian ◽  
Mostafa Vahedian ◽  
Masoumeh Zakerimoghadam ◽  
...  

Background: Improving lifestyle, increasing lifespan and life expectancy have led to the phenomenon of aging in societies. The increasing population of older adults is one of the most important economic, social, and health challenges in the current century. Objectives: This study was conducted to measure the mental health of older adults in Qom City and its relationship with socioeconomic factors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study on 400 older adults over 60 years in the urban areas of Qom in 2018. A multi-stage sampling method was used for this study. The research tools were a demographic questionnaire, the Kessler Psychological Distress scale (K6), and a standard psychological well-being scale. Data were analyzed by Stata 12 software using the t-test. The significance level was considered less than 0.05. Results: Considering the mental health status, based on the K6, 55% of the elderly showed signs of low depression anxiety, 34% moderate, and 11% showed severe anxiety symptoms. Regarding the status of well-being, 49.50% were in good condition (11.3 ± 3.3), 27.75% were in moderate condition (13.8 ± 2.9), and 22.75% were in poor condition (7.3 ± 2.6). Anxiety and depression had significant relationships with gender, having an illness, marital status, having a caregiver, and income. Conclusions: The results showed that about half of the elderly in Qom had moderate anxiety and depression disorders, as well as moderate mental well-being, which indicates the moderate level of anxiety and mental disorders in the elderly in Qom.


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