scholarly journals Life is Experienced Until We Die: Effects of Service-Learning on Gerontology Competencies and Attitudes Toward Aging

10.18060/672 ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Hill Jones
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Career Plans ◽  
Attitudes Toward Aging ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
Student Journals

This mixed methods study examined the effects of service learning in an undergraduate gerontology course on student learning outcomes. Eleven of thirteen students chose to provide companionship and practical help to community-dwelling older adults and link course assignments to this experience. Participating students were mostly female and social work majors or minors, of various races and ethnicities, and of traditional and nontraditional ages. Self-ratings using the Geriatric Social Work Competency Scale showed significant skill improvements for students from pretest to posttest. Analysis of student journals indicated improvement in interaction skills, knowledge of aging processes, dismantling of stereotypes, awareness of issues affecting healthy aging, valuing older adults, and cultural competence. Career plans were positively affected for most students. Letters offering advice to their 70-year old selves appeared to impact students’ plans for self-care. Service-learning is recommended to increase students’ gerontology competencies and attitudes toward aging in others and themselves.

scholarly journals Curricula Innovation to Positively Influence Preference for Working With Older Adults: A Review of the Literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 546-546
Author(s):  
Christine Brewer
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Nursing Education ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Clinical Experiences ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Education Interventions ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Few nursing students show preference in working with older adults. The purpose of this study was to review the U.S. nursing education evidence-based literature to determine curricula innovation to positively influence preference for working with older adults. CINAHL, Medline, Ovid Emcare, PsychInfo, and PubMed databases were searched for relevant U.S studies published between 2009 and 2020 using the search terms “nursing students”, “geriatrics OR gerontology OR older adults OR elderly OR aging”, “career OR work”, and “choice OR preference OR attitude”. Nine studies were eligible for inclusion. Nursing education may play a role in influencing how students perceive and prefer to work with older adults. Promising interventions include stand-alone gerontology courses, intergenerational service-learning experiences, and clinical experiences with community dwelling older adults. More evidence-based research with larger sample sizes are needed to determine effective nursing education interventions to improve nursing students’ attitude and preference for working with older adults.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a Care Delivery Model for High-Need Community-Dwelling Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 279-279
Author(s):  
Kuei-Min Chen ◽  
Hui-Fen Hsu
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Delivery Model ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Care Delivery Model ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract The effectiveness of sufficient care coordination for high-need community-dwelling older adults has not been discussed. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a newly-developed care delivery model for high-need community-dwelling older adults. A cluster randomized controlled trial with repeated measures design was employed. A total of 145 high-need older adults participated in the study and were randomly assigned to either the intervention group or comparison group. A categorized list of care services based on the types of high-need older adults as the intervention allowed care coordinators to make adequate care service linkages. The intervention period ranged over 6 months with regulated home visits and assesssments. Functional ability, quality of life, depressive symptoms, and healthcare and social service utilizations were measured at baseline, and at 3 and 6 months into the intervention. The participants’ satisfaction with care delivery was measured at the end of 6-month intervention. Results showed that the intervention group had a better functional ability, a higher quality of life, reduced depressive symptoms, and more efficient healthcare and social service utilizations than the comparison group at both the 3-month and 6-month intervals (all p < .05). By the end of the 6-month study, the intervention group were more satisfied with the care service linkages than the comparison group (p < .05). The positive effects of providing a categorized list of care services for care coordinators to make service linkages have been evidenced by the outcomes. The promising findings supported a further longer-term implementation of the care delivery model.

scholarly journals Digital Health Interventions for Healthy Aging: A Qualitative User Evaluation and Ethical Assessment

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcello Ienca ◽  
Christophe Schneble ◽  
Reto Kressig ◽  
Tenzin Wangmo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older People ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Healthy Ageing ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract BackgroundDigital health technologies are being increasingly developed with the aim of allowing older adults to maintain functional independence throughout the old age, a process known as healthy ageing. Such digital health technologies for healthy ageing are expected to mitigate the socio-economic effects of population ageing and improve the quality of life of older people. However, little is known regarding the views and needs of older people regarding these technologies. AimThe aim of this study is to explore the views, needs and perceptions of community-dwelling older adults regarding the use of digital health technologies for healthy ageing. MethodFace-to-face, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with community-dwelling older adults (median age 79.6 years). The interview process involved both abstract reflections and practical demonstrations. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed according to inductive content analysis. ResultsThree main themes and twelve sub-themes emerged. The three main themes revolved around the following thematic areas: favorable views and perceptions on technology-assisted living, usability evaluations and ethical considerations. ConclusionsOur study reveals a generally positive attitude towards digital health technologies as participants believed digital tools could positively contribute to improving their overall wellbeing, especially if designed in a patient-centered manner. Safety concerns and ethical issues related to privacy, empowerment and lack of human contact also emerged as key considerations.

scholarly journals Government and University Partner for Virtual Service-Learning to Support Intergenerational Social Interaction

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 366-366
Author(s):  
Martha Kemeny ◽  
Adelle Williams ◽  
Stephanie Cole
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Pre-pandemic, evidence existed that intergenerational service-learning programs support knowledge of aging and positive attitudes and perceptions (Monahan et al., 2020). As spring 2020 COVID-19 lock downs and public health warnings urged physical distancing of community dwelling older adults, growing concern about the unintended consequences of increased social isolation on mental and physical health prompted the Secretary’s Office of Pennsylvania Department of Aging to design a pilot project with university faculty for virtual intergenerational social interaction. The Department identified older adults at the highest risk for social isolation (live alone, in poverty, with a disability). The resulting pilot project is fully integrated as a high impact practice into eight sections of recreational therapy and gerontology courses with participation by 210 undergraduate students and 210 older adults for 9 weeks of both the fall and spring semesters. Students, who received extensive classroom instruction aimed at avoiding negative stereotypes of older adults as helpless and dependent, called their assigned partner several times a week for at least an hour of communication. Using the UCLA loneliness scale, community-dwelling older adults reported frustration with isolation due to the pandemic. Those with low and moderate loneliness reported positive feelings about program and looking forward to interactions with students. Students gained virtual communication skills that may contribute to telehealth competencies, intervention skills such as assessment, life review/reminiscence, mindfulness techniques, and leisure education. Moreover, an analysis of student reflections revealed positive changes in attitudes toward older adults and the ability to enjoy common interests despite age differences.

scholarly journals Day-to-Day Mobility, Affect, and Stress Couplings in Swiss Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 469-470
Author(s):  
Eun-Kyeong Kim ◽  
Pascal Griffel ◽  
Robert Moulder ◽  
Cheng Fu ◽  
Minxia Luo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Functional Ability ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Intrinsic Capacity ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
Health And Well Being ◽  
Daily Time

Abstract The Mobility, Activity, and Social Interactions Study (MOASIS) is part of a global effort to more closely examine indicators of functional ability in relation to person characteristics and life contexts as proposed by the WHO’s healthy aging definition. In MOASIS, sensor-based and self-reported mobility and activity indicators were used to capture functional ability in 153 community-dwelling older adults aged 65-91 over 30 days. The present study examines daily time out-of-home and place diversity and its within-person associations with positive and negative affect and stress. Initial between-person analyses indicate that mobility is only weakly related to indicators of physical and mental health. We propose that the health- and well-being implications of mobility more strongly play out in daily life and at the within-person level, and will examine general health, cognitive ability, and marital status as intrinsic capacity moderators accounting for some of the expected interindividual heterogeneity.

Skin Conditions in Community-Living Older Adults

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 186-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Gontijo Guerra ◽  
Helen-Maria Vasiliadis ◽  
Michel Préville ◽  
Djamal Berbiche
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Service Use ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Geriatric Population ◽  
Global Epidemiology ◽  
Skin Conditions ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Background: There are considerable gaps in the knowledge of the global epidemiology of skin conditions in the geriatric population. Objective: This study attempted to (1) determine the frequency of skin conditions, (2) evaluate the agreement between two different data sources of information (self-report versus administrative), and (3) document medical care service use for skin conditions in a representative sample of community-dwelling older adults. Methods: A secondary analysis using data from a longitudinal population-based health survey conducted in Quebec (2005–2008) within a sample of 2,811 community-dwelling older adults. Results: Our results highlighted a high prevalence rate of self-reported (13%) and diagnosed skin conditions (21%). Agreement between data sources was low (kappa < 0.20). Most dermatologic-related medical visits were made to dermatologists (almost 60%). Conclusion: The epidemiology of skin conditions in the geriatric population is an underresearched field, despite its important prevalence and relevance as a source of information for assessing the health care needs of older adults.

scholarly journals Intrinsic Capacity and Its Relationship With Life Space Area (INCREASE) in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 364-364
Author(s):  
Jia Qi Lee ◽  
Yew Yoong Ding ◽  
Laura Tay ◽  
Aisyah Latib ◽  
Yee Sien Ng
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Life Space ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Intrinsic Capacity ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Intrinsic capacity (IC), defined as ‘the composite of all physical and mental capacities of an individual’, is of increasing interest in geriatrics as a potential multidimensional measure of health in older adults. According to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework, IC, through its interactions with environmental factors, determines a person’s participation in the community. However, there is lack of empirical evidence demonstrating this association. The primary aim of this study was to examine the association of IC with Life Space Area (LSA; a measure of participation) among community-dwelling older adults. The secondary aim was to determine whether age and gender modify this relationship. Cross sectional analysis was performed on data from the Individual Physical Proficiency Test for Seniors (IPPT-S) study conducted in the Northeastern region of Singapore. Standardized IC factor scores were calculated through confirmatory factor analysis using variables that represented the 5 IC domains. Association of IC with LSA and its effect modification by age and gender were examined with regression analyses. The study included 751 participants with mean age of 67.6 and mean LSA score of 88.6. IC showed a positive and significant association with LSA (B=6.33, P&lt;0.001) and the effect remained significant even after controlling for potential confounders (B=4.76, P&lt;0.001). Age and gender did not show significant modification on this relationship. Our findings support the empirical rigour of the ICF framework and provide guidance for healthcare providers who aim to enhance life space mobility and promote healthy aging in older adults.

scholarly journals Utilitarian walking and walking as exercise among community-dwelling older adults: what factors influence it?

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Waléria Paixão de Lima ◽  
Camila Astolphi Lima ◽  
Renato Barbosa dos Santos ◽  
Wuber Jefferson de Souza Soares ◽  
Monica Rodrigues Perracini
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Questionnaire Version ◽  
Clinical Conditions ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults ◽  
Walking Time

Abstract Objective : to investigate the association between utilitarian walking and walking as exercise, and socio-demographic, clinical and functional covariates related to these walking types. Methods : a cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted with 148 older adults (aged 60 and over). Walking frequency and duration was assessed using the IPEQ-W (Incidental and Planned Exercise Questionnaire - Version W). Socio-demographic, clinical conditions, level of disability and mobility were also assessed. Types of walking were compared among the variables using the Mann-Whitney test and non-parametric Spearman rho correlations were used to investigate the association between the types of walking and the variables. Results : the participants performed a mean of 1.1 (±2.1) h/week of walking as exercise and 2.2 (±2.3) h/week of utilitarian walking. Older adults who had diabetes (p=0.015) did fewer h/week of walking as exercise. Participants who were older (p=0.014), reported poor self-rated health (p<0.001), poor disability levels (p<0.001), hypertension (p=0.048), strokes (p<0.001), heart disease (p=0.026), urinary incontinence (p<0.001), dizziness (p=0.008), or sleep disorders (p=0.042) spent fewer hours performing utilitarian walking. Correlations between the covariates and types of walking varied from very weak to weak. Conclusion : chronic diseases and unfavorable health conditions decreased walking time. Utilitarian walking was the most frequent type of walking performed by the older adults. Health care professionals and public policy managers should use utilitarian walking as a way of increasing levels of physical activity and to promote healthy aging.

scholarly journals “WITH AGE COMES WISDOM:” A QUALITATIVE REVIEW OF ELDER PERSPECTIVES ON HEALTHY AGING IN THE CIRCUMPOLAR NORTH

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S838-S839 ◽  
Author(s):  
Britteny M Howell ◽  
Jennifer R Peterson
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Complex Concept ◽  
Cultural Research ◽  
Circumpolar North ◽  
Psychosocial Resilience ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Cross-cultural research has shown marked variation in health outcomes across the world’s older adult populations. Indeed, older adults in the Circumpolar North experience a variety of health disparities. Because aging is a biological process rooted in sociocultural context, there exists great variation in the ways older adults define and experience healthy, or “successful,” aging in their communities. The aim of this analysis was to synthesize qualitative research among older residents (aged 50+ years) in the Circumpolar North to identify a definition of healthy aging common in the region. A thorough review was conducted across a variety of academic search databases for peer-reviewed, qualitative studies conducted among community-dwelling older adults. The search strategy initially identified 194 articles; 23 articles met the inclusion criteria. Included studies were coded and analyzed using Grounded Theory to examine underlying themes of healthy aging in the Circumpolar North. The findings reveal the importance older adults place on respect, their relationship to the land, and psychosocial resilience into multidimensional models of healthy aging. We present a complex concept map demonstrating how healthy aging perspectives fit together into a multidimensional model of health in the Circumpolar North. This research also highlights the need for increased translational research with populations in the Circumpolar North that are under-represented in the literature.

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