Decision-Making in Old Age: Cautiousness and Rigidity

1981 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard E. Calhoun ◽  
Sam L. Hutchison
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Old Age ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Individual ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Behavioral Rigidity ◽  
Elderly Participant ◽  
Risky Decisions

The purpose of the present study was to test the findings of Botwinick's work on cautiousness and decision-making in old age [1, 2], along with an examination of two factors not previously studied: rigidity and certainty of decision outcome. Sixty-four elderly participants of both sexes participated in filling out the Choice Dilemmas Questionnaire (CDQ) after having been classified as high or low on Schaie's Test of Behavioral Rigidity [3]. In general, Botwinick's conclusions were supported: 1. when given the opportunity to avoid making decisions on the CDQ, the elderly did so, even under conditions of no risk at all concerning the outcome of the decision; 2. elderly individuals appeared to become more conservative and cautious in their decisions when the outcome was directed at the lives of young individuals than when older individual's lifestyles were of concern. This latter phenomenon, however, was not seen when the elderly participant was required to make a decision and could not elect to abstain. In addition, rigidity was found to be related to risky decisions made by the elderly individual.

scholarly journals Analysis of Impact Factors Affecting Sleep Quality among Community-Dwelling Elderly Individuals in The Chinese Community in Shanghai

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Changying Wang ◽  
Yunwei Zhang ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Lingshan Wan ◽  
Chunyan Xie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Individual ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Impact Factors ◽  
Physical Pain ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
The Impact

Context: Insomnia is prevalent among elderly individuals and has become a public health problem receiving increasing concern. Low sleep quality is related to a number of negative health outcomes. Objective: This research aims to investigate the sleep status of community-dwelling elderly individuals (aged 60 years or older) in Shanghai, China, to explore the impact factors affecting sleep quality. Methods: One street in Shanghai city was randomly selected, and 50% of the elderly residents were randomly selected as participants for a total number of 9,616 people. Investigations were conducted by indoor surveys through home doctors and paper questionnaires. For statistical analysis, univariate and multivariate regression analysis and the Spearman correlation model were performed using SAS 9.4 to analyze the effects of the impact factors on the sleep quality of elderly individuals. Results: Sleep quality is greatly affected by physical pain in both the elderly individual and the individual’s spouse. Healthy elderly people tend to have better sleep quality, and the more chronic diseases an elderly individual suffers, the worse their sleep quality is. In addition, the physical pain of a cohabiting spouse is one of the most significant impact factors influencing sleep quality. Conclusion: We suggest that community-dwelling elderly people maintain moderate outdoor activities and a healthy mental state, which will improve their sleep quality.

scholarly journals Marcas de expressão e repressão: Reflexões sobre a homossexualidade na terceira idade

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 21
Author(s):  
Byanca Eugênia Duarte Silva ◽  
Maria José Nunes Gadelha ◽  
Maria Mabel Nunes de Morais ◽  
Raiany Augusto Carvalho ◽  
Samara Pereira de Sousa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Social Norms ◽  
Old Age ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Social Judgment ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Scientific Papers ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
The Subject

Sabe-se que a homossexualidade existe desde os primórdios, sendo vivenciada de forma livre. Entretanto, a sociedade atual é composta subjetivamente de muito preconceito, considerando a homossexualidade, uma afronta às normas sociais. Quando a homossexualidade atrela-se ao idoso, o tabu e discriminação intensificam-se, principalmente devido ao julgamento social de que pessoas idosas não sentem atratividade ou não são mais aptas a praticar o sexo. Assim, torna-se importante analisar as dificuldades enfrentadas pelos idosos que são homossexuais, problemática essa que gera muita polêmica, preconceito e estereótipos. A homossexualidade no idoso é um assunto pouco estudado, partindo do pressuposto da escassez de referenciais bibliográficos. Portanto, faz-se necessário a realização de mais pesquisas e estratégias, no intuito de ampliar o grau de conhecimento em relação ao tema. Nesse sentido, este estudo trata-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica, a partir de artigos científicos, na expectativa de tentar entender o surgimento dessa problemática, como também, tentar encontrar as explicações relacionadas ao estigma da sexualidade no idoso, tendo em vista, que esta era vista de forma natural na antiguidade. Os resultados confirmaram a existência de um tabu em relação à homossexualidade na terceira idade agregado a dois fatores: a homossexualidade e o envelhecimento. Dois temas carregados de preconceitos advindos de uma sociedade heterossexista. Brand expression and repression: Reflections on homosexuality in old age Abstract: It is known that homosexuality has existed since the early days, and lived freely. However, today's society is made up of a lot of prejudice subjectively considering homosexuality an affront to social norms. When homosexuality harnesses to the elderly, the taboo and discrimination intensify if, mainly due to social judgment that older people do not feel attractive or are no longer able to have sex. Thus, it becomes important to analyze the difficulties faced by older people who are homosexual, this issue that generates much controversy, prejudice and stereotypes. Homosexuality in the elderly is a subject little studied, assuming the lack of bibliographical references. Therefore, it is necessary to further research and strategies in order to increase the level of knowledge on the subject. In this sense, this study it is a bibliographic research, from scientific papers, hoping to try to understand the emergence of this problem, but also try to find the explanations regarding the sexuality of stigma in the elderly, given that this it was seen naturally in antiquity. The results confirmed the existence of a taboo about homosexuality in old age added to two factors: homosexuality and aging. Two themes loaded with prejudices arising from a heterosexist society. 

scholarly journals The Relationship Between the Fear of COVID-19 in the Elderly Aged 65 Years and Over and Their Levels of Adaptation to the “New Normal”: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 003022282110543
Author(s):  
Sibel Şentürk ◽  
Alev Yıldırım Keskin ◽  
Şule Sarızayim
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Psychological Support ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
New Normal ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
The Relationship

This study was carried out to determine the relationship between the fear of COVID-19 in the elderly aged 65 years and over and their levels of adaptation to the “new normal.” This descriptive cross-sectional study was completed with 623 elderly individuals. It was determined that the individuals who adapted well to the “new normal” had high levels of adaptation to old age, while their levels of fear of COVID-19 were slightly above average ( p < 0.01). Elderly individuals have tried to adapt to the “new normal” while also experiencing fear of COVID-19. In order to minimize the fear experienced by the elderly during COVID-19, adequate support and psychological support should be provided.

Psychiatry of the elderly

2021 ◽  
pp. 499-528
Author(s):  
Catherine Oppenheimer ◽  
Julian C. Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Predictive Diagnosis ◽  
Truth Telling ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Decision Making Capacity ◽  
The Face ◽  
Mental Capacity Act

This chapter describes the ethical issues that arise in the setting of mental illness, and particularly dementia, in old age. It affirms the importance of understanding each older person as an individual, embedded in a unique history and in relationships which sustain their identity even in the face of cognitive decline. Autonomy and paternalism are discussed, and the alternative concept of ‘parentalism’ introduced. Decision-making capacity and competence are extensively analysed from both philosophical and practical viewpoints, with particular reference to the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and to mechanisms for decision-making for noncompetent patients. Topics briefly treated include predictive diagnosis and mild cognitive impairment, end-of-life care, truth telling, sexuality, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The text is aimed at old age psychiatrists and other practitioners in the field, as well as at those with an interest in ethical issues in old age.

Physician use of the phrase “due to old age” to address complaints of elderly symptoms in Japanese medical settings: The merits and drawbacks

2021 ◽  
pp. 147775092110366
Author(s):  
Atsushi Asai ◽  
Taketoshi Okita ◽  
Masashi Tanaka ◽  
Seiji Bito ◽  
Motoki Ohnishi
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patient ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Medical Care ◽  
Old Age ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Modern Medicine ◽  
Medical Settings ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Pain And Suffering ◽  
Aging Phenomenon

In everyday medical settings in Japan, physicians occasionally tell an elderly patient that their symptoms are “due to old age,” and there is some concern that patient care might be negatively impacted as a result. That said, as this phrase can have multiple connotations and meanings, there are certain instances in which the use of this phrase may not necessarily be indicative of ageism, or prejudice against the elderly. One of the goals in medical care is to address pain and suffering that develops with age in elderly individuals, and whether or not aging is a disease is inconsequential. However, assuming that an individualized and thorough examination has been performed, there are some conditions that can be attributed only to age. Accordingly, physicians must acknowledge the merits and drawbacks of using the phrase “due to old age,” and exercise caution when using it. Both physicians and their elderly patients must share a common awareness of the incomplete and limited nature of modern medicine and its scope, and physicians must help their elderly patients accept and live with the aging phenomenon.

scholarly journals Olanzapine-induced leucopaenia and thrombocytopaenia in an elderly patient: a case report and review of the evidence

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. e000013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yogender Kumar Malik ◽  
Swapnajeet Sahoo ◽  
Ajit Avasthi
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patient ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Elderly Individual ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Second Generation Antipsychotics ◽  
Life Threatening

Haematological adverse effects of antipsychotics are rare but life threatening. Existing literature is limited to case reports, which are mostly reported on second generation antipsychotics (clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine). Elderly individuals are at risk of developing side effects with any psychotropics. Olanzapine is commonly used for the management of psychotic symptoms as well as for the management of behavioural and psychological problems with dementia in the elderly. In this case report, we report thrombocytopaenia and leucopaenia in an elderly individual with schizophrenia which developed after initiation of olanzapine and reverted back after stoppage of the drug. This case report highlights that the elderly are susceptible to develop haematological side effects with olanzapine and hence monitoring may be essential.

scholarly journals Regulating the Elderly: Old Age Pensions and the Formation of a Pension Bureaucracy in Ontario, 1929-1945

2006 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 235-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Struthers
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
World War Ii ◽  
Old Age ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Pension Scheme ◽  
Political Commitment ◽  
World War ◽  
Universal System ◽  
Old Age Pensions

Abstract This article examines the emergence of means-tested old age pensions in Ontario in the context of the Great Depression and World War II. Ontario's old age pension scheme, it argues, was launched in 1929 with weak political commitment, little bureaucratic-preparation, and an almost complete absence of administrative experience at the provincial and municipal level in assessing and responding to need on a mass scale. The article examines the complex interplay among federal, provincial, and local government authorities in the politics of pension administration throughout the 1929-1945 era, arguing that local control of pension decision-making in the early years of the Depression provided two divergent models of pension entitlement both as charity and as an earned social right. After 1933 governments at both the provincial and federal level centralized decision-making over pension administration in order to standardize and restrict pension entitlement, contain its rapidly rising costs, and enforce more efficiently the concept of parental maintenance upon children. World War II undermined the concept of pensions as charity by broadly expanding the boundaries of entitlement both for the elderly and their children. By 1945 means-tested pensions had few supporters within or outside of government, laying the basis for the emergence of a universal system of old age security in 1951.

An Inquiry into the Positive Personal and Social Effects of Old Age Stereotypes among the Elderly

1982 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 277-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael C. Kearl
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Relative Deprivation ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Social Effects ◽  
Relative Advantage ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Age Stereotypes ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Alternative Perspective

Much has been written or inferred about the detrimental consequences of old age stereotypes for elderly individuals. This paper presents and tests an alternative perspective called relative advantage. As the reciprocal counterpart of relative deprivation theory, this perspective claims that such stereotypes may be psychologically and sociologically functional for the old to believe. Using the results of the 1975 Louis Harris-NCOA “The Myth and Reality of Aging in America” survey, two hypotheses were tested: 1) those who feel other older individuals are worse off than themselves will have higher life satisfaction scores than those perceiving others to be as well or better off; 2) these imputations of others' difficulties correlate with one's likelihood to support and join coalitions on behalf of the old and to approve government taxing of all age groups to support them. The evidence presented raises some dysfunctional implications of debunking aging myths.

Aging and Sexuality

2018 ◽  
pp. 430-447
Author(s):  
Bheemsain Tekkalaki
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Sexual Desire ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Sexual Problems ◽  
Sexual Expression ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Sexual Activities ◽  
Aging And Sexuality

Sexual health in general and issues of old age sexuality in particular are neglected by laymen and healthcare professionals alike. Contrary to popular beliefs, elderly individuals continue to have sexual desire and sexual activities, and they believe that healthy sexual expression is an important aspect of healthy aging. Sexual problems are more frequently found in the elderly. This chapter describes the various causes of sexual dysfunction, assessment, and management of sexual problems in the elderly.

Age and Typicality Judgments of Stereotypes of the Elderly: Perceptions of Elderly vs. Young Adults

1993 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 217-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Lee Hummert
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Population Analysis ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Elderly Age ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Healthy Community ◽  
Young Old

Healthy community-dwelling elderly individuals assessed the typicality and approximate age of individuals representing ten stereotypes of elderly people identified in prior research with young adults. Results showed that, as predicted, the elderly adults saw the stereotypes as less typical of elderly individuals than did the young adults, although both groups agreed on which stereotypes were most typical of the general elderly population. Analysis of age judgments revealed that the elderly respondents, in comparison to the young adults, were more likely to use the old-old age ranges to describe the stereotypes, and much less likely to associate the positive stereotypes with the young-old age ranges. Both elderly and young adults tended to associate negative stereotypes with the older elderly age ranges.

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