scholarly journals Age and the City

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Kara Schoch
Keyword(s):  
Older Persons ◽  
Current Model ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Urban Housing ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Levels Of Care ◽  
Baby Boomer Generation ◽  
The City

<p>Social isolation and loneliness affecting a large number of older persons and elderly is a prevalent issue in today’s society. Current older persons and the Baby Boomer generation approaching this age are far more independent than previous generations. Their perception of ‘retirement’ has a negative connotation due to society’s pressures and value placed in remaining independent and useful. The current model of aged care housing, although existing in many forms catered towards different levels of care, is generally seen as a last resort and an acceptance of being dependent on others for day-to-day things. This has led to a trend of ageing in place, in homes which are arguably too big for a single person or couple and often not equipped to adapt to bodily decline. With reducing mobility, this can restrict the residents’ ability to socially interact and engage with their communities.  This research investigation analyses the role architecture plays in contributing to this issue and looks at opportunities for improvement through the design of a mixed urban housing development designed to meet the physical and social needs of older persons.  Four strategic design tactics were formed during the early design investigations. They directly address the researches aims and objectives through social and spatial means. These tactics are: Tactic 1 - Urban Location, connecting residents to the city, parks and a nearby school; Tactic 2 - Social Circulation is developed to facilitate incidental and planned interactions in the circulation spaces of the developments; Tactic 3 - Mixed Housing provides a range of apartments suited to older persons, students and families; Tactic 4 - Shared Amenities provides health services, leisure activities and a cafe for residents and the wider public to enjoy.  The design investigation found that making circulation a primary focus allowed for a stronger relationship between the site and building and allowed for more opportunities for interactions between residents and the public. This research argues that these tactics working together, will provide better outcomes for older persons in health and well being and should be considered as a new and better model of older persons housing.</p>

scholarly journals Age and the City

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Kara Schoch
Keyword(s):  
Older Persons ◽  
Current Model ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Urban Housing ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Levels Of Care ◽  
Baby Boomer Generation ◽  
The City

<p>Social isolation and loneliness affecting a large number of older persons and elderly is a prevalent issue in today’s society. Current older persons and the Baby Boomer generation approaching this age are far more independent than previous generations. Their perception of ‘retirement’ has a negative connotation due to society’s pressures and value placed in remaining independent and useful. The current model of aged care housing, although existing in many forms catered towards different levels of care, is generally seen as a last resort and an acceptance of being dependent on others for day-to-day things. This has led to a trend of ageing in place, in homes which are arguably too big for a single person or couple and often not equipped to adapt to bodily decline. With reducing mobility, this can restrict the residents’ ability to socially interact and engage with their communities.  This research investigation analyses the role architecture plays in contributing to this issue and looks at opportunities for improvement through the design of a mixed urban housing development designed to meet the physical and social needs of older persons.  Four strategic design tactics were formed during the early design investigations. They directly address the researches aims and objectives through social and spatial means. These tactics are: Tactic 1 - Urban Location, connecting residents to the city, parks and a nearby school; Tactic 2 - Social Circulation is developed to facilitate incidental and planned interactions in the circulation spaces of the developments; Tactic 3 - Mixed Housing provides a range of apartments suited to older persons, students and families; Tactic 4 - Shared Amenities provides health services, leisure activities and a cafe for residents and the wider public to enjoy.  The design investigation found that making circulation a primary focus allowed for a stronger relationship between the site and building and allowed for more opportunities for interactions between residents and the public. This research argues that these tactics working together, will provide better outcomes for older persons in health and well being and should be considered as a new and better model of older persons housing.</p>

Social Well-Being of Institutionalized Elderly Persons

1984 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 311-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wornie L. Reed ◽  
Betty B. Washington
Keyword(s):  
Scale Score ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Living Arrangement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Institutionalized Elderly ◽  
The Social

This article describes the development of a scale, the Social Well-Being Scale, to measure the extent to which institutionalized older persons perceive their social needs as being met. For persons over sixty-five years of age, the scale score is not affected by age or sex, but it does distinguish them by race, health, and type of living arrangement. Further, the Social Well-Being Scale predicts the level of psychological well-being.

scholarly journals The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Lifestyle: How Young people have Adapted Their Leisure and Routine during Lockdown in Italy

Young ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 110330882110313
Author(s):  
Paola Panarese ◽  
Vittoria Azzarita
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Regulatory Requirements ◽  
Social Stimuli ◽  
Global Event ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact

The Covid-19 pandemic is an unprecedented global event. Physical distancing and other restrictions imposed by national and local governments all over the world to contain the spread of the virus almost certainly have had a significant impact on young people, who are more sensitive to peer interaction and social stimuli than adults. This article sets out to investigate the lifestyles of young Italians during the first lockdown, with the aim of exploring how leisure becomes the object of a negotiation between social needs, regulatory requirements, and a situation of crisis. To investigate these aspects, we present the results of a quantitative study conducted on a large group of individuals in Italy, focusing on young Italians’ lifestyles and leisure activities, together with an overview of prevailing moods. Our findings indicate that young people activated various adaptation strategies in response to the crisis with possible significant effects on lifestyles and well-being.

scholarly journals Visitors' Perceptions of Urban Green Spaces: A Study of Lisbon's Alameda and Estrela Parks

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petra Viebrantz ◽  
Maria Fernandes-Jesus
Keyword(s):  
Green Space ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Urban Green ◽  
Urban Green Spaces ◽  
Views And Perceptions ◽  
Surrounding Areas ◽  
The City ◽  
Natural Characteristics

Urban Green Spaces (UGSs) play a key role in people's well-being, particularly in highly urbanized contexts and possess several elements that may be attractive to visitors. This study focuses on the views and perceptions of visitors of two UGSs located in Lisbon and aimed to determine how they evaluated two different green spaces (Estrela Park and Alameda Park) in terms of physical/natural characteristics, structures, accessibility, surrounding areas, motives for use and importance. Secondly, it sought to explore how people evaluate UGSs in Lisbon in terms of quality and quantity. A total of 188 people responded to a questionnaire composed of close-and open-ended questions. The study revealed that Estrela Park was more valued for its green space characteristics and conservation aspects than accessibility and sports adaptability. Participants visited Estrela Park for its landscape and restful environment and considered the park important to their lives. Although they visited Estrela Park less often, they stayed longer compared to those who visited Alameda Park. Furthermore, regarding the participants' overall perceptions of the UGSs in Lisbon, many participants mentioned the need for more parks and wanted better preservation and distribution around the city. Most importantly, they valued these spaces and believed that UGS helped them to feel more relaxed and balanced, facilitating socialization, recreation and physical activities. In conclusion, this study suggests that green and quiet urban parks in Lisbon are valued by the city's population but they would like to see regular maintenance/cleaning as well as the provision of leisure activities.

scholarly journals Erholungseffekte sportlicher Aktivitäten in stadtnahen Wäldern, Parks und Fitnessstudios | Restorative effects of sports activities in suburban forests, parks, and fitness centres

2010 ◽  
Vol 161 (3) ◽  
pp. 81-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralf Hansmann ◽  
Stella-Maria Eigenheer-Hug ◽  
Estelle Berset ◽  
Klaus Seeland
Keyword(s):  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Field Survey ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Forest Sites ◽  
Suburban Forests ◽  
Mental Well Being ◽  
The City ◽  
Sports Activities

Three field studies concerning leisure activities, restoration and stress reduction in urban parks and close-to-the-city forests as well as in fitness centres are presented. Study 1 analyzes restorative effects of training in the forest and in fitness centres. In the questionnaire study, which was accomplished in four fitness centres and four forest sites, 269 persons participated. A clear improvement of well-being was observed after sports activities in both environments. Persons that were training in the forests, however, reported a somewhat stronger reduction of everyday hassles and a higher improvement of mental balance, while those who were training in fitness centres reported somewhat stronger stress reduction and a clearer improvement of their physical well-being. A second questionnaire survey (N = 164) addressed restoration and stress reduction in forests and parks and compares the effects of different activities performed in these green environments (Study 2). The participants felt on average clearly less stressed and more balanced after the visit in the greenspace than before. Practicing sports activities in the green showed a better effect on well-being than other activities. A further field survey (N = 80) compares restoration and stress reduction of joggers and persons taking a walk in parks and in suburban forests (Study 3). The physically more active joggers reported a stronger stress reduction. Thus, the studies 2 and 3 indicate that sports activities in green areas are particularly favorable for mental well-being. No significant differences between visiting forests and parks regarding the effects on well-being resulted from these two studies.

scholarly journals Factors associated with transitions between frailty states among older persons in Brazil, 2006-2010

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciana Correia Alves ◽  
Jair Licio Ferreira Santos ◽  
Yeda Aparecida de Oliveira Duarte
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Basic Activity ◽  
Final Study ◽  
The City ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Background Frailty is considered one of the major conditions faced by ageing societies. Little has been reported about the transitions between the different frailty states in developing countries. Objective This study aimed to identify the factors associated with transitions between frailty states between 2006 and 2010 among older adults in Brazil. Method The present investigation is part of the SABE study (Health, Well-being and Ageing). Frailty state was classified according to the Fried’s criteria (nonfrail, prefrail, and frail). The final study sample was composed of 1,399 individuals representing 1,019,243 older adults in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with changes in frailty states. Results Women were more likely to present a decline in frailty states. In the prefrail-to-nonfrail model, level of education was the most strongly associated factor. Advanced age and difficulty in performing at least one basic activity of daily living reduced in 9 and 64% the risk of becoming nonfrail, respectively. Conclusion Addressing the factors associated with transition between frailty states among older adults is essential. Adequate interventions are important to reduce vulnerability and improve the health and well-being of older persons.

scholarly journals New Solutions for “Old” Problems: Implications and Opportunities of Intergenerational HomeSharing

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 782-782
Author(s):  
Raza Mirza ◽  
Jacalyn Tanner ◽  
James Hull ◽  
Taylor Hocking ◽  
Anna Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Affordable Housing ◽  
Institutional Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Housing Crisis ◽  
Household Tasks ◽  
Age In Place ◽  
The City ◽  
Additional Income

Abstract Across North America, many older adults have expressed their preference to live in their own homes and communities for as long as possible — and to 'age in place'. To address challenges faced by older adults living in the community, home-sharing - an exchange-based intergenerational housing approach, has empowered older adults to ‘thrive in place’ by providing additional income, companionship, and support with household tasks. In 2018, Toronto HomeShare was launched as an intergenerational home-sharing pilot program (n=22), matching older adults (55+) with postsecondary students intending to simultaneously address social isolation and the affordable housing crisis. In 2019, the pilot was adopted as a funded program in the City of Toronto with over 200 participants. Program results highlight unique benefits and challenges for older adults participating in home-sharing: (1) the capacity for intergenerational engagement to fulfill social needs, and (2) the importance of agency facilitation as a determinant of the experience for older adults. Survey findings indicate 88% of participants reported that participation in HomeShare positively impacted their general well-being, 88% reported improved financial security, 94% reported a delay in the need to move out of their community, and 72% felt that participation in HomeShare prevented the need for institutional care. These findings were used to transition Toronto HomeShare into a fully funded program as well as in the development of a national program. Beginning in January 2021 Toronto HomeShare transitioned to Canada HomeShare and will be scaling the program to Vancouver, Winnipeg, Halifax, Calgary, Montreal and other Canadian cities.

Leisure Activities and the Subjective Well-Being of Older Adults in Croatia

GeroPsych ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ljiljana Kaliterna Lipovčan ◽  
Tihana Brkljačić ◽  
Zvjezdana Prizmić Larsen ◽  
Andreja Brajša-Žganec ◽  
Renata Franc
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Financial Status

Abstract. Research shows that engagement in leisure activities promotes well-being among older adults. The objective of the current study was to examine the relationship between subjective well-being (flourishing) and leisure activities (total number of different activities in the previous year) in a sample of older adults in Croatia, thereby considering the variables of sex, marital status, financial status, and self-perceived health. The differences in the examined variables between the groups of older adults who reported to be engaged in new activities with those who did not were also examined. The sample of N = 169 older adults aged 60 years and above was drawn from a convenience sample of adult internet users in Croatia. Participants reported their self-perceived health and the number of leisure activities they engaged in over the previous year as well as completing the Flourishing Scale. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that older adults who were engaged in more various leisure activities, who perceived better financial status, and who were married reported higher levels of flourishing. A comparison of the two groups of older adults with and without engagement in leisure activities showed that those engaged in at least one leisure activity were more likely to be women, reported higher levels of flourishing, and perceived their own financial status as better. This study indicated that engaging in leisure activities in later life might provide beneficial effects for the well-being of older adults.

Effects of a Group Program to Increase Cognitive Performance Through Cognitively Stimulating Leisure Activities in Healthy Older Subjects

GeroPsych ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina A. Tesky ◽  
Christian Thiel ◽  
Winfried Banzer ◽  
Johannes Pantel
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Group Program ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Older Subjects

To investigate the effects of leisure activities on cognitive performance of healthy older subjects, an innovative intervention program was developed. Frequent participation in cognitively stimulating activities (i.e., reading, playing chess, or playing music) is associated with reduced risk of dementia. AKTIVA (active cognitive stimulation – prevention in the elderly) is an intervention program designed to enhance cognitive stimulation in everyday life by increasing cognitive stimulating leisure activities. The present study determines the effects of AKTIVA on cognitive function, mood and attitude toward aging in a sample of older participants from the general population. Several measurement instruments were used including the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-Cog), the Trail-Making Test (TMT), and the Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q). Initially, the sample consisted of 307 older persons (170 female, 72 ± 7 years). The intervention was evaluated with a randomized, controlled pre-post follow-up design. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: AKTIVA intervention (n = 126), AKTIVA intervention plus nutrition and exercise counseling (n = 84), no-intervention control group (n = 97). The AKTIVA intervention consisted of 8 weekly sessions and two booster sessions after a break of 4 months. Participation in the group program resulted in positive effects on cognitive function and attitude toward aging for subassembly groups. Older persons (≥ 75 years) showed enhanced speed of information processing (by TMT Version A) (F = 4.17*, p < .05); younger participants (< 75 years) showed an improvement in subjective memory decline (by MAC-Q) (F = 2.55*, p < .05). Additionally, AKTIVA enhanced the frequency of activities for leisure activities for subassembly groups. The results of this study suggest that the AKTIVA program can be used to increase cognitively stimulating leisure activities in the elderly. Further research is necessary to identify the long-term effects of this intervention particularly with respect to the prevention of dementia.

Voices of Distress: The Emotional Peril of Not Attaining a Dietetic Internship in Ontario

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Jennifer Lee Brady ◽  
Annie Hoang ◽  
Olivia Siswanto ◽  
Jordana Riesel ◽  
Jacqui Gingras
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Research ◽  
Current Model ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Application Process ◽  
Dietetic Education ◽  
Dietetic Internship ◽  
The Impact ◽  
And Training ◽  
Future Growth

Obtaining dietetic licensure in Ontario requires completion of a Dietitians of Canada (DC) accredited four-year undergraduate degree in nutrition and an accredited post-graduate internship or combined Master’s degree program. Given the scarcity of internship positions in Ontario, each year approximately two-thirds of the eligible applicants who apply do not receive a position XX, XX, XX, XX, XX, XX, in press). Anecdotally, not securing an internship position is known to be a particularly disconcerting experience that has significant consequences for individuals’ personal, financial, and professional well-being. However, no known empirical research has yet explored students’ experiences of being unsuccessful in applying for internship positions. Fifteen individuals who applied between 2005 and 2009 to an Ontario-based dietetic internship program, but were unsuccessful at least once, participated in a one-on-one semi-structured interview. Findings reveal that participants’ experiences unfold successively in four phases that are characterized by increasingly heightened emotional peril: naïveté, competition, devastation, and frustration. The authors conclude that the current model of dietetic education and training in Ontario causes lasting distress to students and hinders the future growth and vitality of the dietetic profession. Further research is required to understand the impact of the current model on dietetic educators, internship coordinators, and preceptors as coincident participants in the internship application process.

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