Exploring how, why and in what contexts older adults are at risk of financial cybercrime victimisation: a realist review

Although older people rarely report being victims of financial cybercrime, there is evidence that older online users are at increased risk. This realist review identified factors leading to older adults’ victimisation and reviewed the theory and evidence for interventions to reduce victimisation risks. We developed an initial programme theory from a scoping review and expert stakeholder consultations. We searched electronic databases, references and websites for literature meeting inclusion criteria. We analysed 52 primary and secondary data sources, seeking stakeholder views to develop and refine the programme theory and generate Context-Mechanism-Outcome Configurations (CMOCs) explaining how, why and in what circumstances older adults become financial cybercrime victims; and extrapolated this to consider rational intervention strategies. Our programme theory comprised 16 CMOCs describing how: social isolation, cognitive, physical and mental health problems; wealth status, limited cyber security skills or awareness, societal attitudes and content of scams led to victimisation. Only interventions to enhance older internet users’ awareness and skills have been trialled to date. Other theoretically plausible interventions include: offender management programmes, tailored security measures, society-wide stigma reduction and awareness-raising with groups who support older people. We recommend that the new UK Online Safety Bill is extended in scope to include online frauds.

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The economic recession and subjective well-being in older adults in the Republic of Ireland

Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/ipm.2016.21 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 36 (2) ◽

pp. 99-104 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

R. M. Duffy ◽

K. Mullin ◽

S. O’Dwyer ◽

M. Wrigley ◽

B. D. Kelly

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Older People ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Economic Recession ◽

Well Being ◽

Poor Health ◽

Future Research ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Future Health

ObjectiveSubjective well-being in older people is strongly associated with emotional, physical and mental health. This study investigates subjective well-being in older adults in Ireland before and after the economic recession that commenced in 2008.MethodsCross-sectional data from the biennial European Social Survey (2002–2012) were analysed for two separate groups of older adults: one sampled before the recession and one after. Stratification and linear regression modelling were used to analyse the association between subjective well-being, the recession and multiple potential confounders and effect modifiers.ResultsData were analysed on 2013 individuals. Overall, subjective well-being among older adults was 1.30 points lower after the recession compared with before the recession (s.e. 0.16; 95% confidence interval 1.00–1.61; p<0.001) [pre-recession: 16.1, out of a possible 20 (s.d. 3.24); post-recession:14.8 (s.d. 3.72)]. Among these older adults, the pre- and post-recession difference was especially marked in women, those with poor health and those living in urban areas.ConclusionsSubjective well-being was significantly lower in older adults after the recession compared with before the recession, especially in women with poor health in urban areas. Policy-makers need proactively to protect these vulnerable cohorts in future health and social policy. Future research could usefully focus on older people on fixed incomes whose diminished ability to alter their economic situation might make them more vulnerable to reduced subjective well-being during a recession.

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Using Linked Data to Examine the Epidemiology of All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality Following Release from Incarceration in Eleven Countries

International Journal for Population Data Science ◽

10.23889/ijpds.v5i5.1478 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (5) ◽

Author(s):

Rohan Borschmann ◽

Claire Keen ◽

Jesse T Young ◽

Alexander D Love ◽

Matthew Spittal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Linked Data ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Relevant Evidence ◽

Analysis Methodology ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Global Epidemiology ◽

Individual Participant ◽

Causes And Risk Factors

IntroductionMore than 30 million adults are released from incarceration globally each year. Many experience complex physical and mental health problems, and are at markedly increased risk of preventable mortality. Despite this, evidence regarding the global epidemiology of mortality following release from incarceration is insufficient to inform the development of targeted, evidence-based responses. Many previous studies have suffered from inadequate power and poor precision, and even large studies have limited capacity to disaggregate data by specific causes of death, sub-populations or time since release to answer questions of clinical and public health relevance. Objectives and ApproachWe aimed to comprehensively document the incidence, timing, causes and risk factors for mortality in adults released from incarceration. We created the Mortality After Release from Incarceration Consortium (MARIC), a multi-disciplinary collaboration representing 29 cohorts of adults who have experienced incarceration from 11 countries. Findings across cohorts will be analysed using a two-step, individual participant data meta-analysis methodology. ResultsUsing linked data from the 29 individual cohorts, the combined sample includes 1,337,993 individuals (89% male), with 75,795 deaths recorded over 9,191,393 person-years of follow-up. Preliminary analyses indicate a marked elevation in mortality risk following release from incarceration, with this risk beginning on the day of release. At the time of writing, more detailed analyses are underway regarding all-cause and cause-specific deaths – along with risk and protective factors – and findings will be presented at the IPDLN conference in October. Conclusion / ImplicationsThe MARIC consortium represents an important advancement in the field, bringing international attention to this problem. It will provide internationally relevant evidence to guide policymakers and clinicians in reducing preventable deaths in this marginalised population.

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Motivation as a mechanism underpinning exercise-based falls prevention programmes for older adults with cognitive impairment: a realist review

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024982 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. e024982 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Vicky Booth ◽

Rowan Harwood ◽

Jennie E Hancox ◽

Victoria Hood-Moore ◽

Tahir Masud ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Exercise Intervention ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Realist Review ◽

Falls Prevention ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Programme Theory ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Prevention Programmes

ObjectivesThis review aimed to identify mechanisms underlying participation in falls prevention interventions, in older adults with cognitive impairment. In particular we studied the role of motivation.DesignA realist review of the literature.Data sourcesEMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO and PEDRO.Eligibility criteriaPublications reporting exercise-based interventions for people with cognitive impairment, including dementia, living in the community.Data extraction and synthesisA ‘rough programme theory’ (a preliminary model of how an intervention works) was developed, tested against findings from the published literature and refined. Data were collected according to elements of the programme theory and not isolated to outcomes. Motivation emerged as a key element, and was prioritised for further study.ResultsAn individual will access mechanisms to support participation when they think that exercise will be beneficial to them. Supportive mechanisms include having a ‘gate-keeper’, such as a carer or therapist, who shares responsibility for the perception of exercise as beneficial. Lack of access to support decreases adherence and participation in exercise. Motivational mechanisms were particularly relevant for older adults with mild-to-moderate dementia, where the exercise intervention was multicomponent, in a preferred setting, at the correct intensity and level of progression, correctly supported and considered, and flexibly delivered.ConclusionMotivation is a key element enabling participation in exercise-based interventions for people with cognitive impairment. Many of the mechanisms identified in this review have parallels in motivational theory. Clinically relevant recommendations were derived and will be used to further develop and test a motivationally considered exercise-based falls intervention for people with mild dementia.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42015030169.

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USING COMMUNITY-BASED MODELS TO PROVIDE INTEGRATED CARE FOR RURAL OLDER ADULTS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.2038 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S553-S553

Author(s):

Martha R Crowther ◽

Cassandra D Ford

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Health Care ◽

Rural Communities ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Care Systems ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Community Based ◽

Psychosocial Services ◽

Care Systems ◽

Rural Older Adults

Abstract Rural elders are one of the most at-risk populations for experiencing physical and mental health problems. In many rural communities, there are no psychosocial services available to meet the needs of the rural elderly. To provide rural older adults with integrated healthcare, we build upon our existing community-based infrastructure that has fostered community capacity for active engagement in clinical activities and has served as a catalyst to increase participation of rural older adults in clinical services. Our rural community model draws upon the role of culture in promoting health among rural older adults to provide rural service delivery. This model is built upon our network of partnerships with surrounding communities, including potential research participants, community-based organizations, community leaders, and community health-care systems and providers. By engaging the community we can create a sustainable system that will encourage rural older adults to utilize the health care system at a higher rate.

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Lack of meaningful activity on acute physical hospital wards: Older people’s experiences

British Journal of Occupational Therapy ◽

10.1177/0308022617735047 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 81 (1) ◽

pp. 15-23 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Channine Clarke ◽

Caroline Stack ◽

Marion Martin

Keyword(s):

Occupational Therapy ◽

Older People ◽

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽

Sense Of Self ◽

Phenomenological Analysis ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Meaningful Activity ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Hospital Wards ◽

The Impact

Introduction Research suggests that older people on acute physical hospital wards are at increased risk of physical and mental health decline due to inactivity during their stay. Whilst studies have highlighted potential causes of such inactivity, there exists a paucity of occupational therapy research that explores engagement in meaningful occupation from patients’ perspectives in hospital settings. Method Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to gain a deeper understanding of how 18 older people spent their time on hospital wards and the impact this had on their feelings of wellbeing. Interviews were carried out and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis guidelines. Findings Patients experienced a lack of meaningful activity on the wards which resulted in feelings of passivity, boredom and a sense of alienation from their normal roles, routines and sense of self. Despite a willingness to engage in activity, barriers were suggested as limited resources, hospital routines and personal limitations. Suggestions of potential meaningful activities were made. Conclusion Occupational therapy services need to review service provision and provide an occupation-focused service, ensuring that patients’ engagement in meaningful activities is seen as an integral part of their role in order to maintain patients’ mental and physical wellbeing. Recommendations for further research are highlighted.

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Determinants of Physical Health of Older People in Iran

International Scholarly Research Notices ◽

10.1155/2014/507568 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Azar Cheshmberah ◽

Mostafa Hoseini ◽

Davood Shojaee Zadeh ◽

Bijan Moghimi-Dehkordi

Keyword(s):

Older People ◽

Physical Health ◽

Physical Functioning ◽

Daily Living ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Old People ◽

Related Factors ◽

Sf 36

Background. Many of the older people are encountered with physical and mental health problems, chronic diseases, and also living conditions. We aimed to evaluate the disability scores and its associated factors among a sample of older people in Iran. Material and Methods. 330 people aged 60–70 years were interviewed about daily living activities and physical functioning using two standard questionnaires. Results. According to univariate analysis, aging 66–70 years, being employed, and receiving financial aids were associated with better ADL mean score (P<0.05). Also, being between 66 and 70 years of age, males, being illiterate, being employed, and receiving financial aids were statistically related to higher SF-36 mean scores (P<0.05). Multivariate analyses have shown that higher age and receiving financial aids were related to less need for help and being unemployed with salary was related to higher need for help. However, being illiterate, being employed, and receiving financial aids were significant related factors for better physical functioning. Conclusions. Physical health in old people is decreased not only by aging of people but also by other factors such as financial problems and also employment status could decrease physical health of old people regardless of aging.

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Fractures and the increased risk of suicide

The Bone & Joint Journal ◽

10.1302/0301-620x.100b6.bjj-2017-1183.r2 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 100-B (6) ◽

pp. 780-786 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

C-F. Chang ◽

E. C-C. Lai ◽

M-K. Yeh

Keyword(s):

Mental Health Problems ◽

Conditional Logistic Regression ◽

Spinal Fractures ◽

High Rate ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Additional Risk ◽

Never Married ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Contextual Setting ◽

Control Study

Aims A high rate of suicide has been reported in patients who sustain fractures, but the association remains uncertain in the context of other factors. The aim of this study was to examine the association between fractures and the risk of suicide in this contextual setting. Patients and Methods We performed a case-control study of patients aged 40 years or older who died by suicide between 2000 and 2011. We included patients’ demographics, physical and mental health problems, and socioeconomic factors. We performed conditional logistic regression to evaluate the associations between fractures and the risk of suicide. Results We included a total of 34 794 patients who died by suicide and 139 176 control patients. We found that fractures as a homogenous group (adjusted odds ratios (aOR), 1.48; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43 to 1.53), and specifically pelvic (aOR 2.04; 95% CI 1.68 to 2.47) and spinal fractures (aOR 1.53; 95% CI 1.43 to 1.64), were associated with a higher risk of suicide. In addition, we found that patients who had a lower income, had never married, had lower levels of educational attainment, or had coexistent physical and mental conditions such as anxiety, mood disorders, and psychosis-related disorders had a higher risk of suicide. Conclusion Fractures, specifically those of the hip and spine, were associated with an increased risk of suicide. The findings suggest that greater clinical attention should be given to this risk in patients with fractures, especially for those with additional risk factors. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:780–6.

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The Mortality After Release from Incarceration Consortium (MARIC): Protocol for a multi-national, individual participant data meta-analysis

International Journal for Population Data Science ◽

10.23889/ijpds.v5i1.1145 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Rohan Borschmann ◽

Holly Tibble ◽

Matthew J Spittal ◽

David Preen ◽

Jane Pirkis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health Problems ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Individual Participant Data ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Relevant Evidence ◽

Analysis Methodology ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Global Epidemiology ◽

Individual Participant ◽

Causes And Risk Factors

IntroductionMore than 30 million adults are released from incarceration globally each year. Many experience complex physical and mental health problems, and are at markedly increased risk of preventable mortality. Despite this, evidence regarding the global epidemiology of mortality following release from incarceration is insufficient to inform the development of targeted, evidence-based responses. Many previous studies have suffered from inadequate power and poor precision, and even large studies have limited capacity to disaggregate data by specific causes of death, sub-populations or time since release to answer questions of clinical and public health relevance. ObjectivesTo comprehensively document the incidence, timing, causes and risk factors for mortality in adults released from prison. MethodsWe created the Mortality After Release from Incarceration Consortium (MARIC), a multi-disciplinary collaboration representing 29 cohorts of adults who have experienced incarceration from 11 countries. Findings across cohorts will be analysed using a two-step, individual participant data meta-analysis methodology. ResultsThe combined sample includes 1,337,993 individuals (89% male), with 75,795 deaths recorded over 9,191,393 person-years of follow-up. ConclusionsThe consortium represents an important advancement in the field, bringing international attention to this problem. It will provide internationally relevant evidence to guide policymakers and clinicians in reducing preventable deaths in this marginalized population. Key wordsMortality; incarceration; prison; release; individual participant data meta-analysis; consortium; cohort.

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Does social capital interact with economic hardships in influencing older adults’ health? A study from China

International Journal for Equity in Health ◽

10.1186/s12939-021-01542-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Lijuan Gu ◽

Yang Cheng ◽

David R. Phillips ◽

Mark Rosenberg ◽

Linsheng Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Social Capital ◽

Older People ◽

Social Participation ◽

Interaction Effect ◽

Economic Capital ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Neighborhood Cohesion ◽

Reported Health

Abstract Background The importance of social and economic capital as predictors of health is widely documented, yet the complexity of interactions between them and effects on older people’s health is still unclear. Combining the material and psychosocial explanations of health, this study explores the potential interactions between social and economic capital in influencing older adults’ health in urban and rural China. Methods Using data from the China Family Panel Survey, physical and mental health in 2018 were regressed on social and economic capital indicators in 2016, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics of 3535 respondents aged 65 and older. Rothman’s synergy index was calculated to investigate potential interaction effects. Results Economic hardships were significantly related to both self-reported health and mental health. Neighborhood cohesion and social participation were significantly associated with mental health for all, bonding trust was significantly associated with mental health for urban older people. We found no significant associations between social capital components and self-reported health. There was an interaction effect between low neighborhood cohesion and economic hardships, and between low social participation and economic hardships, creating an increased burden of poor mental health. The interaction effect between low bonding trust and economic hardships on mental health was apparent only among urban older people. Conclusions Geographical settings are important factors in the complexity between social and economic capital in affecting older health. Intervention efforts directed towards reducing simultaneously multiple dimensions of deprivation, such as poverty, social exclusion, social isolation, could be helpful in improving older people’s health. In materially deprived places, policies to promote health equity by improving social capital but without eliminating poverty may be less effective.

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Telephone-based Behavioral Activation with Mental Imagery for depression: a pilot randomized clinical trial in isolated older adults during the Covid-19 pandemic

10.31234/osf.io/uxa6y ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Johnny Pellas ◽

Fritz Renner ◽

Julie Lin Ji ◽

Mattias Damberg

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Clinical Trial ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Randomized Clinical Trial ◽

Mental Imagery ◽

Treatment Condition ◽

Behavioral Activation ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Older Individuals ◽

Increased Risk

ObjectivesTo shield vulnerable persons, particularly the eldery, during the Covid-19 pandemic governments around the world have adviced to use social distancing and self-isolation. Social isolation might put older adults at an increased risk for mental health problems such as depression. There is a need for brief, easy-accessible psychological treatments for depressive symptoms that can be delivered remotely. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of telephone-delivered Behavioral Activation with Mental Imagery for the treatment of depressive symptoms in individuals 65 years and older living in isolation during the covid-19-pandemic.MethodsIn this open-label pilot randomized clinical trial, N = 41 individuals aged 65 years or older with clinically significant symptoms of depression were randomly assigned to either a Behavioral Activation with Mental Imagery treatment condition, or an Attention-Assessment control condition delivered over the telephone over a four week period.ResultsDepressive symptoms decreased more in the treatment condition compared to the control condition. At post treatment 2 out of 16 participants in the treatment condition met diagnostic criteria for depression compared to 9 out of 13 in the control condition. Most participants in the treatment condition were satisfied with the treatment and few adverse effects were observed.ConclusionsThis pilot study suggests that behavioral activation with mental imagery delivered over the telephone is feasible, acceptable and potentially efficacious for the treatment of depressive symptoms in older individuals living in isolation. Replication in larger samples is needed.

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