Achieving Mobility Access for Older Adults Through Group Travel Instruction

It is anticipated that the number of older adults in the United States will reach 70 million before midcentury. Although the majority currently meet their transport needs by driving, one in five older adults does not drive. That statistic is expected to rise as senior drivers experience disability, health-related issues, or both, that negatively affect their driving ability. For many older adults accessible public transportation can be a viable transport option provided they are aware of and familiar with available transit services, trip planning, and how to safely and independently utilize transit systems. Findings are presented from a group travel instruction program piloted with older adults in New Jersey that encompassed classroom training and a field trip. A robust survey evaluation protocol was implemented that yielded findings that included the important role of transportation to older adult quality of life; high participant program satisfaction; evidence of participant knowledge and skills gained after program completion; and participant interest, willingness, and actual usage of public transit after the program. Survey respondents also confirmed several quality-of-life indicators experienced from program participation. In total, these findings offer evidence of the benefits of group travel instruction for older adults with and without a disability as they seek to meet some or all of their travel needs via accessible public transportation. The findings also support the value of offering both classroom and field trip components in older adult travel instruction programs.

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Biopsychosocial Patterning of Multimorbidity and Its Consequences

The Oxford Handbook of Integrative Health Science ◽

10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190676384.013.14 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 220-236

Author(s):

Elliot Friedman ◽

Beth LeBreton ◽

Lindsay Fuzzell ◽

Elizabeth Wehrpsann

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

The United States ◽

Chronic Medical Conditions ◽

Quality Of Life Research ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Over Time

By many estimates the majority of adults over age 65 have two or more chronic medical conditions (multimorbidity) and are consequently at increased risk of adverse functional outcomes. Nonetheless, many older adults with multimorbidity are able to maintain high levels of function and retain good quality of life. Research presented here is designed to understand the influences that help ensure better functional outcomes in these older adults. This chapter presents findings that draw on data from the Midlife in the United States study. The independent and interactive contributions of diverse factors to multimorbidity and changes in multimorbidity over time are reviewed. The degree that multimorbidity increases risk of cognitive impairment and disability is examined. The role of inflammation as a mediator is considered. Multimorbidity is increasingly the norm for older adults, so better understanding of factors contributing to variability in multimorbidity-related outcomes can lead to improved quality of life.

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Last Place of Care and End-of-Life Quality of Life in the United States: Evidence From a National Representative Data Set

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.056 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 17-17

Author(s):

Yifan Lou ◽

Nan Jiang ◽

Katherine Ornstein

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

End Of Life ◽

End Of Life Care ◽

The United States ◽

Life Care ◽

Person Centered Care ◽

Centered Care ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Background: Quality of life (QoL) during last stage of life has raised expanded interests as an important aspect of person-centered care. Last place of care (LPC), refer to the last place decedents received their formal end-of-life care (EOLC), has been identified as a key indicator of older adults’ end-of-life QoL, but the relationship was understudied. This study explores the association between LPC and end-of-life QoL among American older adults. Methods: Data used seven waves of Last Month of Life data with a total sample of 3068 Medicare decedents in NHATS. Outcome is end-of-life QoL assessed by eleven measures on four domains: pain and symptoms management (SP), quality of healthcare encounter (HE), person-centered care (PC), and overall quality of care (QC). LPC was categorized into home, hospital, nursing home, and residential hospice. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationship with covariates. Results: LPC varied by most demographic characteristics, except immigration status and education. Older adults whose LPC is hospital, compared to those who had home-care, were less likely to have great experiences on HE, PC, and QC. People dying at nursing homes are more likely to receive care meeting their dyspnea and spiritual needs. Residential hospice is negatively related to respected care, clear coordination, and keeping family informed, but are more likely to provide PS and spiritual care. Discussion: Home-based end-of-life care has certain advantages but still has room to improve on SP and religious concerns. Hospitals should keep reforming their service delivery structure to improve patients’ QoL.

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The Psychological and Demographic Factors of Quality of Life in Older Adults

Journal of Health and Behavioral Science ◽

10.35508/jhbs.v2i1.2118 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 45-59

Author(s):

Indra Yohanes Kiling ◽

Johana Endang Prawitasari

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Older Adult ◽

Psychological Factors ◽

Positive Relationship ◽

Demographic Factors ◽

The Relationship ◽

Major Hypothesis

This research aims to determine the relationship between psychological and demographic factors, which are dispositional optimism, and self-efficacy are the psychological factors, meanwhile home, sex and ethnicity as the demographic factors of quality of life in the older adults. The major hypothesis of this research proposed that there are positive relationship from both psychological factors and demographic factors to the quality of life in older adults. This study involved 53 older adult peoples. The result of multiple regression analysis shows that there is a positive relationship from all five variables to the quality of life in older adults as big as 76,5% (Adjusted R2= 0,765). This result means that both the psychological and demographic factors do have effective contributions to the quality of life in older adult people. The results of t-tests are also discussed.

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Integrating a Clinical Exercise Gerontology Experience into a Kinesiology Curriculum

Kinesiology Review ◽

10.1123/kr.2015-0040 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 392-397

Author(s):

Todd A. Gilson ◽

Anthony Deldin

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adult ◽

The United States ◽

Demographic Shift ◽

Potential Barriers ◽

Career Opportunities ◽

Similar Program ◽

Adult Fitness

In the next 45 years it is estimated that individuals aged 65 and older will increase by 93% in the United States. This population will require a reexamination in thinking related to what retirement is and how seniors desire to maintain their quality of life. Thus, with this demographic shift, new career opportunities will be available for students in older adult fitness, and kinesiology graduates can be at the forefront of providing physical activity to promote public health. Through the exploration of an off-campus clinical exercise gerontology experience at Northern Illinois University, specifics of the program and potential barriers are discussed, with an eye toward assisting other institutions that wish to begin/enhance a similar program. Finally, benefits and future opportunities are highlighted showing how this partnership has led to an improved quality of life for seniors and strengthened relationships with the larger community.

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Older Adult Segmentation According to Residentially-Based Lifestyles and Analysis of Their Needs for Smart Home Functions

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17228492 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (22) ◽

pp. 8492

Author(s):

Jiyeon Yu ◽

Angelica de Antonio ◽

Elena Villalba-Mora

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

General Population ◽

Older Adult ◽

Smart Home ◽

Social Care ◽

Social Events ◽

Care Systems ◽

Different Characteristics

Globally, the percentage of older people in the general population is growing. Smart homes have the potential to help older adults to live independently and healthy, improving their quality of life, and relieving the pressure on the healthcare and social care systems. For that, we need to understand how older adults live and their needs. Thus, this study aims to analyze the residentially-based lifestyles (RBL) of older adults and segment them to compare and analyze the real needs of smart home functions for each group. To identify a person’s RBL, a questionnaire was designed to include questions about activities at home, social events, quality of life, etc. This study surveyed 271 older Koreans. As a result of the survey on RBL, five groups with different characteristics were clustered. Finally, each groups’ features and the differences in their needs for smart home functions were compared and analyzed. The priority of needed functions for each group was found to be significantly different. In a total of 26 smart home functions, there were meaningful differences in the needs for 16 functions among the groups. This study presents the results in South Korea, according to older adults’ RBL and their smart home needs.

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Integrative Nursing in Senior Living

Integrative Nursing ◽

10.1093/med/9780190851040.003.0032 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 474-490

Author(s):

Laura N. Kirk ◽

Rachel Trelstad Porter ◽

Amy Quarberg ◽

Linda Halcon

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

United States ◽

Older Adults ◽

Chronic Disease ◽

Living Arrangements ◽

The United States ◽

Living Environment ◽

Care Models ◽

Health Function

The aging of the population, both nationally and globally, necessitates the development of innovative care models and living arrangements that will allow older adults to maintain health, function, engagement, and purpose even as they encounter increases in chronic disease and disability. Approximately 15% of adults ≥65 years of age in the United States reside in settings other than traditional community housing. The implementation of care practices guided by the principles of integrative nursing provides a unique and profound opportunity to enhance the quality of life of individuals within the senior living environment. Several case studies are presented, including the Hacienda in Arizona, The Waters Senior Living, and Woodbury Senior Living.

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Do Age-Friendly Rural Communities Affect Quality of Life? A Comparison of Perceptions from Middle-Aged and Older Adults in China

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18147283 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (14) ◽

pp. 7283

Author(s):

Jingyu Yu ◽

Guixia Ma ◽

Shuxia Wang

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

Rural Communities ◽

Public Transportation ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Test Reliability ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Aged People ◽

Outdoor Spaces

The aging population in rural areas of China faces serious challenges due to urban–rural disparities. In order to improve the active aging of rural older adults, the establishment of age-friendly communities is encouraged. However, globally, the focus is on age-friendly communities in urban areas, not reflecting rural communities. Hence, we addressed the importance of age-friendly rural communities (AFRCs) and aimed to investigate their impact on the quality of life (QoL) of older adults. We examined different perceptions of AFRCs among older adults (aged over 60) and middle-aged people (45–60) in rural communities with questionnaire surveys (n = 470 and 393, respectively). Several statistical methods, such as Chi-squared test, t-test, reliability test, and multiple regression, were adopted to investigate and compare the perceptions of these two. The results indicated that (1) middle-aged people were more satisfied with AFRC components and had a higher QoL than older adults; (2) the QoL of middle-aged people was predicted by housing, accessibility, and outdoor spaces; (3) the QoL of older adults was affected by housing, outdoor spaces, social participation, and public transportation. These findings aid in our understanding of rural communities and the QoL of rural residents. They are helpful for urban planners and policymakers to improve the planning of AFRCs and supplement research on age-friendly communities in rural areas. Practical implementations are proposed for the planning of AFRCs, such as the passive design of residential housing, grouping of community facilities together, and improvement in the hygiene of outdoor spaces in rural areas.

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Capacidad aeróbica: Actividad física musicalizada, adulto mayor, promoción de la salud (Aerobic capacity: Musicalized physical activity, older adult, health promotion)

Retos ◽

10.47197/retos.v0i39.67622 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Anderson Aguilar Bolivar ◽

Jairo Alberto Florez Villamizar ◽

Yanneth Saavedra Castelblanco

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Health Promotion ◽

Older Adult ◽

Aerobic Capacity ◽

The Body ◽

Calidad De Vida ◽

Different Populations

Objetivo: Indagar en las diferentes bases de datos la conceptualización acerca de la definición de capacidad aeróbica, instrumentos utilizados para la medición y la relación directa con la actividad física en diferentes poblaciones en especial adulto mayor. Metodología: se realiza una búsqueda en la que se obtienen 50 artículos publicados entre los años 2013 y 2018. Esta se adelantó en bases de datos como Medline, Science Direct, Pubmed, Dialnet, Proquest, entre otras. De igual forma se consideraron aportes de expertos en el área de actividad física y promoción de la salud, donde se abordan como parámetros de búsqueda las categorías actividad física, música, capacidad aeróbica, adulto mayor. Los artículos examinados incluyeron revisiones, artículos de investigación y capítulos de libros. Resultados: al realizar el barrido bibliográfico en artículos de investigación científica y capítulos de libro, encontramos lo referente a la capacidad aeróbica, definiciones, formas de mediarla; de igual manera la relación que tiene la música al realizar actividad física y a su vez, recomendaciones para practicarla, en especial con adulto mayor. También se exponen los beneficios y riesgos de un nivel insuficiente al practicar actividad física. Así mismo, se reportan mejoras significativas en cuanto a que reduce las enfermedades, favorece el desempeño de las actividades de la vida diaria, permite ejercitar grupos musculares de piernas y brazos, logrando así realizar actividades en las cuales se usan todas las partes del cuerpo, como caminar, lo que se convierte en estrategia principal de intervención para el mantenimiento o mejora de esta capacidad y por consiguiente permita mejorar la calidad de vida. Conclusiones: Esta revisión permite que el lector visualice los diversos conceptos de capacidad aeróbica, instrumentos de medición, así como su relación con la actividad física, la música, los beneficios y recomendaciones al realizarla en distintas poblaciones, pero en especial con adulto mayor. Por otra parte, al practicar actividad física acompañada por música ha demostrado en distintas investigaciones los beneficios que otorgan al practicarlo. Aun así, se debe tener un control sobre la intensidad, como toda actividad programa, en este caso por los beats musicales (beneficios psicológicos (110-130 bpm) y físicos orgánicos (120-140 bpm), la frecuencia cardiaca, escala de Borg o test del habla. Implementar actividades novedosas como el uso de la música al realizar actividad física, crea una motivación y gusto, lo cual lleva a que los hábitos de vida cambien y mejore la calidad de vida del adulto mayor. Abstract. Objective: To investigate in the different databases the conceptualization about the definition of aerobic capacity, the instruments used for measurement and the direct relation with physical activity in different populations, especially older adults. Methodology: a search is carried out in which 45 articles published between 2013 and 2018 are obtained. This was advanced in databases such as Medline, Science Direct, Pubmed, Dialnet, Proquest, among others. In the same way, contributions were considered from experts in the area of physical activity and health promotion, where the following categories are addressed as search parameters: physical activity, music, aerobic capacity, and older adults. The articles examined included reviews, research articles and book chapters. Results: When we carried out the bibliographic sweep in articles of scientific research and book chapters, we found what refers to aerobic capacity, definitions, ways of mediating it; likewise, the relationship that music has when performing physical activity and at the same time, recommendations for practice, especially with older adults. It also exposes the benefits and risks of an insufficient level of physical activity. Moreover, significant improvements are reported in terms of reducing diseases, favoring the performance of activities of daily life, allowing to exercise muscle groups of legs and arms, thus achieving activities in which all parts of the body are used, such as walking, which becomes the main intervention strategy for the maintenance or improvement of this capacity and therefore allows to improve the quality of life. Conclusions: This review allows the reader to visualize the various concepts of aerobic capacity, measuring instruments, as well as their relation to physical activity, music, benefits and recommendations when performing it in different populations, but especially with older adults. On the other hand, the practice of physical activity accompanied by music has demonstrated in various investigations the benefits of practicing it. Even so, one must have control over the intensity, as any program activity, in this case by musical beats (psychological benefits (110-130 bpm) and organic physical beats (120-140 bpm), heart rate, Borg scale or speech test. Implement innovative activities such as the use of music when performing physical activity, creates a motivation and pleasure, which leads to life habits change and improve the quality of life of the older adult.

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Impact of a structured multidisciplinary intervention on quality of life of older adults with advanced cancer

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610213001452 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 25 (12) ◽

pp. 2077-2086 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Megan M. Chock ◽

Maria I. Lapid ◽

Pamela J. Atherton ◽

Simon Kung ◽

Jeff A. Sloan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Older Adults ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Older Adult ◽

Advanced Cancer ◽

Adult Patients ◽

Advanced Cancer Patients ◽

Multidisciplinary Intervention ◽

Adult Age

ABSTRACTBackground:Patients experience reductions in quality of life (QOL) while receiving cancer treatment and several approaches have been proposed to address QOL issues. In this project, the QOL differences between older adult (age 65+) and younger adult (age 18–64) advanced cancer patients in response to a multidisciplinary intervention designed to improve QOL were examined.Methods:This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01360814. Newly diagnosed advanced cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy were randomized to active QOL intervention or control groups. Those in the intervention group received six multidisciplinary 90-minute sessions designed to address the five major domains of QOL. Outcomes measured at baseline and weeks 4, 27, and 52 included QOL (Linear Analogue Self-Assessment (LASA), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General (FACT-G)) and mood (Profile of Mood States (POMS)). Kruskall–Wallis methodology was used to compare scores between older and younger adult patients randomized to the intervention.Results:Of 131 patients in the larger randomized controlled study, we report data on 54 evaluable patients (16 older adults and 38 younger adults) randomized to the intervention. Older adult patients reported better overall QOL (LASA 74.4 vs. 62.9, p = 0.040), higher social well-being (FACT-G 91.1 vs. 83.3, p = 0.045), and fewer problems with anger (POMS anger–hostility 95.0 vs. 86.4, p = 0.028). Long-term benefits for older patients were seen in the anger–hostility scale at week 27 (92.2 vs. 84.2, p = 0.027) and week 52 (96.3 vs. 85.9, p = 0.005).Conclusions:Older adult patients who received a multidisciplinary intervention to improve QOL while undergoing advanced cancer treatments benefited differently in some QOL domains, compared to younger adult patients. Future studies can provide further insight on how to tailor QOL interventions for these age groups.

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