scholarly journals The role of transportation in older adult social activity participation: a qualitative study in Mississauga, Ontario

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Suet Yi Tam
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Land Use ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Suburban Communities ◽  
Transportation Modes ◽  
Travel Diaries ◽  
Land Use Policies

The purpose of this research was to explore accessibility and how older adults in suburban communities are participating in social activities outside their home. Twenty older adults in Mississauga, Ontario took part in this study. A combination of activity-based travel diaries and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Findings suggest that understandings of accessibility vary between users of different transportation modes. Further, travel time rather than distance travelled may be a more significant indicator of participation. Land use mix also attracts participation, while conditions that risk the health and safety of older adults are deterrents. This research contributes to the limited literature on older adult social participation as related to transportation. Results from this study highlight potential problems for older adult accessibility in a suburban context. Research may inform the development of accessibility interventions, municipal land use policies, and public transit strategies to build healthier, more inclusive age-friendly communities.

scholarly journals The role of transportation in older adult social activity participation: a qualitative study in Mississauga, Ontario

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Suet Yi Tam
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Land Use ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Suburban Communities ◽  
Transportation Modes ◽  
Travel Diaries ◽  
Land Use Policies

The purpose of this research was to explore accessibility and how older adults in suburban communities are participating in social activities outside their home. Twenty older adults in Mississauga, Ontario took part in this study. A combination of activity-based travel diaries and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Findings suggest that understandings of accessibility vary between users of different transportation modes. Further, travel time rather than distance travelled may be a more significant indicator of participation. Land use mix also attracts participation, while conditions that risk the health and safety of older adults are deterrents. This research contributes to the limited literature on older adult social participation as related to transportation. Results from this study highlight potential problems for older adult accessibility in a suburban context. Research may inform the development of accessibility interventions, municipal land use policies, and public transit strategies to build healthier, more inclusive age-friendly communities.

“It’s My Time”: Older Adults’ Experiences and Perceived Benefits of Participation in an Intergenerational Rock Band

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-194
Author(s):  
Natalie Wlodarczyk
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Rock Band ◽  
Ability Levels ◽  
Free Environment ◽  
First Time

Abstract The purpose of this qualitative content analysis was to explore the experiences and perceived benefits for older adult members who participated in an intergenerational rock band (IGRB) pairing older adults with college students. Participants (n = 29) were first-time older adult IGRB members who completed semi-structured interviews over the course of 5 years. Interviews were completed within 1 week of the conclusion of the semester-long participation in the IGRB. Each interview was digitally recorded, manually transcribed, and analyzed using an iterative approach to thematic analysis. Experiences and perceived benefits associated with participation in the IGRB for these older adults were encompassed by four themes: Staying Active, Wanting to Try Something New, Feeling Connected, and Seeking Positive Experiences. Findings indicate that an IGRB is an innovative, collaborative, and inclusive intergenerational music-making experience that leaves a multifaceted and overall positive impact on its older adult members. Themes suggest that older adults with musical backgrounds may enjoy an experience like an IGRB because it brings a level of familiarity coupled with the opportunity to try something new and different from their previous experiences with music. A key contribution of this study is the importance of promoting a judgment-free environment for singing that is inclusive of all ability levels. Developing a better understanding of older adults’ motivations for participating in an IGRB may help us to plan future music experiences for older adults and broaden our reach to the older adult community.

scholarly journals Older Adult Caregivers’ Experiences in an Online, Interactive Mindfulness Intervention

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 2515690X2096065
Author(s):  
Janella Hudson ◽  
Rachel Ungar ◽  
Laurie Albright ◽  
Rifky Tkatch ◽  
James Schaeffer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mindfulness Intervention ◽  
Adult Caregivers ◽  
Older Adult Caregivers

Background. While today’s older adults experience longevity, they often manage several chronic conditions and increasingly serve as informal caregivers for aging parents, children with life-long disabilities, and spouses. Older adult caregivers managing personal chronic illness often experience significant psychosocial hardships. Objective. The primary purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of older adult caregivers in an online, interactive mindfulness intervention. Methods. Self-reported older caregivers who participated in an online-based mindfulness program (n = 20) were recruited for semi-structured interviews. Participants were asked to provide feedback about any previous experience with mindfulness and/or meditation, hopes or goals held prior to the start of the program, desired expectations, motivation for joining, impressions of sessions, most beneficial topics, potential application of content, and any perceived effects. Participants’ responses were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results. Five themes emerged from the analysis: Managing the Comprehensive Effects of Caregiving, Openness to Meditation and Mindfulness, Course Engagement and Incremental Growth, Building Rapport through Shared Experiences, and Ongoing Application and Opportunities for Refinement. Participants reported both short-term post-exercise benefits such as increased calm, relaxation, and stress relief, as well as long-term positive outcomes. Notably, participants found the program’s unique interactive feature to be particularly beneficial as a form of perceived social support. Conclusions. Caregivers for older adults may derive benefit and potentially experience reduced subjective caregiver burden as a result of participating in a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, particularly when the program is augmented with a self-compassion approach and perceived social support.

Examining the role of ageing-in-place organisations in building older adults’ disaster resilience

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-26
Author(s):  
Claire Pendergrast ◽  
Basia Belza ◽  
Ann Bostrom ◽  
Nicole Errett
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
The United States ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Disaster Resilience ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ageing In Place ◽  
Building Activities

Abstract Older adults are more susceptible to adverse health outcomes during and after a disaster compared with their younger counterparts. Ageing-in-place organisations such as senior centres and Villages provide social services and programming for older adults and may support older adults’ resilience to disasters. This study examines the role of ageing-in-place organisations in building disaster resilience for older adults. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 14 ageing-in-place organisation leaders in King County, Washington in the United States of America. The sample included representatives of five government-run senior centres, seven non-profit senior centres and two Villages. Interviews were audio-recorded and professionally transcribed. We used a combined inductive and deductive approach to code and thematically analyse the data. Ageing-in-place organisation leadership recognise disasters as a threat to older adults’ health and safety, and they see opportunities to provide disaster-related support for older adults, though the type and extent of participation in resilience-building activities reflected each organisation's unique local context. Organisations participate in a variety of disaster-related activities, though respondents emphasised the importance of collaborative and communication-focused efforts. Findings suggest that ageing-in-place organisations may be best equipped to support older adults’ disaster resilience by serving as a trusted source of disaster-related information and providing input on the appropriateness of disaster plans and messages for the unique needs of older adults ageing-in-place.

Older adult recovery: “What are we working towards?”

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Rankin ◽  
Stephanie Petty
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Mental Health Setting ◽  
Personal Recovery ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Inpatient Mental Health

Purpose – The perspectives of frontline clinical staff working with individuals in later life within an inpatient mental health setting, of their role in recovery, have not yet been explored. The purpose of this paper is to understand what recovery means within an inpatient mental health setting for older adults. The authors address clear implications for clinical practice. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 multidisciplinary participants across two specialist older adult recovery units at an independent hospital in the UK. Thematic analysis was applied to the transcripts. Findings – Three main themes were identified: participants identified their normative task as the promotion of “moving on” (clinical recovery) and their existential task as personal recovery. The context in which recovery happens was highlighted as the third theme. These represented competing workplace goals of clinical and personal recovery. This highlights the need to give permission to personal recovery as the process that enables mental health recovery in older adults. Originality/value – Staff working in a inpatient mental health service for older adults discussed the meaning of recovery and their role in enabling recovery. This has implications for sustainable clinical practice in this setting. Recovery-orientated practice in this setting is required but the detail is not yet understood.

scholarly journals Barriers to Engage Low-Skilled Adults in Educational Opportunities: A Global Perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 64-64
Author(s):  
Abigail Helsinger ◽  
Nytasia Hicks ◽  
Meghan Young ◽  
Oksana Dikhtyar ◽  
Phyllis Cummins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Global Perspective ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Key Informants ◽  
Program Costs

Abstract The demand for adult education and training (AET) opportunities is substantial as older adults are remaining in the labor force at older ages, and are facing substantial technological changes in the workplace. Strategies to engage middle-aged and older adult workers in AET often exclude low-skilled and sub-populations. The engagement of these sub-populations in AET is challenging as access, awareness, and program costs associated with AET opportunities often target highly skilled populations. The inequality in AET participation warrants specific programs and strategies to address challenges low-skilled adult workers face in pursuing AET. The purpose of this study is to identify AET opportunities for low-skilled middle-aged and older adults, as well as highlight major barriers to engage and retain these sub-population in AET. Data were collected from 36 key informants through semi-structured interviews and through document reviews. Key informants represented Australia, Canada, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, the U.K., and the U.S. Descriptive methods were used to identify barriers in recruiting and retaining low-skilled middle-aged and older adults. We particularly focused on the barriers related to cost, language, access, and awareness. Results highlighted opportunities tailored to support adult workers in the pursuit of adult learning opportunities both domestically and internationally. Barriers including learning histories, lack of long-term person-centered support, as well as the role of multiple forms of learning, such as formal and informal learning, were identified. Last, we provide recommendations for recruiting and retaining middle-aged and older adult workers in AET programs.

scholarly journals Exploring the Patient-Provider Relationship in Older Adult Pain Management

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 945-946
Author(s):  
Sophia Sheikh ◽  
Natalie Spindle ◽  
Jennifer Brailsford ◽  
Jason Beneciuk ◽  
Monika Patel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Pain Management ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Pain Treatment ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Management Approaches

Abstract Successful health outcomes in older patients are linked to the quality of the patient-provider relationship. Our study objective was to further understand the role of this relationship specific to pain management through perspectives from older adults and healthcare providers. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with 9 older adults and 11 multidisciplinary healthcare providers. Transcripts were analyzed using a thematic analysis. Three main concepts emerged: (1) defining pain management goals — differences in providers and patients’ goals for pain and function, with sub-themes of realistic goal setting and a shift in pain treatment to minimize opioids as a first-line medication; (2) communication — perceived gap in providers communicating and coordinating across disciplines and with patients, with sub-themes of improving positive communication and inconsistent messaging among providers; and (3) therapeutic alliance — all parties feel that developing a relationship is built on consistent trust and open dialogue. Although providers and older adults often expressed similar perspectives, there were several areas of misalignment identified within each concept, representing areas of disconnect within the patient-provider pain management relationship. Our findings indicate providers could benefit from education on improving communication around realistic goals and patient-centered outcomes and incorporation of more holistic pain management approaches when working with older adult patients. Further study should focus on developing educational interventions to address the identified shortcomings.

scholarly journals A Case Study of Active Aging through Lifelong Learning: Psychosocial Interpretation of Older Adult Participation in Evening Schools in Korea

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 9232
Author(s):  
Ilseon Choi ◽  
Sung Ran Cho
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Adult Learners ◽  
Lifelong Learning ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Active Aging ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Adult Participation ◽  
Older Adult Learners

Lifelong learning is a key element of the conceptual framework of active aging. To understand how older adults experience active aging through participation in lifelong learning, the authors conducted a qualitative case study. The research participants were older adult learners attending evening schools aiming to pass the equivalency examination. Data were collected primarily using semi-structured interviews with five older adult learners, and additional data were collected from relevant documents. Data analysis and thematic discussion provided insights into how older adults experience active aging by participating in lifelong learning. Data analysis identified themes of overcoming limited education, taking the equivalency examination, and evolving goals. Thematic discussion revealed that older adults began learning to meet deficiency needs; however, they developed their goals after attending evening schools and passing the equivalency examination. In addition, lifelong learning is an indispensable element of active aging not only because learning is good for older adults’ wellbeing, as reported in the literature, but also because older adults become more active in the systemic change of their environment and in the setting goals for their lives.

Digital Home Assistants and Aging: Initial Perspectives from Novice Older Adult Users

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 1367-1371
Author(s):  
Kenneth A. Blocker ◽  
Travis Kadylak ◽  
Lyndsie M. Koon ◽  
Christopher E. Kovac ◽  
Wendy A. Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
General Population ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Digital Home ◽  
General Utility ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Novice Users

Digital home assistants like the Amazon Echo are increasing in popularity each year among the general population and provide assistance across a wide array of daily activities. Despite their general utility, they may be most useful for supporting older adults with the various challenges of aging. However, little is known about older adults’ opinions regarding these devices, which is necessary to encourage their adoption of these devices. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 older adult novice users to learn about their initial opinions regarding two digital home assistants, the Amazon Echo smart speaker and Echo Show smart display. Results revealed an overall trend of positive attitudes toward them and their capabilities, with a preference toward the Echo Show. These findings provided insights into older adults’ first impressions of digital home assistants, plus the foundation for investigating their potential in supporting older adults in maintaining functional independence.

scholarly journals Perceived value of support for older adults coping with multi-morbidity: patient, informal care-giver and family physician perspectives

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (9) ◽  
pp. 1891-1914 ◽  
Author(s):  
GAYATHRI NAGANATHAN ◽  
KERRY KULUSKI ◽  
ASHLINDER GILL ◽  
LIISA JAAKKIMAINEN ◽  
ROSS UPSHUR ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Informal Care ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Perceived Value ◽  
Family Health ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Care Giver ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Supportive Services ◽  
Care Givers

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the perceived value of informal and formal supports for older adults with multi-morbidity from the perspectives of patients, care-givers and family physicians. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 patients, their informal care-givers and their family physicians in an urban academic family health team in Ontario. Analysis was conducted using a General Inductive Approach to facilitate identification of main themes and build a framework of perceived value of supports. Participant views converged on supports that facilitate patient independence and ease care-giver burden. However, important differences in participant perceptions arose regarding these priorities. Physicians and care-givers valued supports that facilitate health and safety while patients prioritised supports that enable self-efficacy and independence. While formal supports which eased care-giver burden were viewed positively by all members of the triad, many patients also rejected formal supports, citing that informal support from their care-giver was available. Such conflicts between patient, care-giver and physician-perceived value of supports may have important implications for consumer and care-giver willingness to accept formal supports when supports are available. These findings contribute to the broader literature on community-based care by incorporating the perspectives of patients, informal care-givers and family physicians to understand better the barriers and facilitators of uptake of supportive services that contribute to successful ageing at home.

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