scholarly journals Everyday Life Meaningfulness for the Community-Dwelling Oldest Old During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Tiilikainen ◽  
Inna Lisko ◽  
Eija Kekkonen ◽  
Alina Solomon ◽  
Tiia Ngandu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Everyday Life ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cognitive Capacity ◽  
Background Factors ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Physical Isolation

In many countries, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to strong restrictions and changed the everyday lives of older people. In Finland, people aged 70 and over were instructed to stay at home under quarantine-like conditions. Existing studies from other countries have reported increases in negative experiences and symptoms as a result of such restrictions, including psychosocial stress. However, little focus has been given to older people’s experiences of meaningfulness during the pandemic. Using survey and interview data, we ask to what extent have community-dwelling oldest old (80+) experienced meaningfulness during the pandemic, what background factors are associated with meaningfulness and what factors have contributed to everyday life meaningfulness during the pandemic. The data was collected as part of the COVID-19 sub-study of the third follow-up of the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia (CAIDE85+) study, a Finnish population-based cohort study carried out in the eastern part of the country. In the quantitative analyses, meaningfulness was assessed as part of the Experiences of Social Inclusion Scale. The association of meaningfulness with different background factors (gender, age, living alone, self-chosen quarantine or physical isolation, self-rated health, physical functioning, and cognitive capacity) was explored with the Chi-square test. The quantitative findings indicate that the majority of the participants experienced meaningfulness during the pandemic. Participants who did not practice any physical isolation measures and participants with higher self-rated health experienced more meaningfulness. There was no evidence for difference in the prevalence of meaningfulness and other background factors. The qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicated that factors contributing to meaningfulness in everyday life were social contacts, daily chores and activities, familiar places and seasonal changes. The small sample size does not provide possibilities for generalizing the results into the wider population of older adults. However, the results provide new understanding of the oldest old’s experiences of meaningfulness in everyday life during the global pandemic. The findings may help find ways to support older people’s meaningfulness in challenging times.

Comprehensive Geriatric Care to Improve Mobility after Hip Fracture: An RCT

Gerontology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (6) ◽  
pp. 542-548
Author(s):  
Wendy L. Cook ◽  
Penelope M.A. Brasher ◽  
Pierre Guy ◽  
Stirling Bryan ◽  
Meghan G. Donaldson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hip Fracture ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Geriatric Care ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Mobility Performance ◽  
Discharge Care ◽  
Comprehensive Geriatric Care

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Comprehensive geriatric care (CGC) for older adults during hospitalization for hip fracture can improve mobility, but it is unclear whether CGC delivered after a return to community living improves mobility compared with usual post-discharge care. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> To determine if an outpatient clinic-based CGC regime in the first year after hip fracture improved mobility performance at 12 months. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A two-arm, 1:1 parallel group, pragmatic, single-blind, single-center, randomized controlled trial at 3 hospitals in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Participants were community-dwelling adults, aged ≥65 years, with a hip fracture in the previous 3–12 months, who had no dementia and walked ≥10 m before the fracture occurred. Target enrollment was 130 participants. Clinic-based CGC was delivered by a geriatrician, physiotherapist, and occupational therapist. Primary outcome was the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB; 0–12) at 12 months. <b><i>Results:</i></b> We randomized 53/313 eligible participants with a mean (SD) age of 79.7 (7.9) years to intervention (<i>n</i> = 26) and usual care (UC, <i>n</i> = 27), and 49/53 (92%) completed the study. Mean 12-month (SD) SPPB scores in the intervention and UC groups were 9.08 (3.03) and 8.24 (2.44). The between-group difference was 0.9 (95% CI –0.3 to 2.0, <i>p</i> = 0.13). Adverse events were similar in the 2 groups. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The small sample size of less than half our recruitment target precludes definitive conclusions about the effect of our intervention. However, our results are consistent with similar studies on this population and intervention.

scholarly journals Between Social Inclusion and Exclusion: Integration of Daycare Guests in the Nursing Home Setting

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerstin Hämel ◽  
Gundula Röhnsch
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cognitive Capacity ◽  
Home Setting ◽  
Residential Care Facilities ◽  
Care Approach ◽  
Nursing Home Setting ◽  
Close Relatives

Abstract Background and Objectives In integrated daycare, community-dwelling older people in need of care join existing groups in residential care facilities during the day. This study focuses on how nursing home residents experience the integrative care approach, exploring opportunities for social inclusion and mechanisms of exclusion. Research Design and Methods A purposive sample of residents differing in cognitive capacity and level of (non)conflictual interaction with daycare guests was selected. Episodic interviews with residents (N = 10) and close relatives (N = 2) were conducted in 3 pilot facilities in Germany and analyzed using thematic coding. Results The analysis revealed different orientation patterns towards the presence of daycare guests: respondents (a) demonstrated indifference to the daycare guests, (b) saw bonding with guests as a means to connect to the outside world, and (c) perceived incompatibility between in-group and out-group. Criticisms included disruption of daily routines and loss of privacy. Most interviewees came to terms with the care situation using rational and moral arguments. Discussion and Implications The study reveals the importance of residents’ participation when integrating daycare guests. Institutional procedures are required to prevent exclusion of daycare guests and avoid overtaxing residents.

scholarly journals Functional Gait Assessment: Concurrent, Discriminative, and Predictive Validity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

2010 ◽  
Vol 90 (5) ◽  
pp. 761-773 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane M. Wrisley ◽  
Neeraj A. Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Predictive Validity ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cutoff Score ◽  
Gait Assessment ◽  
Functional Gait ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

BackgroundThe Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) is a reliable and valid measure of gait-related activities.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the concurrent, discriminative, and predictive validity of the FGA in community-dwelling older adults.DesignThis was a prospective cohort study.MethodsThirty-five older adults aged 60 to 90 years completed the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Timed “Up & Go” Test (TUG), and Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) during one session. Falls were tracked by having participants complete a monthly fall calendar for 6 months. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to determine concurrent validity among the ABC, BBS, TUG, DGI, and FGA. To determine the optimum scores to classify fall risk, sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR−) were calculated for the FGA in classifying fall risk based on the published criterion scores of the DGI and TUG and for the FGA, TUG, and DGI in identifying prospective falls. Receiver operator curves with area under the curve were used to determine the effectiveness of the FGA in classifying fall risk and of the DGI, TUG, and FGA in identifying prospective falls.ResultsThe FGA correlated with the ABC (r=.053, P&lt;.001), BBS (r=.84, P&lt;.001), and TUG (r=−.84, P&lt;.001). An FGA score of ≤22/30 provides both discriminative and predictive validity. The FGA (scores ≤22/30) provided 100% Sn, 72% Sp, LR+ of 3.6, and LR− of 0 to predict prospective falls.LimitationsThe study was limited by the length of time of follow-up and the small sample size that did not allow for evaluation of criterion scores by decade.ConclusionsThe FGA with a cutoff score of 22/30 is effective in classifying fall risk in older adults and predicting unexplained falls in community-dwelling older adults.

scholarly journals The relationship between chronic stress, emotion regulation and depressive symptoms in healthy older adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivian Huang
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Chronic Stress ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Allostatic Load ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
The Relationship

The current study examined the association between chronic stress (measured in allostatic load or AL), ER, and depressive symptoms in a group of community-dwelling older adults. It was hypothesized that chronic stress levels would mediate the relationship between ER and depressive symptoms. A total of 70 older adults aged 60 and older participated in the study. There were no significant associations found in the main analyses between the AL index and depressive symptoms, as well as no significant relationship was found between ER strategies and AL index, after controlling for age, sex, education, and perceived SES. However, perceived stress significantly mediated the relationship between maladaptive ER strategies and depressive symptoms, and the relationship between adaptive ER strategies and depressive symptoms. Given the small sample size and the lack of variability of the AL index, the study would benefit from a larger sample size to clarify the present results.

scholarly journals The relationship between chronic stress, emotion regulation and depressive symptoms in healthy older adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivian Huang
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Chronic Stress ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Allostatic Load ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
The Relationship

The current study examined the association between chronic stress (measured in allostatic load or AL), ER, and depressive symptoms in a group of community-dwelling older adults. It was hypothesized that chronic stress levels would mediate the relationship between ER and depressive symptoms. A total of 70 older adults aged 60 and older participated in the study. There were no significant associations found in the main analyses between the AL index and depressive symptoms, as well as no significant relationship was found between ER strategies and AL index, after controlling for age, sex, education, and perceived SES. However, perceived stress significantly mediated the relationship between maladaptive ER strategies and depressive symptoms, and the relationship between adaptive ER strategies and depressive symptoms. Given the small sample size and the lack of variability of the AL index, the study would benefit from a larger sample size to clarify the present results.

scholarly journals COVID-19, Social Isolation, and Loneliness in Older Adults: Leveraging Exercise to Age in Place Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 940-940
Author(s):  
Meghan Reddy ◽  
Celina Shirazipour ◽  
Allison Mays
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Age In Place ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Social isolation and loneliness are associated with morbidity and mortality and highly prevalent in older adults. Older adults, a high-risk group for developing serious complications from COVID-19, are asked to shelter-in-place limiting physical interactions. We aimed to determine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on social isolation and loneliness among community-dwelling older adults previously enrolled in in-person exercise classes in the Leveraging Exercise to Age in Place (LEAP) study before March 19th, 2020 when California started shelter-in-place. We conducted a pre-post analysis of cognitively intact participants (n=59) &gt;50 years, who had social connectedness, loneliness, and demographic data collected pre- and post-COVID shelter-in-place. Participants’ social connectedness was measured via the 11-question Duke Social Support Index (DSSI) and loneliness via the 3-question UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA 3). Participants had an average (±SD) baseline DSSI of 27.2 (± 3.5) and UCLA 3 of 4.8 (± 1.7) and were an average of 76.6 ± 9.2 years, 81% female, 63% white, 29% widowed, 42% living alone, 27% acting as caregivers, and 44% were diagnosed with 3 or more chronic health conditions. We completed post-assessments on average 61 ± 29 days after the start of shelter-in-place. Results of the paired t-tests indicated no statistically significant difference in social connectedness and loneliness pre- and post-shelter-in-place. Reasons for lack of observed change include: limitations of a small sample size, possible protective factors from enrollment in the LEAP program, or insufficient time at post-assessment to develop changes in loneliness and social isolation. Repeated assessments are needed throughout the pandemic.

Functioning and Self-Rated Health in the Oldest Old Community-Dwelling Women: A Four-Year Longitudinal Study

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-135
Author(s):  
Gro Idland ◽  
Milada Cvancarova Småstuen ◽  
Knut Engedal ◽  
Astrid Bergland
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Oldest Old ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Self Rated Health

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on Neighborhood Social Support and Social Interactions in Umeå Municipality, Sweden

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liv Zetterberg ◽  
Ailiana Santosa ◽  
Nawi Ng ◽  
Matilda Karlsson ◽  
Malin Eriksson
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Instrumental Support ◽  
Base Line ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Neighborhood Interaction ◽  
Different Levels

The objectives are to, for neighborhoods with different levels of social capital, (1) map out the levels of social interactions, emotional support, and instrumental support before the COVID-19 crisis, (2) analyze how social interactions, emotional support, and instrumental support had changed during the pandemic and, (3) analyze changes in self-rated health during the pandemic. This study is based on a telephone survey with a subsample of 168 respondents in Umeå municipality who participated in a large base-line social capital survey in 2006. We asked whether neighbors talk to, care for, and help each other, before and during the Covid crisis. Individuals rated their health as poor or good. We compared people's self-rated health and their perceptions about their neighborhoods between those who lived in high or low/medium social capital neighborhoods. Before the pandemic, participants in high social capital neighborhoods reported more active neighborhood interaction and support. During the crisis, social interaction and support increased in all neighborhoods, but more in high social capital neighborhoods. Overall, people seemed to help and care for each other more during than before the crisis. More individuals in the high social capital neighborhoods reported improvement in their health during the pandemic, than those in the low/medium social capital neighborhoods. Our findings indicate that neighborhoods social capital can be strengthened during a crisis, in particular in areas with existing high levels of social capital. The findings need to be interpreted carefully due to its small sample size but observed patterns warrant further investigation.

scholarly journals Deception in everyday life of Japanese young adults: a reanalysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun’ichiro Murai ◽  
Yasuhiro Daiku
Keyword(s):  
Everyday Life ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Diary Method ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Mean

AbstractVery little research has focused on the subject of lying in everyday life, despite the benefits such study would provide. In this paper, we reanalyze the data from Murai’s work in 2000, which examined the telling of lies and the perception of being lied to in daily life by using a diary method in which participants recorded events in a diary for a certain period of time as directed by the researcher. Our reanalysis led us to three key findings. First, we found one prolific liar in the data. This is relevant because previous deception studies have only discussed the existence of “a few prolific liars” in Asia through one-shot surveys, whereas we confirm it through the reanalysis of the data collected by the diary method. Second, we did not find any significant rank correlation between the number of lies told and the number of perceptions of lies, nor was there evidence of any “prolific lie perceivers”. Third, we found that the mean percentage of the subjective accuracy of recording was roughly 80%, which demonstrates the accuracy of the diary method. In this paper, we report our findings, discuss the limitations (in particular, the small sample size), and mention future research directions using the diary method in deception studies.

Aging and Executive Function Skills: An Examination of a Community-Dwelling Older Adult Population

1997 ◽  
Vol 84 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1187-1197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Brennan ◽  
Marilyn C. Welsh ◽  
Celia B. Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Age Differences ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Tower Of Hanoi

The purpose of the present study was to employ the Tower of Hanoi task to the study of possible changes in executive function skills in older adults. The study used a quasi-experimental design, with age group (i.e., young adult, young elderly, or older elderly), being the independent variable in examining performance differences between younger and older adults. Data were analyzed cross-sectionally by age group. Nineteen elderly men and women comprised two groups; nine Young Elderly with an average age of 65 years and ten Older Elderly with an average age of 75 years. Two men and ten women served as a Young Adult comparison group having an average age of 19 years. Performance on the Tower of Hanoi was measured by efficiency scores (number of trials to consecutive solutions), frequency of error types, self-correction scores (completing the goal configuration in twenty or fewer moves after committing an error precluding a “correct” solution), and error perseveration (committing the same error on two consecutive trials of a problem). Analysis of variance and chi-squared tests suggested similar executive capacities among the 9 young adult and the 8 young elderly participants as compared to their 7 older elderly peers on the 3–disk task. However, on the 4–disk task where problem complexity increased by the addition of another disk and longer move sequences, young adult participants showed superior performance on the average than either young elderly or older elderly participants. Although the present study is limited by the small sample size and the use of cross-sectional analyses to examine age differences, these findings are consistent with the hypothesis of age differences in executive function.

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