scholarly journals Let’s Walk It: Mobility and the Perceived Quality of Life in Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11515
Author(s):  
Ulrike Bechtold ◽  
Natalie Stauder ◽  
Martin Fieder
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Research And Development ◽  
Social Integration ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Self Perception ◽  
Ageing Society ◽  
Self Rated Health

European policy and the research and development landscape put forward a number of arguments in favor of implementing “Active Assisted Living” (AAL) for older adults: it will improve older adults’ quality of life, allow them to age in place, and keep costs for an ageing society down by exploiting new technology markets. The idea is that older adults who are supported by AAL and make use of assistive technologies will enjoy more freedom, autonomy, and mobility and also improved social integration and better communication. Yet, despite a history of more than 10 years of European research and development, the use of AAL applications is not as widespread as expected. To examine older adults’ attitudes to assistive technologies, we conducted a study in Vienna (Austria) between 2018 and 2020 questioning 245 older adults aged 61–93 years (M = 74.27 SD = 6.654) who lived at their private homes and had different support needs (ranging from “no support” to “everyday visit of social and/or care organizations”). The three goals of the study encompassed: (1) examination of their quality of life, (2) their attitudes and use of assistive technologies, and (3) the way they perceive their own and others’ life-course and getting older. AAL as a concept links “ageing in place” and “quality of life”. However, “mobility” is also of major importance here. In this paper, we aim to investigate the relation between the independent variables “Quality of life” and “Mobility” and their possible associations with the following dependent variables: cohabitation, social integration, self-rated health, sportive activities, locomotion, home well-being and safety, physical limitations, falls, and self-perception of their own ageing (compared to others). We calculated multivariate models regressing on these explaining and confounding variables. We found a positive correlation between mobility and quality of life. In detail, our results show a significant positive association between QOL and mobility regarding self-rated health and self-perception. Experiencing vertigo, walking difficulties, and balance problems significantly and negatively influence self-rated health and self-perception compared to others. Our findings can also be read as a clear message that there is a need to improve both health and the culture of ageing and to facilitate positive attitudes toward ageing as an efficient way to enhance the Quality of life of older adults.

scholarly journals The Quality of Life of Older Adults in a Multiethnic Metropolitan: An Analysis of CASP-19

SAGE Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 215824402110299
Author(s):  
Siow Li Lai ◽  
Nai Peng Tey
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Marital Status ◽  
Ethnic Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Housing Tenure ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Rated Health

This study examines the well-being of older Malaysians, using Control, Autonomy, Self-Realization, and Pleasure (CASP-19) score. Data for this study came from a cross-sectional survey on older adults living in a multiethnic metropolitan in Malaysia. The sample comprised Asia’s three major ethnic groups. Bivariate and multivariate analyses show significant ethnic differentials in quality of life (QoL). Results from multiple regression show that CASP-19 is strongly influenced by self-rated health and the ability to manage expenditure, and to a lesser extent by educational level and marital status, but not by age, gender, work status, co-residence with children, and housing tenure. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, self-rated health was the only significant factor affecting the QoL of all ethnic groups. Ability to manage expenditure was also significant among the Chinese and Indians. Marital status matters for the Chinese, while education and housing tenure matter for the Indians. Differences in the effects of the various factors on the QoL of older adults require specific strategies and programs for different target groups.

scholarly journals Quality of Life: Changes in Self-Perception in People with down Syndrome as a Result of Being Part of a Football/Soccer Team. Self-Reports and External Reports

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 226
Author(s):  
Rocío Camacho ◽  
Cristina Castejón-Riber ◽  
Francisco Requena ◽  
Julio Camacho ◽  
Begoña Escribano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Evaluation Process ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Perception ◽  
Football Team ◽  
Soccer Team

The hypothesis posed was whether being part of a football/soccer team influenced the quality of life (QL) of the people who participated in it since their perception of themselves is enhanced by factors, such as self-determination, social inclusion, emotional well-being, physical well-being, material well-being, rights, personal development, and internal relationships. The objective was to evaluate the QL of people with Down Syndrome (DS) using their self-perception (n = 39) and the perception of the informants (family members, teachers) (n = 39). The KidsLife-Down Scale, with a few modifications, was used. In general, differences of opinion between the subgroups of participants with DS and informants showed that results were higher in terms of perception for participants in the DS subgroup. Scores for all variables were higher for those participants with DS who said they did engage in practicing competitive football/soccer. Although the perception of informants provides a great deal of information regarding the QL of participants with DS, participants with DS should also be involved in the evaluation process and their self-perceptions taken into account. It is not participating in a football team that causes the conclusions of the study, but training (which includes the friendly matches that are played), the cause correlated with the improvements detected in the athlete’s DS.

scholarly journals The psychosocial benefits of providing non-kin childcare in older adults: A longitudinal study with older New Zealanders

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Á Szabó ◽  
Eva Neely ◽  
C Stephens
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Grandparental Childcare ◽  
Psychosocial Benefits ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time ◽  
New Zealanders

© The Author(s) 2019. Community grandparenting may promote the well-being of older adults. We examined the impact of non-kin and grandparental childcare on quality of life and loneliness using longitudinal data from 2653 older New Zealanders collected over 2 years. Providing both non-kin and grandparental childcare predicted greater self-realisation for women only and was associated with reduced levels of control and autonomy for men. Non-kin childcare was also associated with reduced social loneliness over time independent of gender. Findings suggest that non-kin grandparenting has psychosocial benefits for older adults. Surrogate grandparenting offers promising avenues for those without grandchildren to experience the benefits of grandparenting.

scholarly journals Gaming Technology to Support Leisure Activities Among Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 559-559
Author(s):  
Walter Boot
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Gaming Technology ◽  
Research And Education

Abstract There has been a great deal of research on technology to support older adults in their performance of Activities and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. There has been substantially less research, however, on exploring technology solutions that support hobbies and leisure. This is unfortunate, as quality of life and well-being are determined by more than just one’s ability to manage everyday tasks. An overview will be presented of research the Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) has conducted over two decades with the goals of understanding and supporting older adults’ performance of technology-based leisure activities. Many of these studies have involved videogaming, where there exists a substantial age-related digital divide. CREATE has evaluated older adults’ attitudes and game experiences through survey and research studies and has even recorded longitudinal gameplay. How these findings can be applied to support technology-based leisure activities will be expanded upon. Part of a symposium sponsored by Technology and Aging Interest Group.

Assistive Technologies and the Carers of People with Dementia

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-59
Author(s):  
Sarmishtha Bhattacharyya ◽  
Susan Mary Benbow
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Technological Interventions ◽  
Informal Carers

Assistive technologies have a role in supporting both formal and informal carers of people with dementia, and in maintaining the independence, and quality of life of both people with dementia and their carers. The authors report a narrative review of the use of technological interventions to empower the carers of people with dementia, and relate this to a model of ageing well. They argue that this highlights the importance of empowering and connecting with carers in order to increase their participation and connection in the care of their relative/client; and conclude that both empowerment and connection contribute to maintaining autonomy and well-being of both carers and people with dementia. Technological interventions should not be used as alternatives to connection. The emphasis in practice should be on empowering and connecting with both carers and people with dementia.

scholarly journals NOTEWORTHY: THE IMPACT OF A CHOIR FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA ON THE WELL-BEING AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF CAREGIVERS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S752-S752
Author(s):  
Debra J Sheets ◽  
Stuart W MacDonald ◽  
Andre Smith ◽  
Mary Kennedy
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Caregiver Support ◽  
Economic Implications ◽  
Health Quality ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Informal caregivers provide 80% of the care needed to support community-dwelling older adults with dementia. Over time caregivers often face adverse effects on their health, quality of life and well-being; particularly those caring for someone with dementia. This study examines the impact of participation in the Voices in Motion (ViM) choir on caregiver burden, mood and quality of life. A measurement burst approach was used to investigate intraindividual variability on key psychosocial and health indicators. Results indicate that choir participation significantly improves caregiver well-being (e.g. mood, burden) and quality of life. Findings suggest that choirs offer significant caregiver support and respite. The discussion focuses the public policy and on the potential economic implications which suggests a shift is needed in the services available to older adults with dementia and their caregivers.

scholarly journals Factors associated with the quality of life of elderly caregivers of other elderly persons

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Letícia Decimo Flesch ◽  
Samila Sathler Tavares Batistoni ◽  
Anita Liberalesso Neri ◽  
Meire Cachioni
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Selection Of Variables ◽  
Elderly Caregivers

Abstract Objective : To evaluate the association between the double vulnerability of being elderly and a caregiver and quality of life assessed by Control, Autonomy, Self-realization and Pleasure factors (CASP-19). Method : 148 elderly caregivers participated in the present study. They were selected for convenience from Brazilian public and private health services - a sample from the study “The Psychological Well-Being of Elderly Persons Caring for Other Elderly Persons in a Family Context”. The variables: caregiver’s state of health, care demands, perception of burden, self-rated health, and quality of life were selected. Descriptive analyses, chi-squared tests, Fisher’s exact test, the Kruskal-Wallis test and analysis of multivariate hierarchical logistics were carried out, with theStepwisecriteria applied for selection of variables. Results : The hierarchical multivariate analyses found that number of symptoms and total burden were significantly associated with a poorer quality of life. Elderly persons with three or more symptoms and those with a high burden level were at a higher risk of poor quality of life. The variables number of diseases, burden, and self-rated health compared with the past, were significantly associated with a poorer quality of life. Conclusion : It can be concluded that for the elderly caregiver, physical aspects (signs and symptoms, chronic diseases and a perception of health deterioration) combined with burden are the aspects that most influence quality of life.

Whose Quality of Life is it Anyway? Why Not Ask Seniors to Tell US about IT?

2000 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 361-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prem S. Fry
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
External Factors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Elderly Persons ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Depth Interviews

Three hundred and thirty-one older adults participated in a study designed to examine their perceptions of what constitutes a reasonable quality of life. Participants responded to an open-ended questionnaire in which they were asked to state their priorities, preferences, aspirations, and concerns about their present and future quality of life. Responses were subjected to a principal components factor analysis which yielded four factors: 1) respondents' demands for specific guarantees; 2) respondents' aspirations and expectations for future quality of life; 3) fears and anxieties; and 4) external factors presenting a threat to quality of life. These factors accounted for 15 percent, 12 percent, 9.2 percent, and 7.1 percent, respectively, of the total variance. Additionally, data obtained from in-depth interviews with thirty-seven older adults were analyzed using a qualitative approach. Contrary to stereotypic notions that elderly persons are frail, vulnerable, and resigned to deteriorating conditions of well-being in late life, the results of both the qualitative and quantitative components of the study showed the majority of respondents as having clear demands for autonomy, control, and independence in making decisions, including the decision to terminate life. Implications are discussed in terms of future research on quality of life of older adults.

Social Indicators

Sociology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth C. Land
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Research And Development ◽  
Social Indicators ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Conditions ◽  
The Past ◽  
Economic Level ◽  
Level Of Living

How are we doing with respect not only to our economic level of living but, more generally, the quality of our lives, our well-being? Improving, staying about the same, or deteriorating? Compared to our past? Compared to other countries/societies? And, if improving, are the improvements shared throughout the society or only among some of us? These are the kinds of questions that have motivated research and development on social indicators, quality of life metrics, and well-being research over the past fifty years. This research has resulted in a substantial number of conceptual and empirical contributions to the measurement of social conditions, in general, and of quality of life/well-being, in particular.

scholarly journals RAISING OUR VOICES: THE BENEFITS OF AN INTERGENERATIONAL CHOIR FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR CARE PARTNERS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S751-S752
Author(s):  
Debra J Sheets ◽  
Theresa A Allison
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
The Body ◽  
Social Intervention ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
People With Dementia

Abstract This interdisciplinary symposium focuses on the Voices in Motion (ViM) choir, a novel social intervention to address issues of stigma and social isolation among older adults with dementia and their caregivers. ViM is an intergenerational choir for community-dwelling older adults with dementia (PwD) and their caregivers. Local high school students participated in the choir and added to the lively social interactions. Two professionally directed ViM choirs were fully implemented in 2018-2019 with a public performance in the Fall and Spring seasons. This symposium brings together multiple methodologies to investigate the effects of choir participation on cognition, social connections, stigma, and quality of life for the dyads. Results in the individual papers demonstrate the positive impact of choir participation on dyads (n=26) for measures that includecognition (MacDonald), well-being and quality of life (Sheets), and social connections (Smith). Taken as a whole, the papers indicate that this social intervention offers an effective non- pharmacological alternative approach for older adults with dementia. Choir participation has important and significant impacts on psycho-social well-being and quality of life. The body of evidence presented points to the importance of intergenerational programs that are dementia-friendly and that support meaningful participation by older adults with dementia in the broader community. Discussion focuses on implications for social policy with attention on the replication and sustainability of the program.

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