Engaging Vital Older Adults in Intergenerational Service-Learning

2018 ◽  
pp. 266-287
Author(s):  
Reneé A. Zucchero
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
The United States ◽  
Life Review ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Adult Volunteers

The population of older adults within the United States is growing rapidly, which calls for increased understanding of that population. However, ageism is pervasive and one of the most engrained forms of prejudice. Intergenerational service-learning may be one way to reduce negative stereotypes and ageism. The Co-Mentoring Project is an intergenerational service-learning project that matches undergraduate students and vital older adult volunteers. Students meet with their partners at least four times over the course of the semester to conduct a life review and gather information to begin the older adults' memoirs. This chapter provides a rationale for intergenerational service-learning and information about its theoretical underpinnings. The chapter also offers information about service-learning best practices, including structured reflection, and how the Project's methodology is consistent with them. The multi-modal assessment conducted for the Project and its outcomes are discussed. Finally, directions for future research are described.

scholarly journals INSTAPALS: FACILITATING INTERGENERATIONAL CONTACT THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S808-S809
Author(s):  
Ashley Lytle ◽  
Nancy Nowacek
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Intergenerational Relationships ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Intergroup Contact Theory ◽  
Social Exchanges ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
Aging Anxiety

Abstract Using the traditional framework of Pen Pals, Instapals was a project that facilitated 1-to-1 intergenerational relationships through daily exchanges on Instagram for 30 days. Although communication channels have exploded in the past 10 years in large part to social platforms and digital technologies, the diversity of daily social interactions has decreased. More and more, society has become siloed by age, interest, and belief. Building off intergroup contact theory, Instapals was designed to encourage positive intergenerational contact between younger (undergraduate students) and older adults (individuals 65+) and challenge ageist beliefs. Intergenerational social exchanges occurred both on Instagram and during three in-person meetings. Among undergraduate students, attitudes and stereotypes toward older adults and aging were assessed at three timepoints (before meeting their older adult partner, during a mid-point evaluation, and at the end of the project). Quantitative analyses demonstrate a decrease in aging anxiety, a decrease in psychological concerns about the aging process, and a greater endorsement of positive perceptions toward one’s older adult partner. Qualitative analyses of written responses from students (collected before meeting their older adult partner and at the end of the project) revealed that the Instapals project helped students challenge ageist attitudes and stereotypes and was perceived to be a positive experience overall. Implications suggest that positive intergenerational contact can be facilitated and enhanced through the use of technology. Future research should explore whether attitudes, stereotypes, and self-perceptions of aging changed among older adults as well as other technological mechanisms for facilitating intergenerational contact.

International Students’ Social Outcomes, Educational Status, and Country of High School Graduation

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 589-606
Author(s):  
Nelson C. Brunsting ◽  
Megan Mischinski ◽  
Wenjin Wu ◽  
Tenisha Tevis ◽  
Risa Takeuchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
High School ◽  
International Students ◽  
Graduate Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
International Student ◽  
Educational Status ◽  
The United States ◽  
Social Outcomes ◽  
Future Research

Despite the increase in methodological sophistication and complexity of models being tested for international student adjustment to universities in the United States (U.S.), researchers often do not test or control for salient demographic differences between students, including their educational status (i.e., graduate or undergraduate) and country in which they graduated high school. The current study was designed to examine whether demographic variables are associated with a range of social outcomes. Participants ( N = 245) from 23 U.S. colleges and universities completed a survey in Fall 2017. Undergraduate students reported having a higher number of close friends at their institution than did graduate students; however, they also reported a lower sense of belonging than did graduate students. Students who graduated from high school in the United States reported less social support from international students at university. Implications for students and for future research are provided.

scholarly journals Pre-pandemic Ageism Toward Older Adults Predicts Behavioral Intentions During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley Lytle ◽  
MaryBeth Apriceno ◽  
Jamie Macdonald ◽  
Caitlin Monahan ◽  
Sheri R Levy
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Behavioral Intentions ◽  
The United States ◽  
Prosocial Behaviors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Supportive Behaviors ◽  
History Of ◽  
Health Complications ◽  
Complications And Mortality

Abstract Objectives During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, older adults have been disproportionately affected by high rates of health complications and mortality. Reactions toward older adults included a mix of prosocial behaviors and ageist responses, consistent with the history of positive and negative views and treatment of older adults in the United States. Methods In a two-part study (n = 113, Mage = 18.49, SD = 0.50; range 18–19), we examined whether pre-pandemic ageism among undergraduates predicts prosocial behavioral intentions toward older adults both specific to COVID-19 and in general. Results Pre-pandemic ageism toward older adults predicted less intentions to help older adults generally and specific to COVID-19. Whereas viewing older adults as incompetent predicted greater intentions to help specific to COVID-19. Discussion These results reflect the complexity of predicting helping behaviors and suggest that even supportive behaviors toward older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic may be rooted in negative ageist stereotypes. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.

scholarly journals Experiences of Older Adults During the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States: An Initial Exploration of Nationally Representative Data at the Intersection of Gender and Race

2021 ◽  
pp. 073346482110482
Author(s):  
Takashi Yamashita ◽  
Wonmai Punksungka ◽  
Samuel Van Vleet ◽  
Abigail Helsinger ◽  
Phyllis Cummins
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Gender And Race ◽  
Baseline Information ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Project Data ◽  
Older Populations

Little is known about the overall experiences and feelings of diverse older populations during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. To provide the baseline information for future research and policy, this study analyzed the 2020 Health and Retirement Study COVID-19 project data ( n = 1782). More than 70% of older adults reported the following activities: watching TV (98%), reading (90%), using a computer and the internet (83%), gardening (82%), walking (75%), baking and cooking (73%), and praying (73%). Volunteering and attending community groups, which are known to benefit well-being, were unpopular (less than 8%). During the pandemic, older adults were generally satisfied with their lives, but more than half of them were concerned about their own health, family’s health, and future prospects. Our study also showed the differences in the experiences and feelings by gender and race as well as the intersection of gender and race in the United States.

scholarly journals 149 Falls in the United States: Magnitude, Risk, Disparities, and Solutions

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. iv34-iv39
Author(s):  
Matthew Lee Smith ◽  
Edgar Vieira ◽  
Angelica Herrera-Venson ◽  
Kathleen Cameron
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Fall Prevention ◽  
Prevention Programs ◽  
The United States ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Gis Mapping ◽  
Isolated Populations ◽  
National Network

Abstract In the United States, falls incidence rates remain steady among older adults (those age 65 years and older), which highlights the need for effective interventions to prevent falls and manage fall-related risks. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury and injury-related disability and deaths among older adults (29,668 deaths, 61.6/100,000, in the US in 2016), and the rate of fall-related deaths among older adults increased 31% from 2007 to 2016. In the United States, an older adult goes to an emergency room due to a fall every 11 seconds (3 million visits per year), and an older adult dies from a fall-related injury every 19 minutes. In response to this issue, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and other governmental agencies have dedicated large sums of funding to initiate and support fall prevention and management efforts in clinical and community settings. As part of the solution, ACL supported 40 grantees to deliver eight evidence-based fall prevention programs (e.g., A Matter of Balance, Stepping On, Tai Chi, Otago Exercise Program) from 2010-2016. During that time, this ongoing initiative has reached 45,812 participants in 22 states by delivering 3,755 workshops. The majority of workshops were delivered in senior centers (26%), residential facilities (20%), healthcare organizations (13%), and faith-based organizations (9%). This presentation will use geographic information system (GIS) mapping to geospatially depict the dissemination of these programs as well as highlights their impact on fall-related outcomes. Additionally, models of clinical and community collaboration for fall prevention will be described, which shows the importance of leveraged resources, seamless referral systems, and timely feedback channels. Further, policy initiatives and a national network of state-based fall prevention coalitions will be described to coordinate and integrate efforts across clinical, community, corporate, and academic settings. Lastly, strategies will be shared to diversify the delivery infrastructure for fall prevention programs and incorporate technological options for isolated populations and those without access to preventive services.

Living Environment, Mobility, and Wellbeing among Seniors in the United States: A New Interdisciplinary Dialogue

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 298-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shengxiao (Alex) Li
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
The United States ◽  
Transportation Systems ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Older Population ◽  
Demographic Profile ◽  
Interdisciplinary Dialogue ◽  
The Relationship

In view of the demographic profile of the older adults in the United States, in the next two decades, cities and communities need to adapt the form, environment, and transportation systems to accommodate the growing aging population. In this article, I review two streams of literature in the mobility among the older population: the mobility/living environment and wellbeing; the relationship between living environment and mobility. I argue that two streams of literature should be combined to inform an interdisciplinary dialogue and a new agenda for future research.

Diversity and age stereotypes in portrayals of older adults in popular American primetime television series

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Čedomir Markov ◽  
Youngmin Yoon
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
The United States ◽  
Media Representations ◽  
Television Series ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Age Stereotypes ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Primetime Television ◽  
Young Old

Abstract To examine the prevalence and diversity of older adults on primetime television, and age stereotyping in these portrayals, we analysed the contents of 112 episodes of popular American television series aired between 2004 and 2018. We identified 6.6 per cent of characters as aged 65 and older – a slight improvement to the values reported in previous studies. However, older adult characters are still grossly under-represented, considering the actual proportion of older adults in the general population of the United States of America. Further, the typical older character was young-old, male, Caucasian, middle-class, able-bodied and straight – if his sexuality was referenced. Older women still face double discrimination in media representations. In addition, older adult characters with ethnicities other than Caucasian and African American are virtually invisible in primetime fiction series. Similarly, old-old characters, sexual minorities and persons with disabilities are particularly rare among older adult characters in this type of programming. Finally, portrayals of 51.9 per cent of characters included at least some elements of age stereotypes, most of which were positive. The most commonly applied positive and negative stereotypes were found to be the golden ager and the shrew, respectively. The findings are discussed in the context of the dominant discourse of ageing and the potential implications of how various social groups perceive ageing and older adults.

scholarly journals A comparative examination of career and start-up expectations in South Korea, Ukraine, and the United States

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-46
Author(s):  
Sherrie Human ◽  
Thomas Clark ◽  
Charles H. Matthews ◽  
Julie Stewart ◽  
Candace Gunnarsson
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Business Students ◽  
The United States ◽  
New Venture ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Comparative Examination ◽  
Different Levels

Relatively few comparative studies have examined how perceptions across cultures might converge or diverge regarding careers in general and new venture careers in particular. Our research addresses this gap by providing a comparative study of career perceptions among undergraduate business students in three countries with different levels of experience with capitalism: Ukraine, South Korea, and the United States. Results suggest both surprising differences and interesting similarities between undergraduate students in the three countries with regard to how they perceive characteristics associated with entrepreneurial careers. Findings are discussed in the context of distinct differences and commonalities across cultures and implications for future research provided.

scholarly journals Social Isolation and COVID-19 Mitigation: Perspectives of Key Informants in the United States and Japan

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 441-441
Author(s):  
Emily Ihara ◽  
Megumi Inoue ◽  
Cortney Hughes Rinker ◽  
Naoru Koizumi
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
The United States ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Adult Care ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
The Many

Abstract The deleterious health effects of social isolation and loneliness among older adults have been well-established and were exacerbated by the forced separation for those at health risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus. Both the United States and Japan are experiencing phenomenal growth of the older adult population; Japan is considered a “super-aged” society, with the highest proportion of people aged 65 and older in the world. This study examined how COVID-19 and mitigation measures may have affected services for older adults. We conducted key informant interviews with specialists in aging and older adult care in both Japan (n=5) and the United States (n=14). All interviews were conducted over Zoom and lasted 30-60 minutes. The research team transcribed and checked the interviews for accuracy and conducted multiple coding sessions to identify, sort, and consolidate the codes using Atlas.ti. Key themes in both countries that emerged included the many cracks in the system of programs and services for older adults, the inaccessibility to technology and the internet, and the particular difficulties of socioeconomic inequities, especially for those living alone. Older adults were motivated to become more technologically proficient and local communities came forward to help provide support. One key informant from the U.S. noted that their organization experienced a 600% increase in interest among volunteers as a result of the pandemic. Despite the many challenges of the pandemic, many silver linings emerged. One participant poetically stated, “I think that's human nature – when you have no other choice, you find a way.”

scholarly journals Government and University Partner for Virtual Service-Learning to Support Intergenerational Social Interaction

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 366-366
Author(s):  
Martha Kemeny ◽  
Adelle Williams ◽  
Stephanie Cole
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Service Learning ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Negative Stereotypes ◽  
Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Pre-pandemic, evidence existed that intergenerational service-learning programs support knowledge of aging and positive attitudes and perceptions (Monahan et al., 2020). As spring 2020 COVID-19 lock downs and public health warnings urged physical distancing of community dwelling older adults, growing concern about the unintended consequences of increased social isolation on mental and physical health prompted the Secretary’s Office of Pennsylvania Department of Aging to design a pilot project with university faculty for virtual intergenerational social interaction. The Department identified older adults at the highest risk for social isolation (live alone, in poverty, with a disability). The resulting pilot project is fully integrated as a high impact practice into eight sections of recreational therapy and gerontology courses with participation by 210 undergraduate students and 210 older adults for 9 weeks of both the fall and spring semesters. Students, who received extensive classroom instruction aimed at avoiding negative stereotypes of older adults as helpless and dependent, called their assigned partner several times a week for at least an hour of communication. Using the UCLA loneliness scale, community-dwelling older adults reported frustration with isolation due to the pandemic. Those with low and moderate loneliness reported positive feelings about program and looking forward to interactions with students. Students gained virtual communication skills that may contribute to telehealth competencies, intervention skills such as assessment, life review/reminiscence, mindfulness techniques, and leisure education. Moreover, an analysis of student reflections revealed positive changes in attitudes toward older adults and the ability to enjoy common interests despite age differences.

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