scholarly journals Frailty : Update on Diagnosis Evaluation and Management Part 2

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulrazak Abyad ◽  
Sonia Ouali Hammami
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Dynamic State ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
The Impact

Life expectancy continues to rise globally. However, the additional years of life do not always correspond to years of healthy life, which may result in an increase in frailty. Given the rapid aging of the population, the association between frailty and age, and the impact of frailty on adverse outcomes for older adults, frailty is increasingly recognized as a significant public health concern. Early detection of the condition is critical for assisting older adults in regaining function and avoiding the negative consequences associated with the syndrome. Despite the critical nature of frailty diagnosis, there is no conclusive evidence or consensus regarding whether routine screening should be implemented. A variety of screening and assessment instruments have been developed from a biopsychosocial perspective, with frailty defined as a dynamic state caused by deficits in any of the physical, psychological, or social domains associated with health. All of these aspects of frailty should be identified and addressed through the use of a comprehensive and integrated approach to care. To accomplish this goal, public health and primary health care (PHC) must serve as the fulcrum around which care is delivered, not just to the elderly and frail, but to all individuals, by emphasizing a life-course and patient-centered approach centered on integrated, community-based care. Personnel in public health should be trained to address frailty not just clinically, but also in a societal context. Interventions should take place in the contextof the individuals’ eNVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL NETWORKS. ADDITIONALLY, PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSIONALS SHOULD CONTRIBUTE TO COMMUNITY-BASED FRAILTY EDUCATION AND TRAINING, PROMOTING COMMUNITY-BASED INTERVENTIONS THAT ASSIST OLDER ADULTS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS IN PREVENTING AND MANAGING FRAILTY. THE PURPOSE OF THIS PAPER IS TO PROVIDE AN OVERVIEW OF FRAILTY FOR A PUBLIC HEALTH AUDIENCE IN ORDER TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF THE MULTIDIMENSIONAL NATURE OF FRAILTY AND HOW IT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED THROUGH AN INTEGRATED AND HOLISTIC APPROACH TO CARE. KEY WORDS: FRAILTY, DIAGNOSIS, EVALUATION, MANAGEMENT

Framing Community-Based Interventions for Gun Violence: A Review of the Literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 259-270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monte-Angel Richardson
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Work Practice ◽  
Social Work Practice ◽  
Gun Violence ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Public Health Concern ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Community Based Research

Abstract Social workers are uniquely situated to lead community-based efforts to reduce gun violence, which has been identified as a prevalent and pressing public health concern. The current literature, however, has not addressed the frameworks guiding community-based interventions for gun violence. In the present article, a systematic literature review examines frameworks used to support community-based interventions for gun violence and to evaluate their outcomes. The search found 13 articles—unique to gun violence interventions—organized by the frameworks shaping perceptions of gun violence and community-based research. The review assessed frameworks based on their relationship to intervention stage and study outcomes. Findings suggest that these community-based gun violence interventions are shaped by systems, public health, and community mobilization frameworks. The article discusses frameworks found to be associated with successful community-based interventions and explains how the findings are relevant to future social work practice and research.

scholarly journals The Effect of Music Therapy on Cognitive Functioning Among Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 784-784
Author(s):  
Kuei-Min Chen
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Older People ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Therapy Interventions ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Music creates and fosters connection and interrelationships between individuals and encourages social interaction. Indeed, community-based interventions are a powerful way to engage older people. This presentation will provide an overview of music therapy and the impact it can have on the cognitive functioning of older people. Examples of music therapy interventions in the community can be found in nursing homes, hospitals, or communities. Differences in receptive (passive) music therapy and active music therapy will be discussed along with the impact these therapies may have on individuals experiencing cognitive decline. Moreover, studies of music therapy combined with other activities, such as exercise or art will be discussed. This research will be presented within the context of the recommendations put forth by the Global Council on Brain Health aimed at adults aged 50+.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 restriction measures on loneliness among older adults in Austria

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erwin Stolz ◽  
Hannes Mayerl ◽  
Wolfgang Freidl
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Public Life ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Opening Phase

Background: To halt the spread of COVID-19, Austria implemented a 7-week shut-down of public life in March/April 2020 which was followed by a gradual withdrawal of these restriction measures in May/June 2020. We expect that the ensuing reduction in social contacts led to increased loneliness among older adults (60+). Methods: We conducted three analyses to assess the association between COVID-19 public health restriction measures and loneliness: (1) A comparison between pre-pandemic (SHARE: 2013-2017) and pandemic (May 2020) levels of loneliness (UCLA-3 scale), (2) an analysis of the correlation between being affected by COVID-19 restriction measures and loneliness based on cross-sectional survey data from early May 2020, and (3) a longitudinal analysis of weekly changes in loneliness (Corona panel data) from late March to early June 2020. Results: We found (1) loneliness levels to have increased in 2020 in comparison with previous years, (2) an association between the number of restriction measures older adults reported to be affected from and loneliness, and (3) that loneliness was higher during shut-down compared to the subsequent re-opening phase, particularly among those who live alone. Discussion: Our results provide evidence that COVID-19 restriction measures in Austria have indeed resulted in increased levels of loneliness among older adults. However, these effects seem to be short-lived, and thus we do not expect strong negative consequences for older adults mental health downstream. Nonetheless, effects of longer and/or repeated future restriction measures aiming at social distancing should be closely monitored.

scholarly journals EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON OLDER ADULTS' WELL-BEING

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S193-S194
Author(s):  
Walter R Boot
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Life Transitions ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Recent research had indicated clear links between social isolation and loneliness, and a host of negative consequences, including poor mental and physical health, cognitive decline, and even increased mortality risk. These consequences make clear that social isolation is a significant and urgent public health concern that requires attention and action. Increasingly, researchers have begun to explore the role technology can play in reducing social isolation and increasing social support. This symposium contains five talks that address this question directly, presenting a nuanced picture of the potential effects of technology on well-being among older adults. The first presentation will highlight the potential positive side of internet use on wellbeing using longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study. The next talk explores how the internet can support older adults undergoing significant life transitions. Importantly, the link between internet use and well-being appears to be context-dependent, with internet use being associated with positive or negative effects depending on other contextual factors. This presentation is followed by another, finding that technology use can have varying effects depending on how and what the technology is used for. This is followed by a presentation that directly compares technology-based communication to in-person communication, and the different effects of each on well-being. The session concludes with a presentation on how novel robotic technology might provide emotional and social support. In answer to the question of whether technology can reduce social isolation and loneliness, and improve social support: It’s complicated.

scholarly journals Consequences of COVID-19 crisis for persons with HIV: the impact of social determinants of health

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristie C. Waterfield ◽  
Gulzar H. Shah ◽  
Gina D. Etheredge ◽  
Osaremhen Ikhile
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Persons Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Persons Living With Hiv ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background With the indiscriminate spread of COVID-19 globally, many populations are experiencing negative consequences such as job loss, food insecurity, and inability to manage existing medical conditions and maintain preventive measures such as social distancing and personal preventative equipment. Some of the most disadvantaged in the COVID-19 era are people living with HIV/AIDS and other autoimmune diseases. Discussion As the number of new HIV infections decrease globally, many subpopulations remain at high risk of infection due to lack of or limited access to prevention services, as well as clinical care and treatment. For persons living with HIV or at higher risk of contracting HIV, including persons who inject drugs or men that have sex with men, the risk of COVID-19 infection increases if they have certain comorbidities, are older than 60 years of age, and are homeless, orphaned, or vulnerable children. The risk of COVID-19 is also more significant for those that live in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, rural, and/or poverty-stricken areas. An additional concern for those living the HIV is the double stigma that may arise if they also test positive for COVID-19. As public health and health care workers try to tackle the needs of the populations that they serve, they are beginning to realize the need for a change in the infrastructure that will include more efficient partnerships between public health, health care, and HIV programs. Conclusion Persons living with HIV that also have other underlying comorbidities are a great disadvantage from the negative consequences of COVID-19. For those that may test positive for both HIV and COVID-19, the increased psychosocial burdens stemming from stress and isolation, as well as, experiencing additional barriers that inhibit access to care, may cause them to become more disenfranchised. Thus, it becomes very important during the current pandemic for these challenges and barriers to be addressed so that these persons living with HIV can maintain continuity of care, as well as, their social and mental support systems.

scholarly journals Homeless on Main Street: Using Photovoice to Highlight Older Adults Among the Hidden Homeless

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 728-728
Author(s):  
H Shellae Versey
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Small Towns ◽  
Photo Elicitation ◽  
Service Agency ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Formerly Homeless

Abstract Homelessness is a reality for a growing number of Americans living in small towns and rural areas. However, unlike in cities, housing instability may be less visible. Using a photo-elicitation method (i.e., Photovoice), this study explores the meaning of place and obscured visibility to currently and formerly homeless older adults living in a small town in central Connecticut. Participants (N = 27) were recruited from a local service agency, given cameras and asked to photograph areas around town that were meaningful to them. Photographs were developed and followed by in-person, semi-structured interviews with participants in which photos and experiences during the project were discussed. Primary themes included belonging, generativity, social isolation, and place-making as meaning-making. The study culminated in a community photography exhibition in which photographs from the project were displayed in public spaces around town. Implications for community-based interventions to reach homeless groups in rural areas are discussed. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Qualitative Research Interest Group.

scholarly journals Strategies Older New Zealanders Use to Participate in Day-To-Day Occupations

2011 ◽  
Vol 74 (11) ◽  
pp. 509-516 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare Hocking ◽  
Juanita Murphy ◽  
Kirk Reed
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Older People ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Public Health Messages ◽  
The Impact

Aim: This exploratory study aimed to uncover the strategies that older adults employ to ameliorate the impact of impairments and barriers to participation. Method: Eight participants were interviewed in their own homes, in a town or city in New Zealand. Findings: Inductive analysis of data revealed four main categories of strategies: strategies to keep safe, to recruit and accept help, to meet social and biological needs (nutritional and medical), and to conserve financial, material and bodily resources. Discussion: The study supports some previous findings of strategies used by older people, and demonstrates that enquiring into the strategies that older people devise and adopt into their own lives is a productive line of inquiry. The strategies described differ from those that occupational therapists recommend, and do not incorporate public health messages about the benefits of physical activity or recommendations about falls prevention. Conclusion: The findings suggest that asking older clients about the strategies that they use will uncover valuable information for therapists giving advice or issuing equipment to help older adults to manage in the community.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 restriction measures on loneliness among older adults in Austria

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erwin Stolz ◽  
Hannes Mayerl ◽  
Wolfgang Freidl
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Opening Phase

Abstract Background To halt the spread of COVID-19, Austria implemented a 7-week ’lockdown’ in March/April 2020. We assess whether the ensuing reduction in social contacts led to increased loneliness among older adults (60+). Methods Three analyses were conducted: (1) A comparison between pre-pandemic (SHARE: 2013-2017) and pandemic (May 2020) levels of loneliness (UCLA-3 scale), (2) an assessment of the cross-sectional correlation between being affected by COVID-19 restriction measures and loneliness (May 2020), and (3) a longitudinal analysis of weekly changes (March-June 2020) in loneliness (Corona panel). Results We found (1) increased loneliness in 2020 compared with previous years, (2) a moderate positive association between the number of restriction measures older adults were affected from and their loneliness, and (3) that loneliness was higher during ’lockdown’ compared to the subsequent re-opening phase, particularly among those who live alone. Conclusion We provide evidence that COVID-19 restriction measures in Austria have indeed resulted in increased levels of loneliness among older adults. However, these effects seem to be short-lived, and thus no strong negative consequences for older adults’ mental health are expected. Nonetheless, the effects on loneliness, and subsequent mental health issues, might be both more long-lasting and severe if future restriction measures are enacted repeatedly and/or over longer time periods.

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