Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
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Improving attitudes regarding the elderly population: the effects of information and reinforcement for change
- Authors:
- RAGAN Amie M., BOWEN Anne M.
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 41(4), August 2001, pp.511-515.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
In the USA altering negative attitudes associated with ageism may be possible by giving people accurate information about older people in conjunction with reinforcement for change. Ninety-nine college students participated in one of three groups: information only, information plus an innocuous discussion group, and information plus a reinforcement-to-change discussion group. The participants' attitudes toward elderly people were measured before, immediately after the intervention, and at a one-month follow-up. Changes in attitudes across groups and time were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t tests. Information alone produced initial improvements in attitudes in all groups; however, only the group members who received additional reinforcement for change maintained positive attitude changes at one-month follow-up. This study supports the premise that negative attitudes toward older people are amendable; however, the attitude may be lost without reinforcement for change.
The professional standing of work with elderly persons among social work trainees
- Author:
- LITWIN Howard
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Social Work, 24(1), February 1994, pp.53-69.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
A random sample of 93 students of social work in Israel were queried regarding their perception of the professional standing of work with older people. The general ranking given by trainees to this field of practice was moderate to low. Relatively positive evaluation of the status of gerontological practice, however, was found to be explained by: 1) a traditional view of the role of the elder in society; 2) the perception that peers attribute prestige to such work; 3) having had a field practicum in the area of ageing; and was inversely related to understanding of work with elderly persons as mainly indirect intervention. The implications of these findings for the promotion of social work practice with elderly people in an ageing society are discussed.
Perceived barriers and facilitators to implement elder abuse intervention for victims and perpetrators: views from US Chinese older adults
- Authors:
- DONG XinQi, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Adult Protection, 16(5), 2014, pp.307-321.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore US Chinese older adults’ views regarding elder abuse interventions in order to understand barriers and facilitators of help-seeking behaviours. Design/methodology/approach: The study design was qualitative, using a grounded theory approach to data collection and analysis. Community-based participatory research approach was implemented to partner with the Chicago Chinese community. A total of 37 community-dwelling Chinese older adults (age 60+) participated in focus group discussions. Findings: Participants viewed many benefits of intervention programmes. Perceived barriers were categorised under cultural, social, and structural barriers. Facilitators to implement interventions included increasing education and public health awareness, integrating social support with existing community social services, as well as setting an interdisciplinary team. Perpetrators intervention strategies were also discussed. Originality/value: This study has wide policy and practice implications for designing and deploying interventions with respect to elder abuse outcome. Modifying the cultural, social, and structural barriers that affect health behaviour of Chinese older adults contribute to the salience of elder abuse interventions in this under-served. (Edited publisher abstract)
“We’re not just sitting on the periphery”: a staff perspective of physical activity in older adults with schizophrenia
- Author:
- LEUTWYLER Heather
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 53(3), 2013, pp.474-483.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Qualitative interviews were conducted with 23 mental health staff that care for older adults with schizophrenia to discover their views about barriers and facilitators of engaging older adults with schizophrenia in the physical activities to promote physical function. The data were collected and analyzed with grounded theory methodology.Participants were interested in promoting physical activity with older adults with schizophrenia. Facilitators and barriers to physical activity identified were mental health, role models and rewards, institutional factors, and safety. Implications: In order to design successful physical activity interventions for this population, the intervention may need to be a routine part of the mental health treatment program and patients may need incentives to participate. Staff should be educated that physical activity may provide the dual benefit of physical and mental health treatment. (Edited publisher abstract)
Older Latinos' attitudes toward and comfort with end-of-life planning
- Authors:
- HEYMAN Janna C., GUTHEIL Irene A.
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Work, 35(1), February 2010, pp.17-26.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
This research aimed to determine which of two educational interventions delivered in Spanish would most influence Latino elders' attitudes toward, and comfort with, end-of-life planning in comparison to a control group receiving only information routinely provided. One hundred and nine elders receiving home care services who agreed to participate were randomly assigned to one of three groups: group ‘A’; group ‘B’, with culturally relevant material added; and a control group. A one-way multivariate analysis of variance was conducted to determine the effect on the two variables: attitudes toward end-of-life planning and comfort with end-of-life planning. Significant differences were found among the three groups on both outcome measures, where attitudes toward advance planning scores were significantly higher for both intervention groups compared with the control group. Both intervention groups had higher comfort scores than the control group, but only the group ‘A’ score was significantly different from that of the control group. The indications of this study are that it may be possible to positively influence both attitudes toward and comfort with end-of-life planning among older Latinos receiving home care through the use of a one-to-one protocol that is delivered in Spanish.
Advance directive decision making among independent community-dwelling older adults
- Authors:
- SESSANNA Loralee, JEZEWSKI Mary A.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Gerontology, 27(4), 2008, pp.486-510.
- Publisher:
- Sage
This review of US literature finds that advance directive decision making has predominantly been explore among Caucasian women aged 65 or older and possessing a high school level education who are living independently in the community. While generally willing to discuss the issues, numerous barriers to advance directive discussion and completion remain both among older adults themselves and their health care providers. Research gaps include a lack of studies of men, older people from minority ethnic and cultural groups, and older people with lower levels of education. Replication of existing studies is also needed to strengthen the evidence base in this area.
Older people's views of falls-prevention interventions in six European countries
- Authors:
- YARDLEY Lucy, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 46(5), October 2006, pp.650-660.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
This study conducted semi-structured interviews to assess perceived advantages and barriers to taking part in falls-related interventions were carried out in six European countries (Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Greece, Switzerland and United Kingdom) with 69 people aged 68 to 97 years. The sample was selected to include people with very different experiences of participation or nonparticipation in falls-related interventions, but all individuals were asked about interventions that included strength and balance training. The results found attitudes were similar in all countries and contexts. People were motivated to participate in strength and balance training by a wide range of perceived benefits (interest and enjoyment, improved health, mood, and independence) and not just reduction of falling risk. Participation also was encouraged by a personal invitation from a health practitioner and social approval from family and friends. Barriers to participation included denial of falling risk, the belief that no additional falls-prevention measures were necessary, practical barriers to attendance at groups (e.g., transport, effort, and cost), and a dislike of group activities. Implications: Because many older people reject the idea that they are at risk of falling, the uptake of strength and balance training programs may be promoted more effectively by maximizing and emphasizing their multiple positive benefits for health and well-being. A personal invitation from a health professional to participate is important, and it also may be helpful to provide home-based programs for those who dislike or find it difficult to attend groups.
Older people's views about community falls prevention: an Australian perspective
- Authors:
- BALLINGER Claire, CLEMSON Lindy
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69(6), June 2006, pp.263-270.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Although targets have been set for the establishment of falls prevention services, little is known about the views of older people in respect of such initiatives. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perspectives of the older participants in a community group falls prevention programme in Australia and to explore their views about the most and least useful aspects of the programme, using methods deriving from a grounded theory approach. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with nine women and two men who had attended a falls prevention programme. The multifaceted intervention comprised seven weekly meetings of 2 hours each. The key principle underpinning the programme was enhancement of self-efficacy. Four themes were identified through qualitative analysis: identity (focusing on participants as active elders); the salience of interventions (or the meaning attributed to different programme components); the social experience (the views about group interaction); and the consequences of participation. The participants were very positive about their experience of the programme and described a range of psychological and physical outcomes. A decrease in the likelihood of a fall did not feature prominently in these interviews. It may be more meaningful to older people to embed falls prevention within a wider context of wellbeing and independence.
Using cognitive behavioral strategies to reduce fear of falling: a matter of balance
- Author:
- PETERSON Elizabeth Walker
- Journal article citation:
- Generations, 26(4), Winter 2002, pp.53-59.
- Publisher:
- American Society on Aging
Reports on an American five year ranondomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of a group based programme designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity among older adults. The article reviews the principles of cognitive-behavioural theory and describes how those principles are put into practice through the programme.
The moderating effect of aggressive problem behaviours in the generation of more positive attitudes toward nursing home residents
- Authors:
- HILLMAN J., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 5(3), August 2001, pp.282-288.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This study examines the ability of a social history intervention to generate more positive attitudes toward nursing home patients, and to increase staff members' perceived rewards of care-giving. In contrast to prior studies, residents' problem behaviours were examined as potential moderators in the relationship. Forty-three staff members participated in an experimental, 3 (informational condition: social history, medical, control) x 2 (time: pre-test, post-test) within-subjects factorial design that employed newly admitted residents as target patients. Findings showed that the social history intervention alone did not generate more positive attitudes toward patients or greater rewards of care-giving. Although a larger proportion of target patients manifested other problem behaviours with greater frequency, only aggressive problem behaviour was associated with more negative attitudes toward patients. A post-hoc analysis revealed that after statistically controlling for the impact of patients' aggressive behaviour, the social history information appeared to allow staff members to maintain more neutral attitudes toward patients. Considerations for the use of social history information in long-term care settings are addressed.