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Mentalization in dementia care: an autoethnographic account of a project worker’s experiences
- Authors:
- LUXMOORE Bethany, McEVOY Phil
- Journal article citation:
- Working with Older People, 21(3), 2017, pp.147-156.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Mentalization is a psychodynamic concept that can help us to understand our emotional responses to others. The purpose of this paper to illustrate how the concept of mentalization may be applied in dementia care. Design/methodology/approach: An autoethnographic account of the author’s experiences (first author), working as a project manager in which the author used the concept of mentalization to pay close attention to how the author’s emotional responses to people with dementia influenced thier communicative interactions. Findings: This paper outlines how the author processed the author’s own internal experiences in both mentalizing and non-mentalizing modes, as the author wrestled with feelings of conscious incompetence. In the non-mentalizing mode, the author was pre-occupied with the author’s own anxieties. The author struggled to relate to or make sense of the experiences of the individuals with advanced dementia that the author engaged with. Moving towards a mentalizing stance helped the author to attune to the embodied experiences of the people with dementia and recognise the reciprocal nature of our communicative interactions. Originality/value: This paper illustrates the role that mentalization may play in developing natural and authentic strategies to support communicative engagement in dementia care. These strategies may be of potential value to family carers. Family carers who can maintain a mentalizing stance may be more able to respond in empathic, person- centred ways to people who are living with dementia. On the other hand, non-mentalizing responses may be a root cause of mis-understanding and emotional disengagement. (Publisher abstract)
The concept of 'ageing well' in ten Latin American countries
- Authors:
- FERNANDEZ-BALLESTEROS R., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 30(1), January 2010, pp.41-56.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
A review of several studies examining the lay concept of successful ageing and related concepts leads to the conclusion that older people from different cultures appear to agree on most of the components identified in the literature. From the research emerges a multidimensional conceptualisation of ‘successful ageing’ that is described on the basis of physical, emotional, cognitive and social domains, and which coincides with most theoretical and empirical definitions. The main goal of the present research is to study similarities and differences between concepts of ‘successful ageing’ in several Latin American and European countries and in two different age groups, and also to examine whether a similar structure of the lay concept can be found across both continents. The results show minor differences at item levels among countries, continents and age groups, and a similar internal structure across them.
Cross-cultural comparison between academic and lay views of healthy ageing: a literature review
- Authors:
- HUNG Li-Wen, KEMPEN G. I. J. M., VRIES N. K. DE
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 30(8), November 2010, pp.1373-1391.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
This study investigated the concept of healthy ageing from both western and non-western perspectives, and compared the views of academics and lay older people. Thirty-four published peer-reviewed papers in English and Chinese were included. The key components of the definitions of healthy ageing were categorised into 12 domains. Findings revealed that lay definitions included more domains (independency, family, adaptation, financial security, personal growth, and spirituality) and more diversity in the healthy ageing concept than academic views, which focused on physical and mental health and social functioning in older people. Certain domains were valued differently across cultures. As shown in previous studies, the findings affirm that healthy ageing is a multi-dimensional and complex concept and that there are substantial differences in different cultures. Generally, older lay people perceive healthy ageing more broadly than the maintenance of physical, mental and social functioning. The authors concluded that researchers should integrate the more holistic perspectives of older lay people and cultural diversity into the healthy ageing concept.
Buddhism-as-a-meaning-system for coping with late-life stress: a conceptual framework
- Author:
- XU Jianbin
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 22(1), 2018, pp.100-108.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objectives: Religion is increasingly conceptualised as a meaning system for adjustment and coping. Most of the conceptualisations are grounded in the Judeo-Christian tradition. They may thus not be applicable to Buddhism, which provides a distinct tenor of meaning for coping. This article seeks to construct a conceptual framework of Buddhism-as-a-meaning-system for coping with late-life stress. Method: Literature review and conceptualisation were employed. Results: Under this framework, Buddhism functions as a meaning system involving existential meaning, cognitive meaning, and behavioural meaning. Conclusion: There is reason to believe that this framework promises to offer a holistic conceptual map of Buddhist coping in late life. Thus, it could serve as a guide for further empirical and theoretical exploration in the uncharted terrains of Buddhist coping in old age. In addition, gerontological practitioners could use this framework as a frame of reference when working with elderly Buddhist clients who are in stressful circumstances. (Publisher abstract)
Older Chinese immigrants' relationships with their children: a literature review from a solidarity-conflict perspective
- Authors:
- LIN Xiaoping, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 55(6), 2015, pp.990-1005.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Purpose of the Study: Older Chinese immigrants are one of the largest and fastest growing groups in Western societies. This article used the solidarity-conflict model to synthesise current research examining parent-child relationships in this group. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the CINAHL, Medline, and PubMed databases to identify relevant articles. A narrative approach was used to review the literature. Results: Thirty-six articles were identified. Compared with Caucasians, older Chinese immigrants are more likely to live with children and have higher filial expectations. However, considerable numbers live independently. Of these, most live in public housing and rely on the community rather than their children for instrumental help. Many older Chinese immigrants have adjusted their filial expectations and valued being independent. They also provide extensive household help to their children. There are indications of intergenerational conflict, probably due to generational differences in attitudes toward life and limited intergenerational contact. Implications: This review suggests that although filial piety continues to influence older parent–child relationship in Chinese immigrant families, many changes have occurred. These findings have important implications for service planning and delivery for this cultural group. This review also provides evidence for the utility of the solidarity-conflict model. (Publisher abstract)
Defining successful aging: a tangible or elusive concept?
- Authors:
- MARTIN Peter, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 55(1), 2015, pp.14-25.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Purpose of the Study: Everyone wants to age successfully; however, the definition and criteria of successful ageing remain vague for laypersons, researchers, and policymakers in spite of decades of research on the topic. This paper highlights work of scholars who made significant theoretical contributions to the topic. Design and Methods: A thorough review and evaluation of the literature on successful ageing was undertaken. Results: The review includes early gerontological definitions of successful ageing and related concepts. Historical perspectives reach back to philosophical and religious texts, and more recent approaches have focused on both process- and outcome-oriented models of successful ageing. The authors elaborate a number of perspectives on successful ageing. Additional views on successful ageing emphasise subjective versus objective perceptions of successful ageing and relate successful ageing to studies on healthy and exceptional longevity. Implications: Additional theoretical work is needed to better understand successful ageing, including the way it can encompass disability and death and dying. The extent of rapid social and technological change influencing views on successful ageing also deserves more consideration. (Edited publisher abstract)
Attitudes and knowledge in older people's care
- Author:
- WELFORD Claire
- Journal article citation:
- Nursing Times, 110(34/35), 2014, pp.22-24.
- Publisher:
- Nursing Times
Both student nurses and registered nurses may lack sufficient knowledge and positive attitudes to care for an ageing population. This research review, which includes a small study by the author, found that neither education nor clinical placements significantly improved students' knowledge about or attitudes towards older people. The review also explores the evidence and suggests how the issue could be addressed. (Edited publisher abstract)
Measurement of fall-related psychological constructs among independent-living older adults: a review of the research literature
- Authors:
- MOORE Delilah S., ELLIS Rebecca
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 12(6), November 2008, pp.684-699.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Falls and the fall-related psychological concerns associated with these events pose a serious public health problem among aging adults. The measurement of fall-related psychological concerns can serve as important endpoints for fall prevention programs, yet there is some confusion regarding the best method of defining and measuring fall-related psychological constructs. Consequently, greater attention should be devoted to investigating fall-related psychological constructs and their measurement. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to review the published research literature on the measurement of fall-related psychological constructs among independent-living older adults. Electronic searches of PubMed, EBSCO, Academic Search Premier, PsycINFO, CINAHL and online library catalogs were conducted using search terms including but not limited to 'fear of falling', 'falls efficacy', 'fall-related self-efficacy', 'balance confidence', 'fall-related psychological outcome(s)' and 'independent-living'. Each of these constructs is unique, yet instruments are often employed to measure constructs other than those the instruments were designed to assess. Inconsistencies were also revealed both within and across studies in terms of providing evidence of validity for these instruments. Fall-related psychological constructs, although similar in nature, are unique constructs and should be measured as such.
Health care professionals and care staff challenges and experiences of managing sexual expression among older adults ≥60 years in long-term care facilities: a qualitative review and meta-synthesis
- Authors:
- HO Pei Juan, GOH Yong Shian
- Journal article citation:
- Age and Ageing, 51(1), 2022, p.afab230.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Long-term care (LTC) facilities, in which older adults are institutionalised, have the responsibility to address their residents' rights, privacy and comfort in expressing themselves sexually in an acceptable manner. However, many older adults have reported barriers in their sexual expression, which is often a result of the care staff's attitudes in the facilities. This review synthesis evidence from qualitative studies on the challenges faced by care staff when supporting sexual expression of older residents in LTC facilities. The systematic review and meta-synthesis is reported according to the Enhanced Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research Statement. A systematic literature search for peer-reviewed studies was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL and ProQuest Theses and Dissertations from inception until December 2020. Sandelowski and Barroso's two-step approach was used to synthesise the evidence. Seventeen qualitative studies published between 2004 and 2020 were included. This review encapsulated the experiences and challenges of 4,387 care staff whose age ranged from 18 to 69 years. Through the meta-synthesis, four themes were identified: varying manifestations of sexual expression and situations encountered, a spectrum of care staff's attitudes, setting boundaries in dementia care and workplace support. Managing sexual expression can be challenging for the care staff, given the complex interplay between personal beliefs, social contexts, moral dilemmas, practical barriers and the lack of clear policies. This review highlighted the need to equip them with knowledge, skills and confidence in managing sexuality in LTC facilities. (Edited publisher abstract)
Exploring representations of old age and ageing: literature review
- Authors:
- SWIFT Hannah J., STEEDEN Ben
- Publisher:
- Centre for Ageing Better
- Publication year:
- 2020
- Pagination:
- 64
- Place of publication:
- London
This report summarises the key findings from a semi-systematic review of research and policy documents to explore on how society thinks and feels about ageing and older people. It focuses specifically on representations of age, ageing and older people, and on language and framing used around ageing. The research is summarised into ten key areas: understanding who is ‘old’; common traits, characteristics and expectations regarding older people and ageing; work, health and social care and other life domains; age as a social identity; intersectional identities; language and communication; age and ageing in policy; age and ageing in the media; values and social norms; and research tools for measuring attitudes to age and age stereotypes. The review found that representations of older people are predominantly negative, driven by age stereotypes that position older people as high-warmth but low competence, in decline and dependent. However, the literature also highlights some key areas for future research that could help to identify pathways to change, and lead more positive representations of older people, ageing and the ageing population. (Edited publisher abstract)