Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 10 of 37
A systematic review of interventions for elder abuse
- Authors:
- PLOEG Jenny, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect, 21(3), July 2009, pp.187-210.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
The purpose of this study was to use rigorous systematic review methods to summarise the effectiveness of interventions for elder abuse. Only eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Evidence regarding the recurrence of abuse following intervention was limited, but the interventions for which this outcome was reported failed to reduce, and may even have increased, the likelihood of recurrence. Elder abuse interventions had no significant effect on case resolution and at-risk carer outcomes, and had mixed results regarding professional knowledge and behaviour related to elder abuse. The studies had significant methodological limitations that limit the ability to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of these interventions.
A model for intervention research in late-life depression
- Authors:
- ALEXOPOULOS George S., BRUCE Martha L.
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 24(12), December 2009, pp.1325-1334.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Late-life depression is a group of symptoms with a low remission rate, and requires integrated multi-targeted interventions of which antidepressant treatment is only one part. This paper describes a conceptual map of the role of new interventions designed to reduce the burden of late-life depression. The article identifies three needs: the need for novel interventions given that the existing treatments leave many older adults depressed and disabled; the need for procedures to enable community-based agencies to offer interventions of known efficacy; and the need to increase access of depressed older adults to care. The article describes three interventions to demonstrate intervention research at different levels of the model. Common to all interventions is the need to personalize care both at the level of the individual and at the level of community agencies providing care. The authors suggest that their model provides conceptual guidance on how to shorten the testing cycle and bring urgently needed novel treatments and implementation approaches to the community.
Making physical activity accessible to older adults with memory loss: a feasibility study
- Authors:
- LOGSDON Rebecca G., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 49(S1), June 2009, pp.S94-S99.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
The Resources and Activities for Life Long Independence (RALLI) program in the US uses behavioural principles to make exercise more accessible for older people with memory loss. Exercises are broken into small steps, sequenced, and linked with cues to help participants remember them. Memory aids, easy-to-follow instructions, and tracking forms to facilitate adherence and proper technique are provided to enhance exercise training and compensate for memory loss. Thirty-seven individuals participated in RALLI pilot groups held in retirement residences. Attendance was excellent, with participants attending 90% of classes. At post-test (12 weeks), 84% of participants had exercised at least once during the prior week, compared with 62% who had exercised at least once during the week prior to baseline, mean exercise time increased by 156 min per week, and SF-36 physical components scale significantly improved. After 6 months, 76% of participants continued exercising and mean exercise time remained significantly improved. Persons with MCI can significantly benefit from an exercise program specifically designed to address their cognitive needs. Participants’ ratings indicate improvement in perceived physical health and emotional well-being as a result of the intervention. Thus, RALLI is a promising intervention to promote exercise in individuals with MCI.
Obstacles to improving visual health in older people
- Authors:
- ILIFFE Steve, KHARICHA Kalpa, MYERSON Sybil
- Publisher:
- Thomas Pocklington Trust
- Publication year:
- 2009
- Pagination:
- 7p.
- Place of publication:
- London
This publication summarises findings from research which aimed to explore the obstacles to improving visual health in an ageing population, and why screening does not lead to greater improvement. A mixed methodological approach was taken. Data from earlier health promotion studies was used and qualitative data were collected from older people. The conclusions include a proposal for an educational intervention. The research was funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust and carried out at the Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London.
Enhancing forgiveness: a group intervention for the elderly
- Authors:
- INGERSOLL-DAYTON Berit, CAMPBELL Ruth, HA Jung-Hwa
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 52(1), January 2009, pp.2-16.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
When older people reminisce about the past, powerful feelings of anger, sadness and betrayal can emerge that have significant mental health implications. This paper describes a therapeutic model of forgiveness developed by Enright and discusses its applicability to a social work intervention in which 20 people (mostly women and all White) aged 57-82 participated in two different forgiveness groups which met weekly for eight sessions, with a four-month follow-up session. Measures of forgiveness and biopsychosocial functioning were taken before and after the intervention, The results showed that participants experienced long term improvement in forgiveness and depression, and short term improvement in physical health, but no improvement in anxiety or social support. The implications for social workers are discussed.
Therapeutic interventions in dementia 1: cognitive symptoms and function
- Authors:
- TAYLOR Clare, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Nursing Times, 13.1.09, 2009, pp.16-17.
- Publisher:
- Nursing Times
This is the first of a two part article on therapeutic interventions in dementia which outlines how to maintain function and independence for patients with dementia. It also examines specific interventions - both psychological and pharmacological - for cognitive symptoms. The article draws on recently developed national guidance from NICE and the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE).
The use of complementary and alternative interventions as a holistic approach with older adults
- Authors:
- BEHRMAN Gary, TEBB Susan
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Religion and Spirituality in Social Work, 28(1-2), January 2009, pp.127-140.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
The use of complementary and alternative interventions by health care clinicians, in particular social workers, as a means to relieve chronic conditions, such as depression in older adults are discussed. It has been long known that psychotherapy, pharmaceutical medication, and other medical interventions are often enhanced when accompanied by alternative practices, such as yoga. The authors outline how yogic techniques can aid as a healing process. They suggest that practitioners can learn to use these methods and/or work with a clinician who has a particular alternative skill set. In conclusion, the article proposes that bringing complementary interventions into one's practice assures that older people are receiving best practices.
How effective are physical activity interventions for alleviating depressive symptoms in older people? A systematic review
- Authors:
- BLAKE H., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Clinical Rehabilitation, 23(10), 2009, pp.873-887.
- Publisher:
- Sage
The eleven studies, all randomised controlled trials, included in this systematic review varied considerably in their study methodology and the type and delivery of the physical activity (PA) interventions used. The results suggest that positive outcomes can be seen in older people in the short term but evidence of medium-term and long-term effects on depression and depressive symptoms is lacking. Further research is needed to investigate longer term outcomes, the types of physical activity that may be beneficial, the effects of the duration and intensity of interventions, and cost-effectiveness.
The effects of eight-week balance training or weight training for the elderly on fear of falling measures and social activity levels
- Authors:
- KIM Sukwon, LOCKHART Thurmon, ROBERTO Karen
- Journal article citation:
- Quality in Ageing, 10(4), December 2009, pp.37-48.
- Publisher:
- Pier Professional
- Place of publication:
- Brighton
Falls are a result of complex integration of physical, psychological and social factors among older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the influence of participating in an 8-week physical training (i.e. balance or weight training) would influence older adults’ psychosocial functioning, particularly the fear of falling and participation in social activities. Eighteen older adults aged 65 years or older in Virginia, USA voluntarily participated in the study, and were randomly and evenly assigned either to the balance training, weight training, or control group (who engaged in social activities). Questionnaires were used to measure the fear of falling and social activity levels. The results showed that psychological factors improved in all groups after 8 weeks. Social interaction levels did not improve in any of the 3 groups, although all the participants exhibited improvements in being socially independent. The results suggested that being physically active as well as being socially active could results in being less fearful of falls, more confident of leaving residency, being more independent, and being more active.
Out of the wards and on with life
- Author:
- SHEPHERD Stuart
- Journal article citation:
- Health Service Journal, 5.11.09, 2009, pp.20-21.
- Publisher:
- Emap Healthcare
Integrated services may mean many older people can stay out of hospital while receiving care. This article reports on the outcomes and benefits from the joint NHS Brent and Brent Council run Partnerships for Older People Projects. Evaluations indicate that schemes improve quality of life, reduce emergency hospital bed days and are cost effective.