Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 10 of 14
Daily crosswords improve verbal fluency: a brief intervention study
- Authors:
- MURPHY Mike, O'SULLIVAN Katie, KELLEHER Kieran G.
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 29(9), 2014, pp.915-919.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Objective: Phonemic verbal fluency (PVF) is a cognitive function that involves serial processes termed clustering and switching and which is impacted in both normal aging and dementia. The cognitive reserve hypothesis suggests that appropriate cognitive stimulation could maintain or improve cognitive performance. This study examines the effect on PVF performance of a brief crossword-based intervention in a cognitively normal, community-based sample. Methods: Thirty-seven members of active retirement groups volunteered to participate and were randomly assigned to a crossword group and a control group. The former attempted a crossword daily for 4 weeks while the latter kept a daily gratitude diary for the same period. Results: 2 × 2 mixed analyses of variance revealed that the crossword group performed significantly better over time than the control group in both total PVF score and in the cluster size component. Conclusion: Daily crosswords may be a simple and effective means of bolstering PVF performance in older people. (Publisher abstract)
‘Women are just more active’: gender as a determining factor in involvement in senior centres
- Author:
- MARHANKOVA Jaroslava Hasmanova
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 34(9), 2014, pp.1482-1504.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
A three-year ethnographic study was conducted at two centres in the Czech Republic which offer seniors-only leisure-time activities strongly grounded in the idea of active ageing. The method of participant observation was used, and 47 in-depth interviews were conducted with the centres' clients and employees. The higher participation by women in the centres and the role they attribute to such organisations in their lives is analysed in the context of their previous gendered biographies. Gender patterns embedded in the way daily activities at the senior centres are organised, as well as in the idea of active ageing itself, are highlighted. Despite the seeming invisibility of gender as a principle that structures the way these centres are run, they are in fact gendered organisations, where gender emerges as a basic principle affecting the chances of participating in active ageing as presented by the centres. (Edited publisher abstract)
Person-centred dementia in acute settings
- Author:
- CHAMPION Elizabeth
- Journal article citation:
- Nursing Times, 110(37), 2014, pp.23-25.
- Publisher:
- Nursing Times
Introducing a dedicated dementia activities coordinator into an acute ward for older people improved patient care and reduced costs incurred in use of agency nurses. This article reports on the findings from a six-month pilot on an acute elderly care ward at Maidstone Hospital. The dedicated coordinator was able to provide activities that boosted patients' mobilisation also provided social and cognitive stimulation. The role also reduced the wards' reliance on agency staff to provide on-to-one care. Following the pilot the atmosphere on the ward had changed, staff morale improved, challenging behaviour on the ward has decreased and length of stay on the ward reduced. (Edited publisher abstract)
Physical activity among older people with sight loss
- Authors:
- PHOENIX Cassandra, et al
- Publisher:
- Thomas Pocklington Trust
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 10
- Place of publication:
- London
This study, carried out by researchers at Exeter and Loughborough Universities, interviewed older people with sight loss about their experiences of trying to stay active. All the participants felt a deep sense of loss at having to reduce their physical activity because of sight loss. They were well aware of the important benefits of staying mobile but cited numerous barriers that excluded them. While health was a key factor, the lack of accessible facilities was a major block to them pursuing what they wanted - fitness, fun, social interaction and independence. The study found that two main factors influence the involvement of older people with sight loss in physical activity: their level of general health and mobility. Those taking part in physical activity stressed important rewards - physical, mental and emotional - including social interaction and immense pleasure. They relied on social support, accessible transport and good information to be able to take part. Barriers, on the other hand, including health issues, transport difficulties, cost, lack of variety and sustainability of activities, and lack of social support prevented many from taking part. Many also had fears about safety or were low in confidence. Leisure facilities were often inaccessible and could be unwelcoming to people with sight loss. Better signage, good lighting and removal of potential obstacles, both inside and outside of the building, could make them more accessible. The interests and needs of older people with sight loss vary enormously so the range of opportunities to participate in physical activities needs expanding to offer a wide variety of choice. The report calls for visual impairment to be incorporated into the larger ageing agenda to improve awareness of sight loss in older age. (Edited publisher abstract)
Coping with change: frail bodies and daily activities in later life: AKTIVE working paper 4
- Author:
- FRY Gary
- Publisher:
- University of Leeds. Centre for International Research on Care, Labour and Equalities
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 16
- Place of publication:
- Leeds
This paper explores responses to changes arising from bodily frailty observed among older people participating in the AKTIVE study and discussed with them during research visits. Focusing on older people living at home with different types of frailty, the AKTIVE project aimed both to enhance understanding of how they (and those supporting them) accessed, engaged with and used the telecare equipment supplied to them, and to explore the consequences for them of doing so. This paper identifies which daily activities were affected in older age and the strategies older people drew upon to cope. The paper also explores how telecare was combined with other support mechanisms to help older people maintain both practical and recreational daily activities. Throughout, there is discussion about limitations in how care support was sometimes provided, including how telecare was acquired and used by older people and/or those caring for or supporting them, and how far these problems might be overcome by more proactive implementation. (Edited publisher abstract)
Ensuring communities offer what older people want
- Author:
- WATSON Jessica
- Publishers:
- International Longevity Centre UK, Age UK
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 13
- Place of publication:
- London
This publication is one of a series of three briefings exploring how communities need to adapt to an ageing society. It explores the evidence on how communities can deliver services and activities to ensure that older people can retain and develop social connections, prevent loneliness and contribute to a good quality of life. Short case studies also illustrate international examples of delivering activities. (Edited publisher abstract)
Dignity in care: social inclusion
- Author:
- SOCIAL CARE INSTITUTE FOR EXCELLENCE
- Publisher:
- Social Care Institute for Excellence
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 17 minutes 32 seconds
- Place of publication:
- London
Many older and disabled people are at risk of becoming socially isolated and should be supported in all aspects of daily living so that they can live ordinary and fulfilling lives. This short film which looks at people doing normal, everyday things like catching the bus or socialising with friends. The film shows a care worker discussing a recent football match with someone he cares for and supports. It shows other examples of supporting people to keep in contact with family and friends, and to participate in social activities; it's an important part of providing dignity in care. Social inclusion, in practice, means doing things such as promoting and supporting access to social networks; or resolving transport issues so that they do not prevent people from participating in the wider community. (Edited publisher abstract)
Learning for older people in care settings: a guide for activity coordinators and care staff
- Author:
- NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADULT CONTINUING EDUCATION
- Publisher:
- National Institute of Adult Continuing Education
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 20
- Place of publication:
- Leicester
A guide to help activity coordinators and care staff to support older people in care homes to take part in learning activities. It aims to encourage those working with older people in care settings to understand the value of keeping people engaged and active through learning, and to recognise that learning is an essential and central aspect of providing care. It offers advice on how to engage older people in informal learning and explains the benefits for both to care staff and older people. Originally commissioned by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in 2010, it has been updated to provide more recent examples of practice. These include Open Age; First Taste; Learning in the Fourth Age; the charity Nightingale Hammerson; iPad engage a digital project for people living with dementia; and the Silver Lining Arts project. A list of key national organisations are also included. (Edited publisher abstract)
The importance and impact of community services within Wales
- Author:
- OLDER PEOPLE'S COMMISSIONER FOR WALES
- Publisher:
- Older People's Commissioner for Wales
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 45
- Place of publication:
- Cardiff
This report makes a strong business case for key local and community-based services and facilities, such as buses and community transport, public toilets, pavements, public seating, outdoor areas, libraries, leisure facilities, and community and day centres. The report argues that community services are essential to the health, wealth, and wellbeing of villages, towns, cities and communities and the overall health of the economy and as a result they should be regarded as community assets rather than costs. They are essential to enable older people to continue to make a contribution and to undertake activities that have economic benefit. Community services are fundamental to the prevention of frailty and maintenance of health and wellbeing of older people and they are integral to the delivery of key policy priorities and statutory services cost containment. The report calls on local authorities to engage and consult more effectively with older people when key decisions are made about community services and concludes that a real culture shift is required in terms of community service planning and delivery, moving towards a more sustainable, innovative, long-term, integrated approach to secure better outcomes with fewer resources. (Edited publisher abstract)
The future of loneliness: facing the challenge of loneliness for older people in the UK, 2014 to 2030
- Author:
- FUTURE FOUNDATION
- Publisher:
- Friends of the Elderly
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 43
- Place of publication:
- London
This report, commissioned by Friends of the Elderly, looks at the key factors likely to shape the future of older-age loneliness in the UK over the next 15 years. It identifies the challenges and opportunities in reducing loneliness and highlights possible interventions and preventative measures. The report draws on existing research resources, in-depth interviews with six older people who lived alone, and data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing and Government Actuaries' Department forecasts on age, marital status and partnership status. Areas discussed include: the implications of demographic change; wealth and work; leisure and social life; family and friends; the use of new technologies for contact and communication; and independence and connectedness at home. Key findings include: a connection between low contact with family members and loneliness, a link between poverty and loneliness; and the potential of technology to reduce loneliness. (Original abstract)