Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 10 of 21
Improving life for older people: helping councils make a difference
- Author:
- WHITTAKER Shelley
- Journal article citation:
- Working with Older People, 16(1), 2012, pp.17-21.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
The Ageing Well programme aims to improve life for older people by working with councils to help them make better places for people to grow old in. This work needs to continue despite the challenge local authorities face with budgets. Support from the Ageing Well programme has helped councils identify innovative ways to look at the ageing agenda. The programme encourages councils and the wider public to see older people in a more positive light. It helps to show older people as an asset to society, whether the economy or through volunteering and life experience, and helps councils embrace the idea of making their area a better place in which to grow old. This article discusses the programme's origins and purpose, the work it has been doing, and the legacy it will leave for councils to work well in the future. The programme has shown how different councils face different issues within the ageing agenda, and therefore need different solution and suggests that councils need to engage with older people to support them fully and to embrace the ageing agenda.
Appetite for life: what can help improve the mealtime experience
- Author:
- MALLOY Lynn
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Dementia Care, 19(6), November 2011, pp.35-37.
- Publisher:
- Hawker
For older people with dementia, mealtimes can be describes as an essential rhythm for each day, and can also be the source of the greatest contact between residents and care workers. In this article, the author describes her review of 13 studies from the UK on the mealtime experience for people with dementia in formal care settings. The article focuses specifically on what can help mealtimes to provide ‘food for the soul’ as much as they provide fuel for the body, and the importance of guidance and emotional support for care staff. The author concludes that mealtimes are a multifunctional experience for residents with dementia, and how care homes promote this essential activity will significantly impact on how effectively mealtimes enhance overall well-being for residents.
The unique and valuable support provided by mentoring and befriending
- Author:
- MULVIHILL Joe
- Journal article citation:
- Working with Older People, 15(1), March 2011, pp.34-37.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
With the UKs ageing population, and in conjunction with an overburdened NHS, this article argues the case for more mentoring and befriending projects to be set up to support older people with various levels of needs. The many benefits include reducing social isolation and helping with form filling. The article first presents an introduction to mentoring and befriending, along with some case study examples of projects in action. Then follows a discussion of some of the ways befriending can be used to support older people from a new report by the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation. Finally, some implications for practice are outlined. Overall, the article concluded that befriending is an effective intervention in social care planning and should be adopted into packages of care and support for older people.
Do computers increase older people’s inclusion and wellbeing?
- Author:
- HOLTTUM Sue
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 20(1), 2016, pp.6-11.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to consider two recent studies on computer use by older people, who may become increasingly isolated due to infirmity and sensory impairments. Older people are less likely to use computer technology yet it has been suggested that it may help reduce isolation. These studies inquired into older people’s experience with computers. Design/methodology/approach: The first paper discussed here explored how a sample of older people in the USA acquired a computer and whether it contributed to their well-being. The second paper was about a similar study with a sample of older people in the UK. Findings: In the US sample, people who saw tablet computers being used by a friend were likely to purchase one. In the UK sample, people seemed to have had to overcome more fears of using computer technology, but in both samples, once initial difficulties were overcome, people were enthusiastic about using them. In both, people felt more able to keep up hobbies and interests through finding information or connecting with interest groups online, and able to keep connected with family members. Originality/value: In light of increasing migration of services and information to the internet, these studies explored the things that help and hinder older people in terms of using computers, in order to address the digital divide, whereby those unable to use them can be left isolated and with reduced information and support. These studies were able to explore personal meanings of computer use and specific fears and difficulties, which are important to understand in planning for training and support for older people who are not yet on line. They also demonstrated that, alongside face-to-face interaction, being online was experienced as reducing people’s isolation and enhancing their lives. (Publisher abstract)
A community arts programme for older people: an evaluation
- Authors:
- STICKLEY Theodore, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 20(1), 2016, pp.22-28.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present an evaluation of a community-based arts programme for older people in Nottinghamshire. Design/methodology/approach: The evaluation was conducted using a combination of pre- and post-initiative quantitative questionnaires and qualitative focus group interviews. This paper focuses upon the findings from the focus groups. Findings: Participants reported feeling more positively about ageing and being more motivated to pursue new opportunities at the end of the programme. Five themes emerged from the focus group interviews, namely age and ageing, the finished product, new opportunities, aspirations and the future and personal benefits. These related to increased confidence, having greater creative expression, meaningful occupation and opportunities for socialisation. Social implications: The programme was found to be successful in helping individuals feel more positive about their age, to feel more confident and motivated, to engage with others through mutual creativity, as well as to challenge negative social stereotypes of older people. Originality/value: The paper will be of relevance and value to those working with older people and those with an interest in the arts. This evaluation demonstrates the diversity of the older population with older citizen’s voices being at the heart of the programme. (Publisher abstract)
Music for life project: the role of participation in community music activities in promoting social engagement and well-being in older people
- Authors:
- HALLAM Susan, et al
- Publisher:
- University of Sheffield. NDA Research Programme
- Publication year:
- 2012
- Pagination:
- 7p.
- Place of publication:
- Sheffield
The potential of music activities for enhancing health and wellbeing in older adults as they move from the Third (50–75) to the Fourth age (over 75) have been demonstrated but research has tended to focus on singing. The aims of the Music for Life project were: to explore the way in which participating in creative music making can enhance the lives of older people; to consider the extent to which this may impact on social, emotional and cognitive well-being; and to consider the processes through which this occurs. Three case study sites acted as partners in the research: The Sage, Gateshead; Westminster Adult Education Service; and the Connect programme at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. The musical activities included; singing in small and large groups, rock groups, and classes for guitar, ukulele, steel pans, percussion, recorder, music appreciation and keyboard. A control group was made up of individuals attending language or art/craft classes, yoga, social support, a book group, and a social club. Measures of well being were consistently higher in the music groups. Participants reported social, cognitive, emotional and health benefits. Some barriers to participation were identified. Facilitators played a key role in fostering positive outcomes but few opportunities to meet their training needs were identified.
Group and individual work with older people: a practical guide to running successful activity-based programmes
- Authors:
- CHIA Swee Hong, HEATHCOKE Julie, HIBBERD Jane Marie
- Publisher:
- Jessica Kingsley
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 208p.
- Place of publication:
- London
Being active is essential to a person's physical and mental wellbeing, and the need to engage in meaningful activity does not diminish with age. However, the effects of ageing, such as reduced vision and hearing, arthritis, dementia, and in some cases social isolation, can affect an older person's ability to participate in therapeutic and recreational activities. This book will enable professionals working with older people to initiate and run successful activity-based programmes, either individually or in groups. The authors guide the reader through the processes of group and individual work, and provide step-by-step instructions for a range of activities, including arts and crafts, music, drama, movement, relaxation, reminiscence, and day-to-day tasks such as taking care of personal hygiene and preparing food and drinks. The book describes the importance of assessing and evaluating activity-based work, with examples of completed evaluation and assessment forms. The book is designed for occupational therapists, creative arts therapists, health and social care practitioners and other professionals working with older people.
Poor vision, functioning, and depressive symptoms: a test of the activity restriction model
- Authors:
- BOOKWALA Jamila, LAWSON Brendan
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 51(6), December 2011, pp.798-808.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
This study investigated whether vision related depression in older people contributed to poorer mental health by restricting routine everyday functioning. Data were drawn from a national sample of 1,178 older adults. Vision was assessed both subjectively and objectively. Respondents also reported on their levels of physical limitations, feelings of social isolation, and symptoms of depression. Findings revealed that subjective vision contributed to depressive symptoms indirectly by predicting more physical limitations and feelings of social isolation that, in turn, contributed to more symptoms of depression. Objective vision contributed significantly to physical limitations but was unrelated to feelings of social isolation and depressive symptomatology. Overall, poorer self-rated vision in older people contributed to lower mental health by restricting individuals’ ability to carry out routine day-to-day physical activities and increasing their feelings of social isolation. The authors concluded that interventions should focus on enhancing physical and social functioning in response to poor vision.
Factors associated with depressive symptoms among older adults living alone: an analysis of sex difference
- Authors:
- LIN Pao-Chen, WANG Hsiu-Hung
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 15(8), November 2011, pp.1038-1044.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This study investigated the prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated risk factors among older people living alone. Participants included 117 women and 75 men aged 65 and over who lived alone in Tainan, Taiwan. The Chinese version of Center for Epidemiological Studies Depressive Symptoms Scale was used to assess depressive symptoms. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors of depressive symptoms. Findings indicated that the elderly women had a 1.6-fold greater prevalence of depressive symptoms than men. Women aged 85 and above, and had less social support, had a significantly higher occurrence rate of depressive symptoms. The risk factors for depressive symptoms in elderly men living alone included educational level, religious beliefs, number of chronic illnesses, and social support. The authors concluded that healthcare providers should consider the gender difference on risk factors of depressive symptoms when planning mental health services for the older population in Taiwan.
Perceived benefits of VFW post participation for older adults
- Authors:
- LEEDAHL Skye N., KOENIG Terry L., EKERDT David J.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 54(7), October 2011, pp.712-730.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Voluntary involvement in organisations provides older adults with a source of civic engagement which can develop into supportive social networks. These supportive networks have been shown to contribute to health and well-being for this population. Older adults, as active members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), describe multiple benefits of participation in the organization to their overall well-being. This qualitative study, via a series of interviews, examined the perspectives of 20 active participants, aged 50 to 89, of a VFW Post and its Ladies Auxiliary. Results revealed that the VFW served as a primary source of cross-generational influence, emotional support and meaningful activity, and provided a safe and secure environment for members to enjoy. The authors provide additional information that social work researchers and practitioners could use to help increase older adults' civic engagement and address service gaps.