Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, 17(5), 2020, pp.527-537.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the efficacy of a collaborative care model in the reduction of depression severity and the improvement of quality of life (QOL) of older adults. Methods: Individual participant encounters were conducted approximately every 2 weeks over 4 months with nineteen participants. Average participant age was 73 years. A pre-experimental single pretest-posttest group was conducted in which the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) and Quality of Life Assessment (QOLA) scores respectively measured depression severity and QOL of participants. Results: The average PHQ-9 score (0–27; higher indicates worse depression) decreased from 14 pre-intervention to 8.3 post-intervention (p < .001), while the average QOLA score (0–10; higher indicates better QOL) increased from 5.7 pre-intervention to 6.5 post-intervention (p = .342). Conclusion: The adapted collaborative care model provided an affordable, effective method of older adult depression management within the contexts of this clinical study.
(Publisher abstract)
The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the efficacy of a collaborative care model in the reduction of depression severity and the improvement of quality of life (QOL) of older adults. Methods: Individual participant encounters were conducted approximately every 2 weeks over 4 months with nineteen participants. Average participant age was 73 years. A pre-experimental single pretest-posttest group was conducted in which the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) and Quality of Life Assessment (QOLA) scores respectively measured depression severity and QOL of participants. Results: The average PHQ-9 score (0–27; higher indicates worse depression) decreased from 14 pre-intervention to 8.3 post-intervention (p < .001), while the average QOLA score (0–10; higher indicates better QOL) increased from 5.7 pre-intervention to 6.5 post-intervention (p = .342). Conclusion: The adapted collaborative care model provided an affordable, effective method of older adult depression management within the contexts of this clinical study.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
older people, depression, quality of life, models, intervention;
University of Sheffield. Department of Sociological Studies. ESRC Growing Older
Publication year:
2001
Pagination:
24p.
Place of publication:
Sheffield
Contains abstracts of papers cited. Part of the Growing Older Programme Occasional Paper series.
Contains abstracts of papers cited. Part of the Growing Older Programme Occasional Paper series.
Extended abstract:
Author
MARTIMO Kristiina;
Title
Quality of life: an annotated bibliography. Publisher
University of Sheffield. Department of Sociological Studies. ESRC Growing Older Programme, 2001. Series
Summary
This bibliography contains key references on quality of life and quality of life in old age.
Context
The rising numbers of older people, the ‘baby boomers’, are and ideal generation on which to base research aimed at gaining a comprehensive understanding of the views of older people about the conditions which can achieve a good quality of life in later years. If social science researchers were able to agree on theoretical principles which could be used to build a multi-dimensional measure including all major components of quality of life, such an instrument would make comparative and longitudinal studies possible and the data from all these studies would be compatible, which would give us large amounts of interesting information on what constitutes good quality of life for older people and help to guide social policy decisions towards improving the quality of everyone’s old age.
Method
Contents
The bibliography does not pretend to be exhaustive but tries to provide an introduction to some of the literature most relevant to the Growing Older Programme. The articles result from searches on quality of life, life satisfaction, well-being and quality of life of older people. They are organised according to themes, beginning with a look back at the origins of the concept of quality of life, through economic and social indicators and the problems of implementing these in social policy. Next there are comparative approaches, examining the definition of basic need difficulties in finding common ground in what counts as universal well-being, wider issues concerning human development and differences in individualist and collectivist societies. Then comes a look at the varied ways of measuring quality of life with subjective and objective indicators, defining the levels of domains under which quality of life would be impossible and the difficulties facing policy makers in trying to influence the quality of people’s lives. The next section turns to health status evaluation and the many interpretations of quality of life as a measurable concept. Then comes how quality of life of older people has influenced social gerontology and the need to develop a measure which would make it possible to compare older people’s quality of life in similar and different settings., followed by a look at Hughes’ quality of life model and the multi-domain continuum through social indicators of well-being and enhancing the quality of extended life years. The next section looks at the critique of quality of life scales for older people by Gubrium and Lynott, who argue that the image of the life satisfaction of older people influences its measurement, compared with the real satisfactions and experiences of their everyday lives. The final section looks at age and happiness, starting with definitions of successful ageing, looking at intimacy as a critical variable, activity theory of ageing, happiness and social participation, chronological age and its effect on well-being and the positive and negative affect by age. All entries have abstracts.
Subject terms:
literature reviews, models, older people, quality of life, health needs;
Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 30(3/4), 1998, pp.183-189.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
Examines some advantages and draw-backs of using Experience Sampling Method (ESM) for the study of gerontological social work and other related fields of social and health services. ESM typically requires participants to respond to signals from electronic pagers at randomly determined intervals. In response to these, participants are expected to fill out a short self-report about their activities, as well as of their thoughts and feelings of these activities. ESM is, compared to conventional methods of observation a rather "unobstructive" method, and ESM-data does not, unlike conventional survey-data, rely on retrospective information.
Examines some advantages and draw-backs of using Experience Sampling Method (ESM) for the study of gerontological social work and other related fields of social and health services. ESM typically requires participants to respond to signals from electronic pagers at randomly determined intervals. In response to these, participants are expected to fill out a short self-report about their activities, as well as of their thoughts and feelings of these activities. ESM is, compared to conventional methods of observation a rather "unobstructive" method, and ESM-data does not, unlike conventional survey-data, rely on retrospective information.
Subject terms:
models, older people, quality of life, social work methods, evaluation;
Care of older people is a major issue in the UK, crossing the boundaries between emotion, practical issues and economics. Drawing on recent research, the book looks at the nature of interpersonal relationships, their critical effect and the factors which affect their formation. The authors, who have worked extensively in the field of promoting the spiritual wellbeing of older people in the UK, argue for a new approach to the care of older people based on interpersonal relationships.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Care of older people is a major issue in the UK, crossing the boundaries between emotion, practical issues and economics. Drawing on recent research, the book looks at the nature of interpersonal relationships, their critical effect and the factors which affect their formation. The authors, who have worked extensively in the field of promoting the spiritual wellbeing of older people in the UK, argue for a new approach to the care of older people based on interpersonal relationships.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
models, older people, quality of life, wellbeing, relationships, social care, interpersonal relationships;
GRAHAM Carrie L., SCHARLACH Andrew E., STARK Bradford
Journal article citation:
Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 60(5), 2017, pp.335-354.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
Villages are a relatively new, consumer-directed model that brings together older adults in a community who have a mutual interest in ageing in place. These membership organisations provide social and civic engagement opportunities, volunteer provided support services, and referral to vetted community providers to achieve their primary goals of promoting independence and preventing undesired relocations. This cross sectional survey of 1,753 active Village members from 28 Villages across the US measured members’ perceived impacts in the areas of social connection, civic engagement, service access, health and well-being, and ability to age in place. Results showed that involvement in the Village was a key factor associated with greater perceived impacts. Over half of members perceive that the Village has improved their sense of connection to others and their feeling that they have someone to count on. Though younger members in better health were more likely to perceive impacts in social connections, results suggest older women, living alone with some disability may be the most likely to experience improved health, quality of life, and mobility. The implications for social work practice are discussed.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Villages are a relatively new, consumer-directed model that brings together older adults in a community who have a mutual interest in ageing in place. These membership organisations provide social and civic engagement opportunities, volunteer provided support services, and referral to vetted community providers to achieve their primary goals of promoting independence and preventing undesired relocations. This cross sectional survey of 1,753 active Village members from 28 Villages across the US measured members’ perceived impacts in the areas of social connection, civic engagement, service access, health and well-being, and ability to age in place. Results showed that involvement in the Village was a key factor associated with greater perceived impacts. Over half of members perceive that the Village has improved their sense of connection to others and their feeling that they have someone to count on. Though younger members in better health were more likely to perceive impacts in social connections, results suggest older women, living alone with some disability may be the most likely to experience improved health, quality of life, and mobility. The implications for social work practice are discussed.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
housing, older people, models, community care, quality of life, evaluation, ageing;
The objective of the study was to design and evaluate a pilot programme aimed at promoting the active ageing of older adults at the Mexican Institute of Social Security. The study was conducted in three stages: (a) design; (b) implementation; and (c) before–after evaluation through analysis of changes in functional status, occupational functioning and health-related quality of life. To overcome the limitations of the study design, the authors evaluated the effect of 80 per cent adherence to the programme on the outcome variables using the generalised linear regression models (GLM). Two hundred and thirty-nine older adults agreed to participate, of whom 65 per cent completed the programme. Most were women; the average age was 77 years. Adherence to the programme was higher than 75 per cent for the group who completed active ageing services and less than 60 per cent for the drop-out group. Overall, 46 per cent of older adults reached an adherence level of 80 per cent or higher. Adherence was significantly associated with improved quality of life total score (coefficient 2.7, p<0.0001) and occupational functioning total score (coefficient 2.2, p<0.0001). Participation of older adults in an active ageing programme may improve their health-related quality of life and occupational functioning. It is necessary to identify the potential barriers and to implement strategies to improve the recruitment and retention rates during the intervention.
(Edited publisher abstract)
The objective of the study was to design and evaluate a pilot programme aimed at promoting the active ageing of older adults at the Mexican Institute of Social Security. The study was conducted in three stages: (a) design; (b) implementation; and (c) before–after evaluation through analysis of changes in functional status, occupational functioning and health-related quality of life. To overcome the limitations of the study design, the authors evaluated the effect of 80 per cent adherence to the programme on the outcome variables using the generalised linear regression models (GLM). Two hundred and thirty-nine older adults agreed to participate, of whom 65 per cent completed the programme. Most were women; the average age was 77 years. Adherence to the programme was higher than 75 per cent for the group who completed active ageing services and less than 60 per cent for the drop-out group. Overall, 46 per cent of older adults reached an adherence level of 80 per cent or higher. Adherence was significantly associated with improved quality of life total score (coefficient 2.7, p<0.0001) and occupational functioning total score (coefficient 2.2, p<0.0001). Participation of older adults in an active ageing programme may improve their health-related quality of life and occupational functioning. It is necessary to identify the potential barriers and to implement strategies to improve the recruitment and retention rates during the intervention.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Objectives: In the public mind, later life is being transformed by the emerging possibility of a flourishing third age with sustained quality of life. The authors draw trajectories of life quality measured using CASP-19 over eight years. They refine these trajectories by jointly modelling attrition, since older people tend to leave longitudinal studies (attrite) not at random.
Methods: Growth curve models are applied to the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing waves 1 to 5. Then joint model is estimated where attrition is considered. Extensive predictors are entered including demographic attributes, social and economic status, health conditions, and behaviours.
Results: Strong non-linear age trajectory of life quality is revealed by the growth curve models where the peak is achieved in the late 60s. Then the joint model uncovers the peak somewhat later in time, and also reveals secular improvement in life quality experienced by recent cohorts. Sharp estimates for many predictors of higher levels of life quality are also found.
Conclusion: For the first time, the trajectories of life quality in the third age are drawn and improvement across cohorts is demonstrated. The contributions are estimated for predictors amenable to intervention such as social capital. This can help in policy discussion on improving the lives of older people in the third age.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Objectives: In the public mind, later life is being transformed by the emerging possibility of a flourishing third age with sustained quality of life. The authors draw trajectories of life quality measured using CASP-19 over eight years. They refine these trajectories by jointly modelling attrition, since older people tend to leave longitudinal studies (attrite) not at random.
Methods: Growth curve models are applied to the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing waves 1 to 5. Then joint model is estimated where attrition is considered. Extensive predictors are entered including demographic attributes, social and economic status, health conditions, and behaviours.
Results: Strong non-linear age trajectory of life quality is revealed by the growth curve models where the peak is achieved in the late 60s. Then the joint model uncovers the peak somewhat later in time, and also reveals secular improvement in life quality experienced by recent cohorts. Sharp estimates for many predictors of higher levels of life quality are also found.
Conclusion: For the first time, the trajectories of life quality in the third age are drawn and improvement across cohorts is demonstrated. The contributions are estimated for predictors amenable to intervention such as social capital. This can help in policy discussion on improving the lives of older people in the third age.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Objectives: The effect of chronic disease status on quality of life (QoL) has been well established. However, less is known about how chronic diseases affect QoL. This article examines impairment in three domains of the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Health and Disability (ICF) – body function, activity and participation, as well as affective well-being, – as potential mediators of the relationship between chronic disease and QoL.
Method: A cross-sectional sample (n = 4961) of the general Irish community-dwelling population aged 50+ years was obtained from the Irish Longitudinal Study of Ageing (TILDA). The CASP measure of QoL was examined as two dimensions – control/autonomy and self-realisation/pleasure. Structural equation modelling was used to test the direct and indirect effects of chronic disease on QoL, via variables capturing body function, activity, participation and positive affect.
Results: A factor analysis showed that indicators of body function and activity loaded onto a single overall physical impairment factor. This physical impairment factor fully mediated the effect of chronic disease on positive affect and QoL. The total effect of chronic disease on control/autonomy (−0.160) was primarily composed of an indirect effect via physical impairment (−0.86), and via physical impairment and positive affect (−0.45). The decomposition of effects on self-realisation/pleasure was similar, although the direct effect of physical impairment was weaker. The model fitted the data well (RMSEA = 0.02, TLI = 0.96, CFI = 0.96).
Conclusion: Chronic disease affects QoL through increased deficits in physical body function and activity. This overall physical impairment affects QoL both directly and indirectly via reduced positive affect.
(Publisher abstract)
Objectives: The effect of chronic disease status on quality of life (QoL) has been well established. However, less is known about how chronic diseases affect QoL. This article examines impairment in three domains of the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Health and Disability (ICF) – body function, activity and participation, as well as affective well-being, – as potential mediators of the relationship between chronic disease and QoL.
Method: A cross-sectional sample (n = 4961) of the general Irish community-dwelling population aged 50+ years was obtained from the Irish Longitudinal Study of Ageing (TILDA). The CASP measure of QoL was examined as two dimensions – control/autonomy and self-realisation/pleasure. Structural equation modelling was used to test the direct and indirect effects of chronic disease on QoL, via variables capturing body function, activity, participation and positive affect.
Results: A factor analysis showed that indicators of body function and activity loaded onto a single overall physical impairment factor. This physical impairment factor fully mediated the effect of chronic disease on positive affect and QoL. The total effect of chronic disease on control/autonomy (−0.160) was primarily composed of an indirect effect via physical impairment (−0.86), and via physical impairment and positive affect (−0.45). The decomposition of effects on self-realisation/pleasure was similar, although the direct effect of physical impairment was weaker. The model fitted the data well (RMSEA = 0.02, TLI = 0.96, CFI = 0.96).
Conclusion: Chronic disease affects QoL through increased deficits in physical body function and activity. This overall physical impairment affects QoL both directly and indirectly via reduced positive affect.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
quality of life, older people, long term conditions, health, physical disabilities, models;
Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study was to analyse the range of critiques of successful ageing models and the suggestions for improvement as expressed in the social gerontology literature.
Design and Methods: The authors conducted a systematic literature review using the following criteria: journal articles retrieved in the Abstracts in Social Gerontology, published 1987–2013, successful aging/ageing in the title or text (n = 453), a critique of successful ageing models as a key component of the article. Sixty-seven articles met the criteria. Qualitative methods were used to identify key themes and inductively configure meanings across the range of critiques.
Results: The critiques and remedies fell into 4 categories. The Add and Stir group suggested a multidimensional expansion of successful ageing criteria and offered an array of additions. The Missing Voices group advocated for adding older adults’ subjective meanings of successful ageing to established objective measures. The Hard Hitting Critiques group called for more just and inclusive frameworks that embrace diversity, avoid stigma and discrimination, and intervene at structural contexts of ageing. The New Frames and Names group presented alternative ideal models often grounded in Eastern philosophies.
Implications: The vast array of criteria that gerontologists collectively offered to expand Rowe and Kahn’s original successful model is symptomatic of the problem that a normative model is by definition exclusionary. Greater reflexivity about gerontology’s use of “successful ageing” and other normative models is needed.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study was to analyse the range of critiques of successful ageing models and the suggestions for improvement as expressed in the social gerontology literature.
Design and Methods: The authors conducted a systematic literature review using the following criteria: journal articles retrieved in the Abstracts in Social Gerontology, published 1987–2013, successful aging/ageing in the title or text (n = 453), a critique of successful ageing models as a key component of the article. Sixty-seven articles met the criteria. Qualitative methods were used to identify key themes and inductively configure meanings across the range of critiques.
Results: The critiques and remedies fell into 4 categories. The Add and Stir group suggested a multidimensional expansion of successful ageing criteria and offered an array of additions. The Missing Voices group advocated for adding older adults’ subjective meanings of successful ageing to established objective measures. The Hard Hitting Critiques group called for more just and inclusive frameworks that embrace diversity, avoid stigma and discrimination, and intervene at structural contexts of ageing. The New Frames and Names group presented alternative ideal models often grounded in Eastern philosophies.
Implications: The vast array of criteria that gerontologists collectively offered to expand Rowe and Kahn’s original successful model is symptomatic of the problem that a normative model is by definition exclusionary. Greater reflexivity about gerontology’s use of “successful ageing” and other normative models is needed.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
older people, systematic reviews, ageing, quality of life, wellbeing, literature reviews, models;
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)
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)
Subject terms:
ageing, literature reviews, models, quality of life, attitudes, wellbeing, older people;