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The impact of the economic recession on well-being and quality of life of older people
- Authors:
- FENGE Lee-Ann, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Care in the Community, 20(6), November 2012, pp.617-624.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Older people may be particularly vulnerable to economic fluctuations as they are reliant on fixed incomes and assets which are reducing in value. This article focuses on the impact of the recession on older people’s well-being and quality of life from the perception of the older people themselves. The study explored specifically the group of older people described as the ‘asset rich-income poor’ group. A qualitative narrative approach was used using semi-structured interviews conducted with 28 participants. A number of key themes are drawn from the interview data in terms of the challenges that older people face due to the recession, their resilience to these challenges, and the impact upon their quality of life and well-being. The implications for health and social care practice in meeting the needs of older people during times of economic recession are then explored. The findings demonstrate that the recession is having adverse consequences for older people’s quality of life in terms of economic, mental and social well-being, although there is also evidence that some of them are equipped with certain resilience factors due to their money management and budgeting skills.
The relationship between trait emotional intelligence, resiliency, and mental health in older adults: the mediating role of savouring
- Authors:
- WILSON Claire A., SAKLOFSKE Donald H.
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 22(5), 2018, pp.646-654.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objectives: The present study explores savouring, defined as the process of attending to positive experiences, as a mediator in the relationships between resiliency, trait emotional intelligence (EI), and subjective mental health in older adults. Following Fredrickson's Broaden and Build Theory of positive emotions, the present study aims to extend our understanding of the underlying processes that link resiliency and trait EI with self-reported mental health in older adulthood. Method: A sample of 149 adults aged 65 and over (M = 73.72) were recruited from retirement homes and community groups. Participants completed measures of resiliency, savouring, trait EI, and subjective mental health either online or in a paper format. Results: Path analysis revealed that savouring fully mediated the relationship between resiliency and mental health. However, trait EI did not significantly predict mental health in this sample. Conclusion: These findings provided partial support for the Broaden and Build Theory of positive emotions. As anticipated, savouring imitated the broadening effect of positive emotions by mediating the relationship between resiliency and mental health. However, savouring failed to reflect the undoing effect of positive emotions and did not mediate the relationship between EI and mental health. These findings have implications for positive psychology exercises and may be a simple, yet effective means of improving the life quality of older adults. (Publisher abstract)
Investigating the psychometric properties of the Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale (GSIS) among community-residing older adults
- Authors:
- HEISEL Marnin J., FLETT Gordon L.
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 20(2), 2016, pp.208-221.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objectives: To investigate the psychometric properties of the Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale (GSIS) among community-residing older adults. Method: The study recruited 173 voluntary participants, 65 years and older, into a 2+ year longitudinal study of the onset or exacerbation of depressive symptoms and suicide ideation. The study tested internal consistency of the GSIS and its four component subscales, and its shorter and longer duration test-retest reliability, convergent (depression, social hopelessness, and loneliness), divergent (psychological well-being, life satisfaction, perceived social support, and self-rated health), discriminant (basic and instrumental activities of daily living and social desirability), criterion (history of suicide behaviour), and predictive validity (future suicide ideation). Results: The GSIS demonstrated strong test–retest reliability and internal consistency. Baseline GSIS scores were significantly positively associated with suicide risk factors, negatively associated with potential resiliency factors, and not associated with functional impairment or social desirability. GSIS scores significantly differentiated between participants with as compared to those without a history of suicide behaviour. Baseline GSIS scores significantly predicted suicide ideation at a 2+ year follow-up assessment. Conclusion: Findings suggest strong measurement characteristics for the GSIS with community-residing older adults, including impressive consistency over time. These results are consistent with research attesting to the empirical and pragmatic strengths of this measure. These findings have implications for the monitoring of suicide risk when aiming to enhance mental health and well-being and prevent suicide in later life. (Edited publisher abstract)
Resilience, stress, and life quality in older adults living with HIV/AIDS
- Authors:
- FANG Xindi, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 19(11), 2015, pp.1015-1021.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objectives: This study tested the mediating effect of resilience on the relationship between life stress and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older people, 50 years of age and older, living with HIV/AIDS (OPLWHA). Method: Data from 299 OPLWHA were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) to define a novel resilience construct (represented by coping self-efficacy, active coping, hope/optimism, and social support) and to assess mediating effects of resilience on the association between life stress and HRQoL (physical, emotional, and functional/global well-being). Results: SEM analyses showed satisfactory model fit for both resilience and mediational models, with resilience mediating the associations between life stress and physical, emotional, and functional/global well-being. Conclusion: Resilience may reduce the negative influence of life stress on physical, emotional, and functional/global well-being in OPLWHA. Interventions that build personal capacity, coping skills, and social support may contribute to better management of HIV/AIDS and increase HRQoL. (Edited publisher abstract)
A life course approach to promoting positive ageing
- Author:
- WEALLEANS Lynne
- Publisher:
- Beth Johnson Foundation
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 25
- Place of publication:
- Stoke-on-Trent
This report explores a model of working with individuals and communities that embeds ageing as a natural part of the life course and supports quality of life into later age. The model is based on the learning and evidence from the Beth Johnson Foundation’s practical work and on the findings from a consultation with older people, to gain an in-depth understanding of their thoughts and actions on ageing. The life course model outlined in this report comprises five core elements; place, transitions, catalyst for change, personal resilience and control and enhancing future life choices. This reflects the importance of interventions to support positive ageing taking place in a range of settings. They need to concentrate on life events and transition times rather than chronological age and provide a catalyst and support for change that will encourage the strengthening of coping skills and have a positive impact into the future. The life course model takes a proactive approach to promoting positive ageing by identifying life events and transition times when people will be most receptive to receiving information and taking action. By targeting interventions at those particular stages it promotes a process of change that can encourage individuals to take more control as they are ageing and includes: awareness raising, engaging, motivating, providing a catalyst (or an incentive) to change, providing support and ensuring sustainability. (Edited publisher abstract)
Examining resilience of quality of life in the face of health-related and psychosocial adversity at older ages: what is “right” about the way we age?
- Authors:
- HILDON Zoe, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 50(1), February 2010, pp.36-47.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
This article examines resilience, defined as flourishing despite adversity, at older ages, focusing on the relationships between quality of life and adversity (which was identified as circumstance that produces a significant average decrease in quality of life). The primary objectives were to identify: the basis of adversity; the characteristics of resilient individuals; and the attributes that attenuate the full impact of adversity. Analysis, using questionnaire data, was carried out in a subsample of the Boyd Orr cohort (aged between 68 and 82 years), where participants were classified into resilient and vulnerable groups based on high or low quality of life in the face of significant adversity. Shared characteristics that define these outcomes are noted. Attributes that attenuate the negative impact of adversity were analysed using stratified logistic regression. Adversity was typified by functional limitation; life getting worse in the areas of health, stress, and general living circumstances; or experiencing negative life events. Those more resilient tended to report fewer multiple adversities. Indicators of protective attributes, which also characterised resilient outcomes relative to quality of life, included good quality relationships, integration in the community, developmental coping, and adaptive coping styles. Results indicated that policies that offer access to protection and help minimise adversity exposure where possible would promote resilience.
Understanding successful ageing for enabling practice with older adults
- Author:
- MUNRO Lorraine
- Publisher:
- University of East Anglia. School of Social Work and Psychosocial Studies
- Publication year:
- 2004
- Pagination:
- 50p.
- Place of publication:
- Norwich
The concept of quality of life has received considerable attention as an inclusive notion of health and as a basis for health interventions. This conjunction is particularly relevant to the study of quality of life of older people. This report summarises what it means to be old, how self esteem can be restored after serious illness and how inherent coping processes can be mobilised.
“One does not forget, it all comes back”: elderly people with intellectual disability review adversities and stress-protection in their lives
- Authors:
- SCHEPENS Hadewych R. M. M., VAN PUYENBROECK Joris, MAES Bea
- Journal article citation:
- Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, 20(4), 2019, pp.190-205.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: People with intellectual disability are reported to encounter many negative life events during their increasingly long lives. In the absence of protective elements, these may cause toxic stress and trauma. Given the reported negative effects of such adverse events on their quality of life (QoL), the perspective of older people with intellectual disability themselves may be of relevance. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach: The authors questioned nine participants with mild intellectual disability, aged 61–88 years old, in four 90-min focus group sessions and thematically analysed the data. Findings: Many recent and bygone negative life events still weighed heavily on the participants. Negative interactions, experiences of loss, lack of control and awareness of one’s disability caused stress. Their emotional response contrasted with their contentment, compliance and resilience. Having (had) good relationships, having learnt coping skills, remaining active, talking about past experiences and feeling free of pain, safe, well supported, capable, respected and involved seemed to heighten resilience and protect participants from toxic stress. Research limitations/implications: Monitoring and preventing adverse (childhood) experiences, supporting active/emotional coping strategies, psychotherapy and life story work may facilitate coping with negative events and enhance QoL of elderly people with intellectual disability. Originality/value: Elderly people with mild intellectual disability run a higher risk of experiencing (early) adverse events in life. They are very capable of talking about their experiences, QoL, and the support they need. Focus groups were a reliable method to capture their insights. (Edited publisher abstract)
Hearing the voices of older people in Wales: what helps and hinders us as we age? Research report
- Authors:
- BLOOD Imogen, COPEMAN Ian, PANNELL Jenny
- Publisher:
- Social Services Improvement Agency
- Publication year:
- 2016
- Pagination:
- 92
- Place of publication:
- Cardiff
Drawing on interviews and focus groups with 135 older people living in urban and rural areas in Wales this report looks at what helps and what gets in the way of wellbeing for older people and those caring for them. The findings are presented around key themes, and include direct quotations from participants. Themes cover: what matters most to older people and their carers for a 'good life'; relationships and bereavement; the factors that help and hinder older people in achieving well-being, which includes discussion of transport, the home environment, neighbourhood, money, information technology, and the specific challenges that face people from black and minority ethnic communities; perceptions and experiences of social services, the NHS and the voluntary sector. The final chapter looks at learning from the report for a whole system approach to prevention. It looks at what prevention and independence means to older people and their carers and what this means for organisations supporting older people. It concludes by identifying five themes that were important to older people and their carers: choice and control; a strong sense of identity and belonging; coping with worry and uncertainty; planning for change and transitions; and feeling socially connected. It makes suggestions for change to help services adapt to and meet people’s changing needs to support their independence and allow them to continue to participate in their communities. (Edited publisher abstract)
Later life in 2015: managing major life changes. Analysis of the views and experiences of people aged 50 and over
- Author:
- DOCKING Rachel
- Publisher:
- Centre for Ageing Better
- Publication year:
- 2016
- Pagination:
- 11
- Place of publication:
- London
Drawing on data from in-depth interviews and a survey of 1,389 adults aged 50 and over in England collected as part of the Later Life in 2015 research project, this briefing discusses managing major life changes. It looks at what is meant by major life changes, and identifies key life changes in later life, including retirement; moving; becoming a carer; relationship breakdown; bereavement; change in health; end of life issues; and entering care. It then outlines some of the survey and interview data to examine whether having a positive outlook in later life help you manage life changes and who is in most need of support. Those identified at greatest risk of missing out on a good later life as they struggle to manage later life changes include: black and minority ethnic groups; people with an income of less than £25k; individuals in lower socioeconomic groups, people who are out of work but not retired, and people who have a long standing physical or mental impairment, illness or disability. (Edited publisher abstract)