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Depression and social networks in community dwelling elders: a descriptive study
- Author:
- WILBY Frances
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 54(3), April 2011, pp.246-259.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Social isolation and inadequate social support have previously been identified as correlates of depression in older adults. This study aimed to describe the social networks of depressed older adults living in the community and to compare the social networks of depressed and nondepressed individuals. The study participants consisted of 91 respondents aged 65 and older who were randomly selected using the voter registry. About 27% (25) of the participants reported significant levels of depressive symptomology as measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D). The participants completed semi-structured interviews that included questions about social contacts with family and others during the prior week. All the participants reported social contact with family and friends during this period. The findings showed that, in this sample, the depressed elders were not socially isolated. They were more likely to report contacts with friends than those who were not depressed, and equally likely to report involvement in volunteer activities. Their likelihood of seeking social support was also comparable. The results emphasise the importance of peer relationships and suggest that, in some groups of older adults, social isolation may not be a hallmark of depressive symptoms.
Exploratory study on challenges faced by ageing persons with physical disabilities
- Author:
- CHUNG Angela
- Journal article citation:
- Asia Pacific Journal of Social Work and Development, 21(1), June 2011, pp.89-96.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
As the population enjoys a longer life expectancy, persons with disabilities are also living longer. There is growing evidence that persons with physical disabilities may age in an accelerated way from their able-bodied counterparts, due to over-use of particular muscle groups to compensate for a lost function or to long-term complications resulting from the original impairments. This exploratory study sought to investigate whether older adults with lifelong physical disabilities are buffered with sufficient financial, familial, social, and spiritual resources to deal with this challenge. A total of 28 beneficiaries aged 50 years and above from a voluntary welfare organisation that supports persons with disabilities took part in an interviewer-administered survey. In addition, 6 respondents also took part in individual face-to-face interviews. The findings showed some level of perceived lack of financial and social resources, and a general sentiment of apprehension over financial needs and future care. The article concludes that more preparation should be done to educate and prepare ageing persons with disabilities to better plan for their old age.
Social network type and subjective well-being in a national sample of older Americans
- Authors:
- LITWIN Howard, SHIOVITZ-EZRA Sharon
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 51(3), June 2011, pp.379-388.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Using a sample of 1,462 people aged 65 years and older from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, a survey examining health and interpersonal connections among older Americans, this study looked at social networks and well-being. It examined associations between network types and 3 selected well-being indicators: loneliness, anxiety, and happiness. Cluster analysis was used to derive 5 social network types: diverse, friend, congregants, family, and restricted. The article describes the analysis and the results. Social network type was found to be associated with each of the well-being indicators. The authors conclude that the findings confirmed that networks with a wider range of social ties were related to better well-being in terms of less loneliness, less anxiety, and greater happiness.
The fun culture in seniors’ online communities
- Author:
- NIMROD Galit
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 51(2), April 2011, pp.226-237.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Online communities dedicated to older adults seem to be well accepted and thriving. Previous research has found that one of the main features characterising these communities is having a vibrant fun culture. This study aimed to further explore the fun culture in these communities and to discover its unique qualities. The study applied an online ethnography (frequently described as netnography) approach, examining a full year’s data from 6 leading seniors’ online communities. Four of the communities were from the United States, one from Britain, and one from Canada, but all attracted a global audience. The final database included about 50,000 posts. Analysis showed that the majority of posts were part of online social games, including cognitive, associative, and creative games. The main subjects in all contents were sex, gender differences, aging, grandparenting, politics, faith, and alcohol. The main participatory behaviours were selective timing, using expressive style, and personalisation of the online character. Although most participants were ‘lurkers’, the active participants nurtured community norms and relationships, as reflected in the written dialogues. The findings support the premise that seniors’ online communities provide a unique form of casual leisure. Participating in the fun culture in online communities can keep seniors socially engaged and contribute to their cognitive health. Therefore, it may have positive impact on seniors’ well-being and successful aging.
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.
Older women and craft: extending educational horizons in considering wellbeing
- Authors:
- MAIDMENT Jane, MACFARLANE Selma
- Journal article citation:
- Social Work Education (The International Journal), 30(6), September 2011, pp.700-711.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Social work education and practice has traditionally been embedded within an understanding and application of theory and method derived from a range of sources. This article argues that fostering health and wellbeing amongst a growing ageing population will require flexible, imaginative and transformational approaches that encourage connectedness and acknowledge interdependence between older people themselves as well as those working in the caring professions. It calls on the findings of a small Australian research study of older women and craft making to explore how learning from diverse disciplines, such as critical gerontology and textile making, can illuminate understanding of wellbeing. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 9 women aged between 54 and 86 sourced from 2 craft groups in a town based in Victoria, Australia. The discussion examines notions of ageing that go beyond a focus on illness and deterioration, to enhance positive and diverse concepts of health in the context of everyday life. It then discuss the implications for social work education, with particular emphasis on ageing, and argue that by engaging with a diverse range of disciplines, social work education will be able to think about, teach and advocate for wellbeing in more expansive and useful ways.
Social network and health: a comparison of Chinese older adults in Shanghai and elderly immigrants in Boston
- Authors:
- WU Bei, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Social Welfare, 20(S1), October 2011, pp.S59-S71.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The aim of this study was to examine self-rated health status and functional limitations in Chinese immigrants in the United States and Chinese elders in China and the impact of social networks (living arrangements and frequency of contact with family members and friends) on their health outcomes. The researchers used questionnaires to gather information from 177 Chinese immigrants in Boston and 428 Shanghai residents, all aged 60 years and older. This article describes the methods, measures and analysis, and sets out the results. These showed that Chinese immigrants in Boston had a significantly better self-reported health status but that they reported a greater number of functional limitations. The study also found that although the social networks differed among respondents in Shanghai and in Boston, the impact of social networks on health status was similar for the 2 samples. The authors discuss their findings and the implications, and suggest that further research would be useful.
Effectiveness of day services: summary of research evidence
- Author:
- AGE UK
- Publisher:
- Age UK
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 29p.
- Place of publication:
- London
This briefing updates the research evidence on the effectiveness of day services featured in the publication 'Day services for older people. Quality and effectiveness: a resource for providers and commissioners' (2008). After outlining the range of services and activities covered by the term ‘day services’, the briefing summarises the key points and outlines the methodology used for the review. The review which involved literature searches on a number of databases, journal archives, websites in July and August 2011. These searches supplement the original literature search which was carried out in December 2007. The findings and summaries of research evidence are then presented, listing each report in turn. Due to the lack of evidence focusing on day services, research is also included on activities to reduce isolation and loneliness. The few studies that specifically evaluated the impact of day services found that older people and their carers benefitted from them. The review also identified the different types of day services that can address older people’s need for social contact, exercise, to engage in and make contributions to society.
Determinants of obtaining formal and informal LTC across European countries
- Authors:
- STYCZYNSKA Izabela, SOWA Agnieszka
- Publisher:
- Center for Social and Economic Research
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 35p., bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- Warsaw
The aim of this study was to identify patterns of utilisation of formal and informal long term care (LTC) across European countries and discuss possible determinants of demand for different types of care. Specifically, the research attempts to measure the volume of different types of care in European countries and the conditions under which different types of care are obtained. The conditions include demographic factors, especially aging of the society, health status and limitations caused by poor health, family settings and social networking. The analysis is provided across all European countries separated into 4 clusters. Estimates of the probability of obtaining formal care are based on the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) data for 2006. The analysis reveals substantial differences in obtaining LTC across European countries depending on the tradition and social protection model that determine availability of institutional care and provision of informal care. In the Nordic-type countries with high state responsibility and high provision of institutional care, informal care is of less importance and, if received, is mostly care provided on a irregular basis from outside the family. Countries of the continental Europe are less unified with high share of people using formal settings of care, but also combining formal and informal care. In Mediterranean countries, provision of informal care, including personal care, plays a much greater role than formal LTC.
Not a one way street: research into older people's experiences of support based on mutuality and reciprocity: interim findings
- Authors:
- BOWERS Helen, et al
- Publisher:
- Joseph Rowntree Foundation
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 34p.
- Place of publication:
- York
This paper outlines emerging findings and key messages from the first 2 stages of an action research project called 'Not A One-Way Street', which is part of the Better Life programme. The project focuses on the various ways in which older people with high support needs take up active roles within different support arrangements based on 'mutuality and reciprocity'. Mutuality and reciprocity refers to arrangements designed to enable those involved to both give and receive support. Research activities have involved: a call for information which has led to useful case studies and leads for follow-up work; a literature search; a mapping exercise of known reciprocal schemes; and a public meeting. Drawing on the findings of this research, this paper explores alternative approaches to planning, funding and providing long term care for older people with high support needs, particularly focusing on the ways older people take up active roles based on mutuality and reciprocity. It provides stories and situations where those involved are giving and receiving support, rather than more traditional services provided by professionals or organisations. The aim is that this work will contribute to emerging discussions and developments associated with mutuality and reciprocity.