Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
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Perceived social control as a mediator of the relationships among social support, psychological well-being and perceived health
- Authors:
- BISCONTI Toni L., BERGEMAN C.S.
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 39(1), February 1999, pp.94-103.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
The purpose of the present study was to delineate the process by which social support facilitates better health outcomes in older adulthood. In order to best understand the process behind the support-outcome relationship, an aspect of perceived control specific to the social domain was hypothesised to mediate the said relationship. This examination begins to illuminate the process by which social support may facilitate well-being in older adulthood by focusing on the internal structures that may play a crucial role in the utilisation of the social support.
Social participation types and benefits on health outcomes for elder people: a systematic review
- Authors:
- WANCHAI Ausanee, PHROMPAYAK Duangjai
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing International, 44(3), 2019, pp.223-233.
- Publisher:
- Springer
- Place of publication:
- New York
The Purpose of this systematic review was to examine patterns of social participation and their benefits on health outcomes of elder people. Published articles written in English from 2006 to 2016 were searched from electronic databases, including PubMed. Science Direct, and CINAHL, as well as hand search for unpublished papers. The results showed that 6 papers met the inclusion criteria. The social participation patterns in elder people could be categorized into 2 patterns, including: (1) collective participation, (2) productive participation. Both social participation patterns could improve psychosocial issues of elder people. Therefore, the authors suggested that to succeed in promoting healthy ageing for these people, health care providers should encourage older people to engage in social activities. However, more rigorous research is also needed to confirm the correlation between social participation types and health benefits among these older people. (Edited publisher abstract)
A systematic review evaluating the impact of social support and social participation on senior adult quality of life
- Author:
- AL YAZEEDI Salma A.
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Nursing and Hospital Care, 4(1), 2018, Online only
- Publisher:
- BioCore Group
- Place of publication:
- United States
Background: Senior adults encounter physical and psychological changes as they get older. Supportive social networks and social involvement among senior citizens are critical factors to enhance their quality of life (QOL). Purpose: This review aims to explore the ways in which social support and social involvement are essential factors for improving the QOL among adults aged 60 years and older. Methods: A systematic review of ten articles published between January 2005 and January 2015 using Cochrane, PubMed, and Psyc-INFO databases was conducted. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied for studies selection. Synthesis and Summary of Findings: Senior adults lived with a spouse and family members and being socially active were significantly associated with increased QOL. Factors such as more social support, higher level of education, continuous involvement in social activities, and having a supportive social network with family members or friends promote the QOL among senior adults. Conclusions: Social support and participation positively affect senior adults’ QOL. However, the relationship between the social factors and QOL in this population requires further investigation regarding specific meaning and determinants of quality of life to aid decision making of policy maker and other stakeholders. (Edited publisher abstract)
Improving social support for older adults through technology: findings from the prism randomized controlled trial
- Authors:
- CZAJA Sara J., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 58(3), 2018, p.467–477.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Objectives: Information and communication technology holds promise in terms of providing support and reducing isolation among older adults. The impact of a specially designed computer system for older adults, the Personal Reminder Information and Social Management (PRISM) system is evaluated in this study. Design, Setting, and Participants: The trial was a multisite randomized field trial conducted at 3 sites. PRISM was compared to a Binder condition wherein participants received a notebook that contained paper content similar to that contained in PRISM. The sample included 300 older adults at risk for social isolation who lived independently in the community (Mage = 76.15 years). Primary outcome measures included indices of social isolation, social support, loneliness, and well-being. Secondary outcome measures included indices of computer proficiency and attitudes toward technology. Data were collected at baseline and at 6 and 12 months post-randomization. Results: The PRISM group reported significantly less loneliness and increased perceived social support and well-being at 6 months. There was a trend indicating a decline in social isolation. Group differences were not maintained at 12 months, but those in the PRISM condition still showed improvements from baseline. There was also an increase in computer self-efficacy, proficiency, and comfort with computers for PRISM participants at 6 and 12 months. Discussion: The findings suggest that access to technology applications such as PRISM may enhance social connectivity and reduce loneliness among older adults and has the potential to change attitudes toward technology and increase technology self-efficacy. (Edited publisher abstract)
The impact of social activities, social networks, social support and social relationships on the cognitive functioning of healthy older adults: a systematic review
- Authors:
- KELLY Michelle E., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Systematic reviews, 6(259), 2017, Online only
- Publisher:
- BioMed Central
Background: Social relationships, which are contingent on access to social networks, promote engagement in social activities and provide access to social support. These social factors have been shown to positively impact health outcomes. In the current systematic review, a comprehensive overview of the impact of social activities, social networks and social support on the cognitive functioning of healthy older adults (50+) and examine the differential effects of aspects of social relationships on various cognitive domains is undertaken. Methods: PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines, and collated data from randomised controlled trials (RCTs), genetic and observational studies is followed. Independent variables of interest included subjective measures of social activities, social networks, and social support, and composite measures of social relationships (CMSR). The primary outcome of interest was cognitive function divided into domains of episodic memory, semantic memory, overall memory ability, working memory, verbal fluency, reasoning, attention, processing speed, visuospatial abilities, overall executive functioning and global cognition. Results: Thirty-nine studies were included in the review; three RCTs, 34 observational studies, and two genetic studies. Evidence suggests a relationship between (1) social activity and global cognition and overall executive functioning, working memory, visuospatial abilities and processing speed but not episodic memory, verbal fluency, reasoning or attention; (2) social networks and global cognition but not episodic memory, attention or processing speed; (3) social support and global cognition and episodic memory but not attention or processing speed; and (4) CMSR and episodic memory and verbal fluency but not global cognition. Conclusions: The results support prior conclusions that there is an association between social relationships and cognitive function but the exact nature of this association remains unclear. Implications of the findings are discussed and suggestions for future research provided. (Edited publisher abstract)
Outcomes against which the success of prevention should be monitored
- Author:
- CENTRE FOR POLICY ON AGEING
- Publisher:
- Centre for Policy on Ageing
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 80
- Place of publication:
- London
A rapid review of the literature on measurement of the effectiveness of prevention, including selected epidemiological evidence on alcohol consumption, smoking and diet, lifelong learning, living alone, loneliness and social isolation, obesity, physical activity, walking cycling and dancing, social networks, volunteering, preventive medication, screening and vaccination, the use of technology, including telehealth and telecare. The outcomes of prevention often form a two stage process with first stage outcomes - 'intermediate determinants of health', for example better social networks, greater take-up of physical activity or improved diet, leading to second stage, longer term, health related outcomes, for example improved mortality, longer healthy life expectancy or better quality of life. The review identifies four key areas of measurement of the effectiveness of prevention, which are: measures of changes in the intermediate determinants of health; direct measures of health, wellbeing and quality of life outcomes, either in the short to medium or longer term; costs; and cost-effectiveness. It suggests that interested parties with different priorities will require different outcome measures. Older people and voluntary organisations may prioritise health and quality of life outcomes whereas service funders may be more interested in cost-effectiveness. (Edited publisher abstract)
Building community capacity: evidence, efficiency and cost-effectiveness
- Author:
- WILTON Catherine
- Publisher:
- Think Local Act Personal
- Publication year:
- 2012
- Pagination:
- 12p.
- Place of publication:
- London
Think Local Act Personal has been encouraging providers and commissioners of social care to think about 4 key areas in relation to social capital: building social support networks; encouraging membership of groups; nurturing an inclusive community; and enabling everyone to contribute. The purpose of this paper is to draw together the available evidence in these areas. The evidence is grouped together under the headings ‘better outcomes’ and ‘economic benefits’. The findings show that there are some fundamental lessons to learn about the health-preserving effects of good social networks, connected communities, the value of peer support and the multiplicity of outcomes well beyond social care that can be improved by working with local people in a co-productive way. The paper concludes that a ‘place-based’ approach to setting priorities and funding community development has to be the way forward in tough financial times so that the organisations and budgets that might benefit from the approach contribute to the costs in setting up the activities.
Racial and ethnic diversity in senior centers: comparing participant characteristics in more and less multicultural settings
- Authors:
- GIUNTA Nancy, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 55(6), August 2012, pp.467-483.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
This study reports findings from the 2008 Health Indicators Project, which surveyed a sample of 1,870 New York City senior centres. Attendees of racially and ethnically diverse and non-diverse senior centres were compared across 5 domains: demographics; health and quality of life; social support networks; neighbourhood perceptions and engagement; health service access/utilisation. Although homogeneous and diverse centre participants demonstrated similar health and quality-of-life outcomes, those from diverse centres demonstrated greater risk of social isolation, received less family support, and more likely seek medical care from hospitals or community clinics. Implications and future directions for research, practice and policy are presented.
Older people shaping policy and practice
- Author:
- OLDER PEOPLE'S STEERING GROUP
- Publisher:
- Joseph Rowntree Foundation
- Publication year:
- 2004
- Pagination:
- 86p.
- Place of publication:
- York
Older people are a diverse population; their definitions of "a life worth living" and the support needed to achieve that should be paramount. Much policy and practice are still based on the assumption that older people are a ‘burden’. This is problematic for older people and means that resources fail to deliver their definitions of quality. Despite modernising initiatives, barriers in attitudes, approaches, and resources remain within the way that health and social care services operate.There are also good practices and empowering ways of working. These need to be retained and developed. Care services, however, are only a small part of the support that older people value and only a small part of the experience of growing older. Many older people remain isolated – living in one’s own home with no support or contact can be as disempowering as the stereotype of a nursing home. Older people are citizens with important roles in supporting families and within communities. They are also the biggest providers of support to other older people. Contrary to common perception, there is a great deal of evidence of support within communities but these networks are often hidden and tenuous. Involving older people – individually and collectively. Involvement is both individual (about one’s own life) and collective (about local and national initiatives). However, in current practice most involvement takes the form of set pieces, such as having an individual older person on a Social Services Committee. It is often simply about information-giving or consultations which have little effect in bringing about real change. Meaningful involvement requires standards about when older people are first included, how their involvement is resourced, their involvement throughout the whole process, and their scope to influence the outcomes. Older people can set an agenda for programmes of work about older people. There are examples to build upon of involving older people as commissioners of research, researchers and co-researchers, reference group members, users of research findings and peer reviewers.
Older people shaping policy and practice
- Author:
- JOSEPH ROWNTREE FOUNDATION
- Publisher:
- Joseph Rowntree Foundation
- Publication year:
- 2004
- Pagination:
- 4p.
- Place of publication:
- York
Older people are a diverse population; their definitions of "a life worth living" and the support needed to achieve that should be paramount. Much policy and practice are still based on the assumption that older people are a ‘burden’. This is problematic for older people and means that resources fail to deliver their definitions of quality. Despite modernising initiatives, barriers in attitudes, approaches, and resources remain within the way that health and social care services operate.There are also good practices and empowering ways of working. These need to be retained and developed. Care services, however, are only a small part of the support that older people value and only a small part of the experience of growing older. Many older people remain isolated – living in one’s own home with no support or contact can be as disempowering as the stereotype of a nursing home. Older people are citizens with important roles in supporting families and within communities. They are also the biggest providers of support to other older people. Contrary to common perception, there is a great deal of evidence of support within communities but these networks are often hidden and tenuous. Involving older people – individually and collectively. Involvement is both individual (about one’s own life) and collective (about local and national initiatives). However, in current practice most involvement takes the form of set pieces, such as having an individual older person on a Social Services Committee. It is often simply about information-giving or consultations which have little effect in bringing about real change. Meaningful involvement requires standards about when older people are first included, how their involvement is resourced, their involvement throughout the whole process, and their scope to influence the outcomes. Older people can set an agenda for programmes of work about older people. There are examples to build upon of involving older people as commissioners of research, researchers and co-researchers, reference group members, users of research findings and peer reviewers.