Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 4 of 4
Physiotherapists' attitudes towards old and young patients in persistent vegetative state (PVS)
- Authors:
- INBAR Noit, DORON Israel, OHRY Avi
- Journal article citation:
- Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, 13(2), 2012, pp.111-124.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Previous papers have addressed the ethical dilemmas raised by ageism in healthcare. This study aimed to reveal whether ageism exists in a context where age is of minor importance. Specifically, the study aimed to uncover attitudes of physical therapists towards treating patients in the vegetative state. The attitudes of the physical therapists were explored from 2 aspects: whether they are influenced by ageist perceptions; and whether they consider physiotherapy to be effective or futile. The study used a quantitative 6-point Likert scale questionnaire which presented 2 vegetative state cases (2 men aged 81 and 32 years) followed practical-ethical questions concerning key issues including: treatment choices; quality of life; prolongation of life; and futile treatment. The questionnaire was completed by 101 physical therapists working in general hospitals, rehabilitation centres and long-term care facilities. The results revealed a complex reality: on the one hand PTs expressed a positive perception of their profession, and consider all treatment components important for vegetative state patients and their families regardless of age; on the other hand, significant preference for treating the younger vegetative state patient were found.
Social distance towards a person with Alzheimer's disease
- Author:
- WERNER Perla
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 20(2), February 2005, pp.182-188.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This study examined determinants of behavioral discrimination (i.e. social distance) against persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a total of 206 Jewish Israeli adults (mean age = 59.7) using an experimental vignette methodology, varying in the severity of the disease. Information regarding participants' preferences for social distance from a person with AD was elicited. The effects of emotional reactions, perceptions of dangerousness of the person depicted in the vignette, personal experience with the disease, and perceptions about the susceptibility of developing AD were examined. Results of the study provide partial support for an extended version of the attribution model, in that prosocial feelings were found to decrease the behavioral discrimination against the person described, whereas feelings of rejection increased the discrimination. A direct, unmediated effect of the severity of the disease on social distance was found, as well as a direct effect of familiarity with someone with the disease. Findings of this study stress the importance of increasing government and advocacy initiatives that would provide the lay public with accurate knowledge about the disease, its symptoms, and treatments. These campaigns should be aimed at clarifying misconceptions and communicating empathetic feelings towards people diagnosed with AD.
The meaning of stigma: identity construction in two old-age institutions
- Authors:
- GAMLIEL Tova, HAZAN Haim
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 26(3), May 2006, pp.355-371.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
People in advanced old age with frailties and those who are resident in old-age institutions manage their identities within the constraints of stigmatised settings. This paper compares the processes of identity construction in an old-age home and in a sheltered housing project for older people in Israel. Applying a symbolic-interactionist perspective that sees old-age institutions as social arenas for the reconstruction of identity, the paper first distinguishes the residents' constructions of stigma and deviance. While the old-age home residents collectively turned their stigma into a source of positive labelling, the sheltered housing residents drew advantages from their previous roles and statuses. Gossip is shown to play a critical role in reproducing stigma, particularly in the old-age home. These findings are used to demonstrate the variability and potential for adaptation among the residents – who are often stereotyped as homogeneous and passive. The paper concludes with a discussion of the literal and metaphorical languages used by older people, and of stigma as a positive instrument that can introduce content into the definition of the self.
Emotional reactions of lay persons to someone with Alzheimer's disease
- Authors:
- WERNER Perla, DAVIDSON Michael
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 19(4), April 2004, pp.391-397.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Information about the nature of public reactions to people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) can help reduce stigmatization associated with the disease. The aim of this study was to examine emotional reactions to persons with AD, and its correlates. A total of 150 Jewish Israeli adults (mean age=59.9) were interviewed face-to-face regarding their emotional reactions to people with AD using a vignette methodology. Only a third of the participants gave the correct label. The person described in the vignette elicited more positive than negative emotions. Gender and perceived threat were the most important factors associated with emotional reactions. Findings suggest the need to expand the efforts to increase the recognition of AD by lay persons, and to address the negative emotions of several risk groups, such as male adults and those with greater concern about developing the disease.