Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
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A typical week with mild cognitive impairment
- Authors:
- RENN Brenna N, WOOL Jenny L, BELZA Basia
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 61(7), 2021, pp.1095-1106.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Background and Objectives: Identifying the experience of people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may help develop research agendas, interventions, and other supports to better match individuals’ needs. The purpose of this study was to explore the subjective experience of a “typical week” living with MCI to document (a) important activities, (b) barriers to usual activities, and (c) facilitators and supports. Research Design and Methods: This study conducted remote individual photo-elicitation interviews with 11 community-dwelling adults aged 55 years or older with MCI. Participants each provided 5–10 photographs of daily life taken over 1 week to facilitate a semistructured qualitative interview. Interview transcriptions were coded in Dedoose software and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Participants shared photos and narratives highlighting the important activities in a typical week, in which physical activity, social engagement, spiritual and religious practice, hobbies, and cognitive stimulation were central. Many also shared disruptions to former routines and reduction of activities alongside increased use of new strategies and environmental supports (e.g., calendars, smartphones). Finally, emergent themes centered on disclosure of their diagnosis and reflections about the future. Discussion and Implications: Participant-generated images aided data collection and facilitated discussion of sensitive topics with individuals with MCI. Such narratives may illustrate the needs and opportunities to promote well-being in individuals with MCI, including engagement in meaningful and health-promoting activities, assessing barriers to important daily activities, and considering supports that match the experience and needs of those with MCI. (Edited publisher abstract)
Photovoice method with older persons: a review
- Authors:
- MYSYUK Yuliya, HUISMAN Martijn
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 40(8), 2020, pp.1759-1787.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
For a long time researchers have used photography for different purposes, in different ways and with different focus. Photovoice is a qualitative visual research method that refers to photographs taken by the participants themselves. It has been used with different age groups and populations. The use of photovoice in older populations requires its own study of approaches, techniques and challenges. This article reviews existing studies using photovoice with older participants specifically, to consider its potential as a qualitative research method in the field of gerontology. This study discusses advantages and limitations of the method in gerontological research and provide guidelines for future studies. Our results show that photovoice has been used to study a wide range of topics in older people, from health issues and the impact of environment on health and wellbeing, to leisure experiences of groups living with HIV/AIDS. Using photovoice helps researchers to capture live experiences and perceptions of older persons and conduct engaging, involving and empowering research facilitating interaction, reflection and connection of participants. However, conducting photovoice studies can be practically challenging, such as when addressing special needs of the participants, or ethical and other feasibility issues. To conclude, photovoice has great potential for being used in gerontological research, it can be altered to fit specific goals, divergent issues studied and different research contexts. (Publisher abstract)
Building age-friendly neighbourhoods in Greater Manchester: evidence from the Ambition for Ageing programme
- Author:
- THORLEY Jessica
- Publisher:
- Ambition for Ageing
- Publication year:
- 2018
- Pagination:
- 28
- Place of publication:
- London
This report draws on research and learning gathered from the Ambition for Ageing programme, which aimed to help to create more age-friendly places and empower people to live fulfilling lives as they age. Using data and information collected from the programme, the report looks at what older people across Greater Manchester thinks makes a neighbourhood age-friendly. It draws on the: event feedback, participant and volunteer survey responses and a snapshot of case studies. The programme identified key themes for building age-friendly neighbourhoods. These are: the need for positive social connections and community cohesion; participation and meeting opportunities; good accessibility, facilities and transport; community spaces and resources; feelings of safety and security; and available information with effective communication. (Edited publisher abstract)
Lost and unfulfilled relationships behind emotional loneliness in old age
- Authors:
- TIILIKAINEN Elisa, SEPPANEN Marjaana
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 37(5), 2017, pp.1068-1088.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Using a qualitative approach, this article examines how the experiences of emotional loneliness are embedded in the everyday lives and relationships of older adults. Ten in-depth interviews were conducted in 2010 with older people who reported feeling lonely, often or all the time, during a cohort study in southern Finland. The research reveals the multifaceted nature of loneliness and its causes. Behind emotional loneliness, we identified lost and unfulfilled relationships, involving the loss or lack of a partner, the absence of a meaningful friendship, complex parenthood and troubling childhood experiences. Most of the interviewees have faced loneliness that only began in old age, but for some, loneliness has been present for nearly a lifetime. (Publisher abstract)
How older people define wellbeing: a synthesis of the evidence
- Author:
- CENTRE FOR AGEING BETTER
- Publisher:
- Centre for Ageing Better
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 51
- Place of publication:
- London
This literature review investigates what is known about how older people define wellbeing. The literature search found 47 relevant papers. Nine papers were analysed further as they met the selection criteria and examined wellbeing based on the perspective of older people. The analysis focused on their methodology, findings and conclusions. Only one paper offered a credible, meaningful definition of wellbeing. Factors identified that older people felt promoted wellbeing included, social relationships, social capital, keeping active, capability, sufficient personal finances, quality and deliver of care, independence and choice. Barriers identified included retirement when it results in a loss of status or worth, adverse life events, loss of capability, lack of family support and limited resources. The review found a small number of formal studies, which varied widely in their sampling, methodology and levels of data analysis. Despite the differences in the studies, there were similarities in the findings. (Original abstract)
Developing nursing practice, treatment and support services for ageing drug users
- Author:
- ROE Brenda
- Journal article citation:
- Nursing Times, 16.11.10, 2010, pp.20-21.
- Publisher:
- Nursing Times
Ageing drug users are a growing population who have problems accessing services and support. Eleven people aged 49-61 who were in contact with voluntary sector drug treatment services were interviewed to gain insights into their experience of drug use and ageing and how it impacted on health, quality of life, relationships and service use. Individuals gave accounts of their drug history and their experiences of the primary and hospital care they received. Some felt stigmatised by healthcare professions but others said their drug use was acknowledged and people were compassionate towards them. Nurses and other care professionals working with older people must be sensitive to the needs of this population, and tailor care and services.
Independence in old age: the route to social exclusion?
- Author:
- PLATH Debbie
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Social Work, 38(7), October 2008, pp.1353-1369.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
The promotion of independence is a dominant theme in policy on old age and is also a principle used to guide social work practice with older people. This qualitative study of older people’s experiences of independence reveals that independence is a complex notion with a variety of meanings. In-depth interviews with older Australians elicited five main discourses on independence: doing things alone; making one’s own decisions; physical and mental capacity; having resources; social standing and self-esteem. Whilst the goal of independence was strongly upheld by the older people, negative experiences associated with independence were also revealed. Based on the experiences of these older people, the findings of this study offer insights for social workers prepared to move beyond individualistic interpretations of independence and promote socially inclusive independence.
Quality of life and older people
- Authors:
- BOND John, CORNER Lynne
- Publisher:
- Open University Press
- Publication year:
- 2004
- Pagination:
- 131p.bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- Maidenhead
Provides a critical approach to the conceptualization and measurement of quality of life in social gerontology and health and social care research. The book re-examines what we mean by 'quality of life' in a post-modern world, and examines the impact of continuous personal and social changes on the lives of older people. The book explores ideas about quality of life in social gerontological literature, and describes the experiences of older people through both their own personal accounts and representations in everyday life, popular culture and scientific research. The book reviews the way that older people talk about their quality of life and how this differs from the ways that younger people, researchers and scientists, policy makers and professionals discuss it. The book draws on a range of behavioural and social science knowledge to present a new way of thinking about and understanding quality of life and older people. While the book provides a critique of existing social science theories underpinning conceptions of quality of life it also address operational issues for the use of quality of life in social gerontological research.
The ageism survey: first findings
- Author:
- PALMORE Erdman
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 41(5), October 2001, pp.572-575.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
This research aimed to develop an instrument that could be used to answer three questions: what is the prevalence of ageism in various societies? Which types of ageism are more prevalent? Which subgroups of older people report more ageism. The survey found that the experience of ageism was widespread and frequent among respondents. The majority reported several incidents of ageism and over half the incidents were reported to have occurred "more than once". The most frequent types were persons showing disrespect for older people, followed by persons showing assumptions about ailments of frailty caused by age. Concludes that researchers now have a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the prevalence of ageism in various societies and of various types of ageism experienced by various groups of older persons.
Cross-national perspectives on aging and place: implications for age-friendly cities and communities
- Authors:
- WOOLRYCH Ryan, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Gerontologist, 62(1), 2022, pp.119-129.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Background and Objectives: The age-friendly cities and communities (AFCC) agenda has led to a range of policy initiatives aimed at supporting aging in place for older people. While there is case study evidence of how people age across urban contexts, there has been little research exploring cross-national understandings of age-friendly places among older people. The objective of this article is to identify the place experiences of older people living across cities and communities in India, Brazil, and the United Kingdom and to discuss implications for the AFCC agenda. Research Design and Methods: A total of 300 semistructured interviews were undertaken with older people across 9 cities and 27 communities in India, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis undertaken by each national team and then discussed and revised at collaborative workshops with researchers from each of the 3 country teams. Results: The data capture the ways in which place is constructed from the perspective of older people drawing upon social, community, and cultural dimensions of aging across diverse urban environments. We explore how older people negotiate place in the context of their everyday life and identify the relational and interconnected ways in which place attachment, belonging, and identity are constructed. Discussion and Implications: Age-friendly interventions need to attend to the changing physical, social and cultural dimensions of aging and place. Integrated place-making practices are required to support older people to age in the right place across rapidly transforming urban contexts globally. (Edited publisher abstract)