J Butt

Bio: J Butt is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Ethnic group & Social support. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 6 publications receiving 156 citations.

Inequalities in quality of life among older people from different ethnic groups

Abstract: British research on the quality of life in old age has neglected the increasing ethnic diversity of the older population, and although studies of health and income inequalities have highlighted the contribution played by racism, analyses of the factors influencing the quality of life have rarely considered its effects. This paper discusses inequalities in quality of life among older people from different ethnic groups using data from a cross-sectional survey of 203 White British, Asian, Black Caribbean, Black African and Chinese people aged 55 and more years living in England and Scotland. They were interviewed face-to-face in the language of their choice using a semi-structured schedule. Consistent with the existing literature, the study found differences in health, income and social support among the ethnic groups. The paper suggests, however, that future work should examine disparities in health and income within as well as between minority ethnic groups, and that a greater appreciation is required of the way in which such disparities may be accentuated by variations in health expectations, in the distribution of income within households, and in the willingness to discuss financial difficulties. The cumulative effects of health and material disadvantage and the experience of racism have implications both for future quality of life research and for government policies that aim to raise social inclusion and reduce inequalities.

Person-centred support - What service users and practitioners say.

Abstract: This study examines person-centred support, a key new concern in public services. It does this by bringing together for the fi rst time the views, ideas and experience of service users, face to face practitioners and managers. Government is committed to ‘personalisation’, ‘self-directed support’ and ‘individual budgets’ in social care, aiming for increased choice and control for the people who use services. This is a move away from traditional, ‘one-size-fi ts-all’ approaches.

Quality of life and social support among people from different ethnic groups

Abstract: This study set out to explore quality of life and social support among older people from different ethnic groups We carried out in-depth interviews with 203 older people from Caribbean, Asian (including Chinese), African and white communities aged 55 and over The study suggests that ethnicity influences both collective and personal responses to perceptions of quality of life Summary of key findings Health, income and social support were generally agreed to be important components of quality of life but the importance participants assigned to each of these aspects varied Expectations played a significant part in determining the extent to which people assessed their quality of life as being good Past experiences, current and future prospects, and considerations about other paths that their lives might have taken were all used as ways of setting markers for assessing quality of life Ethnicity appeared to have a significant bearing on quality of life White participants tended to report better levels of health and higher incomes than participants from other ethnic groups At the same time, participants from other ethnic groups tended to view the process of growing older more positively More consideration needs to be given to the impact of discrimination upon quality of life Just under half of the sample of minority ethnic people said that they had experienced racism with almost twothirds of those who had experienced racism suggesting that they had done nothing about it Almost one in five participants reported that ageism or being judged by their age had made their experiences of growing older more negative Levels of social support were generally high across all participants but this may be experienced differently between different ethnic groups For all older people practical and emotional support was most often provided by families and friends, but for minority ethnic older people voluntary organisations played a vital role in providing support in terms of information and advice Exploring ethnicity, social support and quality of life

The Meaning of “Aging in Place” to Older People

Abstract: Purpose This study illuminates the concept of "aging in place" in terms of functional, symbolic, and emotional attachments and meanings of homes, neighbourhoods, and communities. It investigates how older people understand the meaning of "aging in place," a term widely used in aging policy and research but underexplored with older people themselves. Design and methods Older people (n = 121), ranging in age from 56 to 92 years, participated in focus groups and interviews in 2 case study communities of similar size in Aotearoa New Zealand, both with high ratings on deprivation indices. The question, "What is the ideal place to grow older?" was explored, including reflections on aging in place. Thematic and narrative analyses on the meaning of aging in place are presented in this paper. Results Older people want choices about where and how they age in place. "Aging in place" was seen as an advantage in terms of a sense of attachment or connection and feelings of security and familiarity in relation to both homes and communities. Aging in place related to a sense of identity both through independence and autonomy and through caring relationships and roles in the places people live. Implications Aging in place operates in multiple interacting ways, which need to be taken into account in both policy and research. The meanings of aging in place for older people have pragmatic implications beyond internal "feel good" aspects and operate interactively far beyond the "home" or housing.

Social exclusion of older people in deprived urban communities of England

Abstract: Addressing the causes and consequences of social exclusion represents a key theme in European social policy, reflecting growing awareness of the social costs which arise when individuals, families and communities become cut off from wider society Conceptually, however, social exclusion remains underexplored in gerontology The article suggests that exclusion represents a useful means of exploring the situation of older people in different environmental settings Social exclusion in old age is conceptualised as a multi-dimensional phenomenon comprising of: exclusion from material resources; exclusion from social relations; exclusion from civic activities; exclusion from basic services; and neighbourhood exclusion Drawing on a survey of 600 people aged 60 and over in deprived neighbourhoods of three English cities, the article develops indicators to represent each dimension of exclusion and seeks to assess the nature of social exclusion faced by older people in deprived neighbourhoods Results reveal a considerable proportion of older people experiencing social exclusion in at least one form The sample fell into three categories: 33% were not excluded on any of the five domains; 31% experienced exclusion on a single domain; 36% were vulnerable to the cumulative impact of multiple forms of exclusion Multiple social exclusion was significantly correlated with respondents’ ethnic origin, educational status, housing tenure, perceived health status and quality of life It is concluded that social exclusion represents a useful means of depicting disadvantage experienced by older people living in deprived urban neighbourhoods, and that it would be useful to extend the analysis to other types of residential setting

Hopes, fears and expectations about the future: what do older people's stories tell us about active ageing?

Abstract: ‘Active ageing’ is a key concept in current policy and research on ageing and yet is under-analysed or interpreted largely within an economic framework. This paper explores active ageing in the broader context of older people's lives. Drawing on a series of biographical interviews with 23 people aged 60–96 years, the discussion focuses on the theme of future hopes and concerns. Exhortations for ‘active ageing’ may be challenged by a lifelong unwillingness to look forward or plan ahead. Nevertheless, the findings show that fears for a future of limited resources, decline and dependency can exist alongside not only the desire to live longer but also the positive anticipation of forthcoming events and strong inter-generational relations. ‘Living for now’ and ‘taking a day at a time’ – and by extension the accomplishment of everyday activities rather than the activity-driven goals of earlier years – are common strategies for dealing with the unpredictability of later life. In this respect, even stopping paid work and entering residential care may be actively chosen and empowering even though they are steps towards disengagement and dependency. Similarly, planning for death, such as writing (living) wills and making funeral arrangements, may be positive and proactive responses to beliefs and concerns about dying. ‘Active ageing’ therefore needs to offer choices for life to be lived at all stages whilst recognising that much of the focus for older people is on ordinary needs, deeds and relationships.