Showing papers in "Educational Gerontology in 2012"
TL;DR: Effective educational strategies were developed to overcome privacy concerns, including introducing the concepts before introducing the functions; responding to privacy concerns; and making social media personally relevant.
Abstract: An exploratory study was conducted to answer the following questions: What are older adults' perceptions of social media? What educational strategies can facilitate their learning of social media? A thematic map was developed to illustrate changing perceptions from the initial unanimous, strong negative to the more positive but cautious and to the eventual willingness to actually contribute content. Privacy was the primary concern and key perceptual barrier to adoption. Effective educational strategies were developed to overcome privacy concerns, including: 1) introducing the concepts before introducing the functions; 2) responding to privacy concerns; and 3) making social media personally relevant.
158 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used a repeated measures design in which autobiographical recall of 12 mild AD patients was assessed using a free narrative method under three conditions: (a) in “Silence,” (b) after being exposed to the opus Four Seasons, and (c) after their own Chosen music.
Abstract: Studies have shown that the Four Seasons music may enhance the autobiographical performance of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. We used a repeated measures design in which autobiographical recall of 12 mild AD patients was assessed using a free narrative method under three conditions: (a) in “Silence,” (b) after being exposed to the opus Four Seasons, and (c) after being exposed to their own Chosen music. Recall was higher in the Chosen than in the Four Seasons conditions, and both were higher than in Silence. Autobiographical improvement was also characterized by an enhancement of positive emotional words. The findings suggest that music enhances autobiographical recall by promoting positive emotional memories.
116 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a critical analysis of older adult education in Malta is presented. But the analysis is limited to three intersecting lines of unequality: positive aging, elitism, and gender.
Abstract: This article reports a critical analysis of older adult education in Malta. In educational gerontology, a critical perspective demands the exposure of how relations of power and inequality, in their myriad forms, combinations, and complexities, are manifest in late-life learning initiatives. Fieldwork conducted at the University of the Third Age (UTA) in Malta uncovered the political nature of elder-learning, especially with respect to three intersecting lines of unequality—namely, positive aging, elitism, and gender. A cautionary note is, therefore, warranted at the dominant positive interpretations of UTAs since late-life learning, as any other education activity, is not politically neutral.
93 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an empirical study with a sample of 240 older people registered in the course Tele-services for the Elderly, that took place in the Centers for the elderly in the province of Cuenca, Spain, showed relationships between implication in the activities, experience with computers and belief in the usefulness of learning new technologies.
Abstract: Learning and using new technologies by the older people is seen as a demand for their integration in society and as a factor related to active aging. The goal of this article is to understand the attitudes of the elderly towards information and communication technologies in the context of a training course about the utilization of a digital platform. It is the result of an empirical study with a sample of 240 older people registered in the course Tele-Services for the Elderly, that took place in the Centers for the Elderly in the province of Cuenca, Spain. Through a self-administered questionnaire, aspects related to social activity, knowledge and use of the computer and Internet, expectations on learning and use of computer technology, personal competence, and self-concept were evaluated. The results obtained showed relationships between implication in the activities, experience with computers, and belief in the usefulness of learning new technologies. The participants' involvement in the activities was ...
89 citations
TL;DR: The authors investigated the efficacy of a gerontology education course in decreasing ageism and aging anxiety and increasing knowledge and interest in working with older adults among undergraduates training for social services careers.
Abstract: This study investigated the efficacy of a gerontology education course in decreasing ageism and aging anxiety and increasing knowledge and interest in working with older adults among undergraduates training for social services careers. Participants completed study measures at the beginning and end of semester. Analyses supported the study hypotheses: ageism and aging anxiety declined over the semester whereas knowledge of aging and interest in working with older adults increased over the semester. Implications for training individuals for aging-related careers are discussed.
59 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a 21-day online computer-based cognitive training intervention was administered to 34 individuals aged between 53 and 75 years, who were tested at baseline, post-training and at three-weeks follow-up using a battery of neuropsychological outcome measures.
Abstract: In an increasingly aging population, a number of adults are concerned about declines in their cognitive abilities. Online computer-based cognitive training programs have been proposed as an accessible means by which the elderly may improve their cognitive abilities; yet, more research is needed in order to assess the efficacy of these programs. In the current study, a commercially available 21-day online computer-based cognitive training intervention was administered to 34 individuals aged between 53 and 75 years. The intervention consisted of computerized training in reaction time, inspection time, short-term memory for words, executive function, visual spatial acuity, arithmetic, visual spatial memory, visual scanning/discrimination, and n-back working memory. An active solitaire control group was also included. Participants were tested at baseline, posttraining and at three-weeks follow-up using a battery of neuropsychological outcome measures. These consisted of simple reaction time, complex reaction ...
55 citations
TL;DR: This paper found that older adults' health conditions, such as dementia, affect ageist attitudes and mortality salience, resulting in lower competence ratings, higher warmth ratings, greater death-thought accessibility, and more empathy and pity.
Abstract: According to Terror Management Theory as applied to ageism, older adults may be associated with mortality, thereby generating death-thought accessibility, stereotypes, and mixed emotions among younger adults. However, it is unclear how older adults’ health conditions, such as dementia, affect ageist attitudes and mortality salience. In the current study, college student participants (N = 240) read descriptions of hypothetical target persons. Target age (29 or 71) and health status (normal, unknown, arthritis, or dementia) were manipulated. Participants then rated targets on stereotype content dimensions of competence and warmth; rated their emotions toward the targets; and completed a measure of death-thought accessibility. Results (p < .05 for all) indicated that, relative to younger targets, older targets triggered lower competence ratings, higher warmth ratings, greater death-thought accessibility, and more empathy and pity. Targets with dementia generated lower competence ratings, higher warmth rating...
46 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a review of recent international literature on the opportunities and restrictions experienced by older people to act as volunteers in civil society organizations and develop a conceptual framework applicable to the European ageing society.
Abstract: This article reviews recent international literature on the opportunities and restrictions experienced by older people to act as volunteers in civil society organizations. Our aim was to develop a conceptual framework applicable to the European ageing society. This aim was pursued through a computerized database search focused on studies analyzing the individual, organizational, and/or societal levels. Findings show that senior volunteers are characterized by “younger” age, good health, and a high level of both educational and socioeconomical status. Volunteers are involved mainly in religious organizations as well as in social and personal care, while main barriers are represented especially by ageist practices. The review shows that the debate on this topic has been barely developed in Europe, both from an individual and societal point of view. Therefore, European countries might take advantage from experiences made in other contexts, but the identification of how this can occur requires further and mor...
45 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used multiple regression to investigate the relationship between knowledge of aging, aging anxiety, and degree of older adult contact with ageism in undergraduates training for careers in allied health and mental health settings.
Abstract: Despite the growing proportion of older adults in the population, ageism is prevalent and can facilitate discriminatory behavior, even in healthcare settings. This study used multiple regression to investigate the relationship between knowledge of aging, aging anxiety, and degree of older adult contact with ageism in undergraduates training for careers in allied health and mental health settings. It also investigated the relationship between compassion and ageism. All variables, with the exception of contact with older adults, significantly predicted ageism scores in undergraduates enrolled in an aging course. Implications for training are discussed.
38 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify qualities associated with the successful adaptation of families with a husband diagnosed with prostate cancer and use them to develop interventions that promote family resilience and affirm the reparative potential of families.
Abstract: This study identifies qualities associated with the successful adaptation of families with a husband diagnosed with prostate cancer. Both qualitative and quantitative measures were used in this cross-sectional survey research design. Twenty-one husbands and their spouses independently completed six questionnaires and a biographical questionnaire, and they answered an open-ended question. The qualitative findings revealed the importance of intrafamilial support, spiritual/religious beliefs, and professional support and knowledge, while the quantitative results indicated that family adaptation was fostered by the family's internal strengths and durability, affirmative communication, and the experience of social support. The findings could be used to develop interventions that promote family resilience and affirm the reparative potential of families.
35 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the ways in which university programs for older people should change to cater to the interests and concerns of generative older people, underlining their emphasis on personal growth and on learning for the sake of learning.
Abstract: This paper discusses the ways in which university programs for older people should change to cater to the interests and concerns of generative older people. We describe university programs offered at present, underlining their emphasis on personal growth and on learning for the sake of learning. We argue that these programs are not entirely suitable for generative older people, who are eager to contribute to the social contexts in which they participate. The paper suggests that more instrumental, intergenerational, practical, and academically challenging programs are required to satisfy the training needs of generative older people.
TL;DR: In this article, the meaning and experience of reminiscence for the student and the diverse elder was investigated. And four patterns emerged: discovery of the value of intergenerational interaction and relationships; rejection of stereotypes; a willingness to overcome painful aspects of reminisence; and gerotranscendence wisdom and peace.
Abstract: Reminiscing is a therapeutic nursing intervention for older adults. Nursing students and elders who participated in reminiscing interviews were excited by this activity. Researchers across disciplines collaborated in this qualitative research project to clarify the meaning and experience of reminiscing for the student and the diverse elder. Following the student-elder interview, researchers conducted unstructured interviews with a purposive sample of students and elder participants. Four patterns emerged: discovery of the value of intergenerational interaction and relationships; rejection of stereotypes; a willingness to overcome painful aspects of reminiscence; and gerotranscendence wisdom and peace. These findings have implications for nursing education, nursing practice, and further research.
TL;DR: This article developed and tested a model to identify the predictors of retirement planning based on an extension of the theory of planned behavior that included individual differences in proactivity and time discounting, and found that personal attitudes, sense of control, social influence and stable traits have a significant influence on the extent to which late-career workers are engaged in retirement planning over and above the effect of demographic variables.
Abstract: This study developed and tested a model to identify the predictors of retirement planning based on an extension of the theory of planned behavior ([TPB], Ajzen, 1991) that included individual differences in proactivity and time discounting. The results showed that personal attitudes, sense of control, social influence, and stable traits have a significant influence on the extent to which late-career workers are engaged in retirement planning over and above the effect of demographic variables. However, some gender differences in the prediction of retirement planning were identified that have important implications for the design of programs and interventions to encourage planning.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined stereotypic beliefs about emotional resilience as a function of both targets and judges' age and found that older targets were rated lower on emotional resilience than younger targets, while older compared to younger judges provided more positive assessments of younger targets.
Abstract: In light of an aging workforce, age stereotypes have become an important topic both for researchers and for practitioners. Among other effects, age stereotypes might predict discriminatory behavior at work. This study examined stereotypic beliefs about emotional resilience as a function of both targets’ and judges’ age. In a web-based study, 4,181 persons between 15 and 87 years rated four targets (young male worker, young female worker, older male worker, older female worker) on emotional resilience in a work context. An age effect showed that older targets were rated lower on emotional resilience than younger targets. Moreover, older compared to younger judges provided more positive assessments of younger targets.
TL;DR: A survey was sent to every skilled nursing home in Indiana regarding the demographics, education, and whether the severity of dementia impacts the attitudes of people in physical therapy practice.
Abstract: A survey was sent to every skilled nursing home (N = 495) in Indiana regarding the demographics, education, and whether the severity of dementia impacts the attitudes of people in physical therapy practice. Physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) practicing in nursing homes spend considerable time (44.0%) working with patients who have a diagnosis of dementia. As patients with dementia disorders declined cognitively, attitudes of PTs/PTAs become increasingly negative, and respondents feel that education, training, and resources are insufficient to maximize outcomes in the later stages of the disease.
TL;DR: This study investigates the relation of health literacy to self-reported health status and explores the impact of potential explanatory variables on this relation in persons aged 40 years and older who participated in the 2003 U.S. National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL).
Abstract: Health literacy has emerged as an important factor related to health in older persons. The reason for the link between health literacy and health outcomes is not clear. Possible explanations include common relations among income, education, access to health care, health-promotion behaviors, frequency of reading, and perceptual impairments. In this study we investigate the relation of health literacy to self-reported health status and explore the impact of these explanatory variables on this relation in persons aged 40 years and older who participated in the 2003 U.S. National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL). Using regression models, we evaluated the impact of potential explanatory variables on the relation of health literacy to self-reported health status. Regression models confirmed previously-observed relations of health literacy, age, income, and education to health. The inclusion of income and education significantly decreased the relation of health literacy to health. While other variables, such ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the association between three types of physical activities (PA) and depression, and the relationship between PA and later mortality, using the Centers for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale.
Abstract: This study examined the association between three types of physical activities (PA) and depression, and the relationship between PA and later mortality. Previous studies rarely assessed these associations in one single study in randomly selected population samples. Few studies have assessed these relations by adjusting the covariate of friend-relative care. Participants consisted of 624 noninstitutionalized elders (mean age = 77.35) from the Americans’ Changing Lives Longitudinal Study. Depression was measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Logistic regression estimated the risk of depression as a function of the three individual PA (gardening, walking, and sport). A separate set of analyses predicted the risk of mortality (six years later) as a function of PA. Each 1-standard-unit increase on the physical inactivity scale significantly predicted adjusted 29%, 30%, and 33% increased risk of depression for gardening, walking, and sport, respectively; and each unit also predi...
TL;DR: This community-based, health promotion intervention for seniors provided a comprehensive review of the effect of body-mind-spirit interventions on health behaviors and found that participation in the BMS program contributed to better outcomes in both physical and spiritual dimensions of health.
Abstract: This community-based, health promotion intervention for seniors provided a comprehensive review of the effect of body-mind-spirit (BMS) interventions on health behaviors. The 12-week curriculum offered sessions on exercise, nutrition, sexuality, leisure, stress management, cognitive behavioral therapy, forgiveness, and happiness. Gerontological experts carefully reviewed the adequacy of the program's objectives and instructional methods to meet the needs of older adults in South Korea. Seventy community-dwelling older adults were recruited at two community welfare centers and assigned to experimental (n = 32) and control (n = 38) groups. Extensive evaluations found that participation in the BMS program contributed to better outcomes in both physical and spiritual dimensions of health.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the feelings of abandoned elderly regarding their abandonment and how they cope with it, and proposed a grounded theory study to describe the process by which these elderly cope with abandonment.
Abstract: Cases of abandoned elderly are increasing worldwide. By and large, this group struggles with the sudden change in living arrangement as well as abandonment by their families. Consequently, many elderly are forced into living in nursing homes for the remainder of their lives. Abandonment among these elderly negatively affects how they view themselves, which is detrimental to their health and well-being. Thus, exploring the feelings of elderly regarding their abandonment and how they cope becomes a major concern in caring for them. Recognizing the dearth of literature, this grounded theory study purported to describe sthe process by which these elderly cope with abandonment. A total of 24 abandoned Filipino elderly respondents were purposively selected to take part in a semistructured in-depth interview. Following the Glaserian approach, a four-part process emerged to describe the layer of human experience under study. The R.O.P.E. to Cope Theory of Abandonment describes how the elderly progress from the re...
TL;DR: Examination of computer and Internet use among urban seniors and their interest in using the Internet as a health-management tool indicated that many participants were interested in storing and accessing health-related information using an elder-friendly health web portal.
Abstract: The Internet has the potential for engaging urban seniors in managing their health. This study examined computer and Internet use among urban seniors and their interest in using the Internet as a health-management tool. Findings indicated that many participants were interested in storing and accessing health-related information using an elder-friendly health web portal. Further research, using a community of urban older adults as active members of a health portal design team, could provide a unique viewpoint on how the Internet might be used as a health-information and management tool for older adults.
TL;DR: The authors examined five-year-old children's age stereotyping using a modified Piagetian conservation task and found that when asked by a young adult (puppet Experiment 1, experimenter Experiment 2), children would assume the question is to ascertain if they have noted a perceptual change and would provide answers focused on the change (length).
Abstract: We examined five-year-old-children's age stereotyping using a modified Piagetian conservation task. Children were asked if two lines of objects were the “same” after one line had been made longer (transformed). A conversational account posits that children's answers reflect assumptions about the asker's motivation for the question (Schwarz, 1996). We reasoned that when asked by a young adult (puppet Experiment 1, experimenter Experiment 2) children would assume the question is to ascertain if they have noted a perceptual change and would provide answers focused on the change (length). If older adults are assumed to be in decline because of negative age stereotyping, however, children may assume an older adult (puppet, experimenter) is seeking clarification about line equality and would, therefore, give responses focused on the similarity of the lines (number). The expectation that a focus on length or number should differ across puppet/experimenter conditions was supported in both experiments and provides...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present findings from interviews with 17 first-year MSWs assigned to gerontological placements undertaken before beginning and again as they neared completion of practicum, finding that even those most positive and negative at beginning of placement, report a reduction in stereotypes, improved appreciation of older adults' capacities and strengths, and increased skills in working with this population.
Abstract: We present findings from interviews with 17 first-year MSWs assigned to gerontological placements undertaken before beginning—and again as they neared completion—of practicum. All respondents, even those most positive and negative at beginning of placement, report a reduction in stereotypes, improved appreciation of older adults’ capacities and strengths, and increased skills in working with this population. All but one respondent reports increased likelihood of pursuing a position working with older adults as a result of exposure through field placement. Specific factors reported by students to influence their decision as well as implications for social work education are discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors address the question of benefits of education from a life course perspective using data from a study of 1600 students (response rate 48%) on an open access program at a London University college, and explore educational activity within the framework of a transitions model.
Abstract: This paper addresses the question of benefits of education from a life course perspective. Using data from a study of 1600 students (response rate 48%) on an open access program at a London University college, it explores educational activity within the framework of a transitions model. In addition to the quantitative evidence, the article uses material from interviews to illustrate how different aspects of educational activity help individuals cope with transitions. This approach, while clearly not covering all possible education contexts, offers a way of adding to our understanding of the benefits of study in mid- and later-life.
TL;DR: In this article, the interplay between and among loneliness, social isolation, social engagement, and life satisfaction among Filipino elderly (n = 180) recruited from government and nongovernment nursing homes in the Philippines.
Abstract: Numerous studies have been conducted worldwide about loneliness in older adults living in nursing homes and the factors associated with it. However, only a few studies have focused on social factors that may predispose these older adults to experience loneliness. The purpose of this study was to examine the interplay between and among loneliness, social isolation, social engagement, and life satisfaction among Filipino elderly (n = 180) recruited from government and nongovernment nursing homes in the Philippines. A multiaspect questionnaire, which included the UCLA Loneliness Scale, Revised Index for Social Engagement, Friendship Scale, and Life Satisfaction for the Third Age-Short Form was used to gather the needed data and information. Results of single and multiple regression analyses indicate an effect of the three factors (social isolation, social engagement, and life satisfaction) on loneliness with social isolation having the greatest impact on loneliness. Notably, increased social isolation, inade...
TL;DR: This paper conducted focus groups with urban elders in Detroit to elicit, in their own words, their collective perceptions about their interest, current uses, and desired uses for health management via the Internet in tandem with their current abilities and needs for technological training and support.
Abstract: Older adults represent an increasing percentage of both the whole U.S. population and persons living with one or more chronic health conditions. However, extant research has largely overlooked older adults when examining current Internet users and the potential for the Internet as a health management resource. In this study, the researchers conducted focus groups with urban elders in Detroit to elicit, in their own words, their collective perceptions about their interest, current uses, and desired uses for health management via the Internet in tandem with their current abilities and needs for technological training and support. The findings reveal that many urban elders access the Internet, or would like to, and they clearly articulate many ways that management tools on the Internet do/could empower and assist them in actively engaging in their health management and knowledgably interacting with their health care providers. The findings also support the premise that survey measurement instruments need to ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the self-concept, disposition, and resilience of post-stroke Filipino elderly with residual paralysis through the lens of mask-painting, and reveal a hyperbola m...
Abstract: The interplay among self-concept, disposition, and resilience mirrors how the condition affects the emotional status of poststroke Filipino elderly with residual paralysis. Despite healthcare professionals' understanding of these clients' physical conditions, little is known regarding these clients' emotional health status related to stroke. Therefore, the central aim of this phenomenological study is to describe the self-concept, disposition, and resilience of poststroke Filipino elderly with residual paralysis through the lens of mask-painting. A total of nine poststroke Filipino elderly with residual paralysis were chosen for this qualitative study, and a three-part research instrument was used to gather data: robotfoto, semistructured interview, and mask-painting activity. Field texts were structurally analyzed via a dendrogram, and themes were validated via persuasiveness and coherence (Miles & Huberman, 1994) and a member-checking procedure during data explicitation. The study revealed a hyperbola m...
TL;DR: It was showed that although most of the people did not live with their family members, the relationship with theirfamily members appeared to greatly influence their life quality and the healthier they were and the more activities they participated in, the higher their life qualities were.
Abstract: Empty nest syndrome occurs as a result of urbanization and loosened relationships among family members. It may threaten the life quality of older adults and stability of society as a whole. This survey was designed to investigate the situation and factors that influence the life quality of a sample of older adults in a western state. Thirty-five respondents completed surveys that included questions relating to quality of life and living conditions of older adults living in the empty nest. This study showed that although most of the people did not live with their family members, the relationship with their family members appeared to greatly influence their life quality. It also showed the healthier they were and the more activities they participated in, the higher their life qualities were.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the impact of engaging with contemporary art on a sample of 43 participants aged 64+ and found that the use of contemporary visual art in the art gallery and museum improved the lives of older adults.
Abstract: This paper reports the initial findings from Contemporary Visual Art and Identity Construction—Wellbeing Amongst Older People: a two-year research project that aims to understand how the lives of older people can be improved by examining their use of contemporary visual art in the art gallery and museum. It will focus on data relating to lifelong learning for postretirement people. The paper investigates the impact of engaging with contemporary art on a sample of 43 participants aged 64+.
TL;DR: The quality of life of retired academics reengaged in some Nigerian Universities was studied using physical health, subjective happiness, life satisfaction and psychological well-being domains and a measure based on control, autonomy, selfrealization and pleasure (CASP) as indicators Satisfactory QL was indicated all respondents (>50% maximum points), but physical health was poor as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The quality of life (QL) of retired academics reengaged in some Nigerian Universities was studied using physical health, subjective happiness, life satisfaction and psychological well-being domains and a measure based on control, autonomy, self-realization and pleasure (CASP) as indicators Satisfactory QL was indicated all respondents (>50% maximum points), but physical health was poor (<30%) Compared to the preretirement period, respondents indicated satisfactory present condition Significant differences (t test) due to gender, age, living with/without spouse, mandatory/voluntary retirement, and rank occurred in some QL indicators Except for physical health, the QL indicators were positively associated (r = 31–069, p < 05–001) Satisfactory location was indicated and was positively related to subjective happiness (r = 52–76) Thus, the QL of reengaged retired academics did not deteriorate because of continued activity
TL;DR: The authors explored stereotypes of older people as expressed in drawings by a sample of primary school children and found that children in their sample seemed to represent old people in varied or multidimensional ways, indicating that the image they held about elders was less negative than concluded in similar investigations.
Abstract: The goal of this study was to explore stereotypes of older people as expressed in drawings by a sample of primary school children. Sixty children from fourth to sixth grades (30 boys and 30 girls aged 9 to 12 years) were asked to draw a young man, a young woman, an old man, and an old woman. The drawings were content analyzed. Children in our sample seemed to represent old people in varied or multidimensional ways, indicating, thus, that the image they held about elders was less negative than concluded in similar investigations. In fact, although some drawings had negative content, most pictured a positive—and even friendly—image of old people. Moreover, some of the drawings included both positive and negative traits at the same time. Compared with images of young men and women, those of the elderly seem to be more homogeneous and less complex, since there was more agreement on represented details. Suggestions for future research are proposed.