Showing papers on "Family support published in 2016"

Diabetes Self-management Education and Support in Type 2 Diabetes: A Joint Position Statement of the American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Abstract: Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires a person with diabetes to make a multitude of daily self-management decisions and to perform complex care activities. Diabetes self-management education and support (DSME/S) provides the foundation to help people with diabetes to navigate these decisions and activities and has been shown to improve health outcomes (1–7). Diabetes self-management education (DSME) is the process of facilitating the knowledge, skill, and ability necessary for diabetes self-care. Diabetes self-management support (DSMS) refers to the support that is required for implementing and sustaining coping skills and behaviors needed to self-manage on an ongoing basis. (See further definitions in Table 1.) Although different members of the health care team and community can contribute to this process, it is important for health care providers and their practice settings to have the resources and a systematic referral process to ensure that patients with type 2 diabetes receive both DSME and DSMS in a consistent manner. The initial DSME is typically provided by a health professional, whereas ongoing support can be provided by personnel within a practice and a variety of community-based resources. DSME/S programs are designed to address the patient’s health beliefs, cultural needs, current knowledge, physical limitations, emotional concerns, family support, financial status, medical history, health literacy, numeracy, and other factors that influence each person’s ability to meet the challenges of self-management. View this table: TABLE 1. Key Definitions It is the position of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) that all individuals with diabetes receive DSME/S at diagnosis and as needed thereafter (8). This position statement focuses on the particular needs of individuals with type 2 diabetes. The needs will be similar to those of people with other types of diabetes (type 1 diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes mellitus); however, the research and examples referred to in this article focus …

Interventions for Children Affected by Armed Conflict: a Systematic Review of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Abstract: Over one billion children under the age of 18 live in countries affected by armed conflict. This systematic review replicates an earlier study, aiming to provide a comprehensive update of the most current developments in interventions for children affected by armed conflict. For the period 2009-2015, a total of 1538 records were collected from PubMed, PsycINFO, and PILOTS. Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria, and the included interventions involve data from 4858 children. Although the number of publications and level of evidence has improved since the previous review, there is still a general lack of rigor and clarity in study design and reported results. Overall, interventions appeared to show promising results demonstrating mostly moderate effect sizes on mental health and psychosocial well-being. However, these positive intervention benefits are often limited to specific subgroups. There is a need for increased diversification in research focus, with more attention to interventions that focus at strengthening community and family support, and to young children, and improvements in targeting and conceptualizing of interventions.

Social policy for children and families : a risk and resilience perspective

Abstract: Chapter 1: A Risk and Resilience Framework for Child, Youth, and Family Policy - Jeffrey M. Jenson and Mark W. Fraser Coming of Age in America Policy and Program Responses to Childhood and Adolescent Problems Public Health Frameworks for Social Policy Resilience: When a Child Prevails Over Adversity Applying Principles of Risk and Resilience to Social Policy Ecological Theory and Life Course Development Chapter 2: Anti-Poverty Policies and Programs for Children and Families - Trina R. Williams Shanks and Sandra K. Danziger Prevalence and Trends in Poverty Poverty, Risk, and Protection Interpersonal and Social Risk Factors Environmental Risks Anti-Poverty Policies and Programs Using Knowledge of Risk, Protection, and Resilience to Achieve Service Integration Chapter 3: Child Welfare Policies and Programs - Peter J. Pecora and Markell Harrison-Jackson Purpose and Overview of Child Welfare Policy Mission and Goals of Child Welfare Services Theoretical Frameworks Underlying Child Welfare Policies and Programs Risk, Protection, and Resilience in Child Welfare Risk, Resilience, and Protection in Child Welfare Policy Key Child Welfare Policy and Legislation Using Knowledge of Risk, Protection, and Resilience to Achieve Service Integration Chapter 4: Education Policy for Children, Youth, and Families - Andy J. Frey, Myrna R. Mandlawitz, Armon R. Perry, and Hill M. Walker Trends in School Failure and Academic Achievement Risk and Protective Factors for School Adjustment and Achievement Problems Education Policy: Past and Present Summary of Federal Policy Principles of Risk, Protection, and Resilience in Education Policy Using Principles of Risk, Protection, and Resilience to Achieve Integrated Education Policy Promotive Interventions and Strategies The Role of Targeted Interventions and Strategies Chapter 5: Child Mental Health Policy - Mary E. Fraser and Paul Lanier Prevalence of Child Mental Health Disorders A Risk, Protection, and Resilience Perspective on Mental Health Disorders Risk Factors Protective Factors History of Child Mental Health Policy in the United States Systems of Care and Mental Health Policy The Fort Bragg Study Risk, Protection, and Resilience Framework and Mental Health Policy Program and Case Example Transformation of the Mental Health System Chapter 6: Health Policy for Children and Youth - Kathleen A. Rounds, William J. Hall, and Guadalupe V. Huitron Purpose and Overview of Health Policies for Children and Youth Risk and Protective Factors for Health Problems in Childhood and Adolescence Access to Care as a Protective Factor Risk, Resilience, and Protection in Health Policy for Children and Youth The Degree to Which Policy Has Been Based on Risk and Protective Factors Using Knowledge of Risk, Protection, and Resilience to Achieve Service Integration in Health Policy Chapter 7: Policies and Programs for Children and Youth With Disabilities - Susan L. Parish, Alison W. Saville, and Jamie G. Swaine Increasing Prevalence of Disability Three Theoretical Frameworks Risk and Protective Factors for Problems Experienced by Children With Disabilities Risk, Resilience, and Protection in Policies for Children With Disabilities Education and Early Intervention Title V of the Social Security Act: Maternal and Child Health Family Support Using Knowledge of Risk, Protection, and Resilience to Achieve Service Integration in Disabilities Policy Chapter 8: Policies and Programs for Adolescent Substance Abuse - Elizabeth K. Anthony, Jeffrey M. Jenson, and Matthew O. Howard Trends in Adolescent Substance Use The Etiology of Adolescent Substance Abuse: Principles of Risk, Protection, and Resilience Risk, Protection, and Resilience in Substance Abuse Policy Using Knowledge of Risk, Protection, and Resilience to Achieve Service Integration Chapter 9: Juvenile Justice Policies and Programs - William H. Barton Purpose and Overview of Juvenile Justice Policy Delinquency and Delinquents: Prevalence and Trends Risk, Protection, and Resilience in Juvenile Justice Policy Juvenile Justice System Involvement and Incarceration as Risk Factors Risk, Resilience, and Recent Reform Efforts Risk, Resilience, and Evidence-Based Programs Using Knowledge of Risk, Protection, and Resilience to Enhance Juvenile Justice Policy and Practices Juvenile Justice Interventions Chapter 10: Toward the Integration of Child, Youth, and Family Policy - Jeffrey M. Jenson and Mark W. Fraser Policies and Programs Across Service Systems

Workplace and family support and work–life balance: Implications for individual psychological availability and energy at work

Abstract: This study presents three studies that explore the ways in which multiple support sources (workplace and family social support) help individuals to experience work–life balance (WLB) and thereby develop a sense psychological availability and positive energy at work. We examine this serial mediation model across three population groups in Israel using time-lagged data from part-time students (sample 1), as well cross-sectional data from workers in the industrial sector (sample 2) and physicians in public hospitals (sample 3). The results indicate a complex process in which workplace and family support augment employee positive energy through WLB and psychological availability. The findings shed light on the importance of support from work and nonwork sources for the pursuit of employees to achieve balance in the spheres of work and life and suggest that the WLB helps in the development of psychological availability and augmenting employee positive energy.

Examining the Role of Familial Support During Prison and After Release on Post-Incarceration Mental Health

Abstract: A significant number of prisoners experience mental health problems, and adequate social support is one way that facilitates better mental health. Yet, by being incarcerated, social support, particularly family support, is likely to be strained or even negative. In this study, we examine whether familial support--either positive or negative--in-prison and after release affects mental health outcomes post-release. Using the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI) dataset, we regress post-release mental health on in-prison familial support, post-incarceration familial support, and changes in familial support. We find that while in-prison family support does not affect mental health, post-release familial support does. Also, experiencing an increase in negative familial support is associated with lower post-incarceration mental health. We conclude with a discussion of policies which may facilitate better familial support environments.

Self-Compassion: a Potential Buffer Against Affiliate Stigma Experienced by Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract: Affiliate stigma was found to be associated with negative outcomes among parents of children with autism spectrum disorders, but only limited research has explored a potential buffer in this association. The present study examined self-compassion as a potential protective factor. One hundred eighty Chinese parents of children with autism spectrum disorders in Hong Kong participated in the study. After controlling for various types of social support (i.e., family support, friends support, and professional support) and positive parental perception, results of a hierarchical linear regression showed that affiliate stigma was significantly associated with psychological distress. In addition, the results identified self-compassion as a moderator in the association between affiliate stigma and psychological distress. Specifically, affiliate stigma was found to be significantly associated with psychological distress among parents with low levels of self-compassion but not among parents with high levels of self-compassion. These results pointed to the importance of cultivating self-compassion among parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. Future research may further explore the protective role of self-compassion in other stigmatized populations.

Workload, generic and work–family specific social supports and job stress: Mediating role of work–family and family–work conflict

Abstract: Purpose The present study aims to investigate the mediating role of work–family conflict (WFC) and family–work conflict (FWC) on the effects of workload and the generic and specific work–family social support in job stress. Design/methodology/approach Using AMOS 20 through bootstrap analysis for indirect effect, the study assessed the abovementioned relationships based on data collected from 258 respondents in the hospitality industry in Quebec. Findings The findings indicate that workload increases job stress via WFC and FWC. Both generic and specific work–family social support decrease job stress through WFC and FWC. Organizational support for reconciling work and family life is more significant than generic supervisor support. Family support reduces job stress via WFC but not via FWC. Research limitations/implications In future studies, it would be interesting to explore the effects of variables such as gender, marital status, hotel category and the job category, as well as cultural origin. Practical implications The results of this research should alert employers in the hospitality industry to engage in family-friendly policies that include not only practices such as working time arrangements, family leave and onsite child care services, but also to be committed to create a family-friendly culture and to adopt the best forms of supportive policies at work. Originality/value By emphasizing cross-domain effects, the present research contributes to the existing knowledge by testing the mediating role of WFC and FWC in the effects of workload and various resources of social support on job stress.

Families Support Their Children's Success in Science Learning by Influencing Interest and Self-efficacy.

Abstract: How is a child's successful participation in science learning shaped by their family's support? We focus on the critical time period of early adolescents, testing (i) whether the child's perception of family support is important for both choice preferences to participate in optional learning experiences and engagement during science learning, and (ii) whether the effects on choice preferences and engagement are mediated through effects on child interest and self-efficacy in science Structural equation modeling is applied to data from two different contexts, one examining engagement during a science and technology center visit and the other examining engagement and learning during classroom instruction Models from both datasets suggest that early adolescents' perceived family support for learning is associated with their choices for and engagement in science learning, and that these effects are mediated by effects on child interest and self-efficacy in science Further, children's family physical resources (eg, available learning spaces and materials) predicts their perceived family support, but is not separately connected to either interest or self-efficacy © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc J Res Sci Teach

Family-Centered Practices in Early Childhood Intervention

Abstract: This chapter includes an overview of the history of family-centered practices, the role family support principles and value statements have played in the evolution of a family-centered approach to working with families, the manner in which investigators have developed behavior indicators of family-centered practices, and how the use of family-centered practices have been found to be directly and indirectly related to child, parent-child, parent, and family outcomes. Research is reviewed which shows that family centeredness includes both relational (relationship-building) and participatory (competency-enhancing) dimensions as well as subsets of practices in each dimension. Examples of how family-centered practices have been used to implement different early childhood intervention practices are described. The discussion section of the chapter includes descriptions of the manner in which the relationships between family-centered practices and outcomes of interest are more likely to be mediated by other variables, the need for adherence information to be assured that practitioner behavior is consistent with the intent of family-centered practice indicators, and the potential yield from studies that employ an implementation science framework for investigating the relationship between the use of family-centered practices and the use of other types of early childhood intervention practices.

Aggression among adolescent victims of school bullying: protective roles of family and school connectedness

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To examine cross-sectional and 2-year longitudinal associations between school victimization and aggression among middle and high school students. Drawing on resilience theory, family and school connectedness were examined as compensatory or protective factors. METHOD: We sampled 373 students (Grades 7-10, 54% girls, 53% White/Caucasian, 26% Hispanic/Latino, and 56% economically disadvantaged), who completed up to 3 annual surveys. RESULTS: Aggression declined over the 3 waves. Victimization predicted higher initial levels of and steeper decline in aggression. Family connectedness was protective; baseline aggression was lower and declined more steeply for youth who reported more family connectedness. School connectedness played a complex role, potentially contributing to students' vulnerability over time. CONCLUSIONS: The steeper declines in aggression among victimized youth suggest a resilience process. High family connectedness and school belonging were linked to lower level of aggression regardless of victimization. Efforts to provide family support may be effective in reducing risk for aggression among victimized youth. Promoting students' sense of school belonging may compensate for negative effects of victimization on aggression in the short term; however, broader efforts directed at establishing a safe and supportive school climate and setting social norms that discourage school violence may be necessary to reduce the incidence of victimization and subsequent aggressive behavior. ©2016 American Psychological Association Language: en

An Investigation of Loneliness and Perceived Social Support Among Single and Partnered Young Adults

Abstract: This study investigated the possible differences between single individuals and individuals in nonmarital romantic relationships in the domains of emotional (romantic and family) and social loneliness, and of perceived social support from family, friends and significant others. Based on a Polish university-student sample of 315 participants (167 women and 148 men) aged 19 to 25 years (M = 21.90, SD = 2.15), single relationship status was related to greater romantic and family loneliness, and to less perceived social support from significant others and family. Women reported a lower level of social loneliness and a higher level of perceived social support in comparison to men. Relationship status interacted with gender in predicting perceived social support from significant others and friends. Finally, the duration of remaining single and significant others’ support were found to be predictive of single young adults’ romantic loneliness. In addition, perceived social support from family and significant others were found to moderate the relationship between the duration of remaining single and romantic loneliness. In particular, high family support and medium-high support from significant others mitigated the negative impact of being single for a long time on romantic loneliness.

Relationship between health-related quality of life, perceived family support and unmet health needs in adult patients with multimorbidity attending primary care in Portugal: a multicentre cross-sectional study

Abstract: Multimorbidity has a high prevalence in the primary care context and it is frequently associated with worse health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Few studies evaluated the variables that could have a potential effect on HRQoL of primary care patients with multimorbidity. The purpose of this study, the first of its kind ever undertaken in Portugal, is to analyse the relationship between multimorbidity, health-related quality of life, perceived family support and unmet health needs in adult patients attending primary care. Multicentre, cross-sectional survey conducted among primary care patients with multimorbidity. It included 521 participants (64.1 % females) who met the inclusion criteria. HRQoL was evaluated using the Portuguese Short Form-12 Health Status Questionnaire. The Portuguese Family APGAR was used to measure the perceived family support. A patients’ unmet health needs questionnaire was used. The unmet needs for medical, surgical and dental care; prescription medications; mental healthcare or counselling; and eyeglasses or other technical aid was assessed. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed. The sample had an overall average of 4.5 chronic health problems. Increased multimorbidity levels were linked to worse health-related quality of life, particularly the physical health. Some variables were confirmed as playing a role on health-related quality of life. Male patients with high monthly incomes and highly functional families had better physical and mental health. High levels of education and the presence of asthma were also associated with better physical health. Contrariwise, elderly patients with high levels of multimorbidity and with osteoarthritis had lower physical health. The majority of the patients did not have unmet health needs. When health needs were stated they were mostly for generalist medical care, dental care, and eyeglasses/other technical aid. Financial insufficiency was the primary reason for not fulfilling their health needs. To improve the quality of life of multimorbid patients, within primary care practices and health delivery systems, one should take into special account the sex of the patient, the perceived family support and the self-perceived economic status because of their relationship with both physical and mental health. Limitations and recommendations are discussed.

Does job embeddedness mediate the effects of coworker and family support on creative performance? An empirical study in the hotel industry

Abstract: Drawing from conservation of resources and job embeddedness theories, this study examines whether job embeddedness mediates the effects of coworker and family support on creative performance. Data gathered from frontline hotel employees and their supervisors in Cameroon were used to test these relationships. The results from structural equation modeling suggest that the presence of coworker and family support fosters employees' job embeddedness. Employees with such resources display creative performance. In short, there is strong support for the fully mediated model that coworker and family support enhance creative performance via job embeddedness. Implications of the results are discussed and future research directions are offered.

Perceived health, caregiver burden, and quality of life in women partners providing care to veterans with traumatic brain injury

Abstract: Families of Veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are often faced with providing long-term informal care to their loved one. However, little is known about how their perceived health and caregiving burden contribute to their quality of life (QOL). The purpose of this descriptive study was to describe perceived health, somatic symptoms, caregiver burden, and perceived QOL and to identify the extent to which these variables are associated with QOL in female partners/spouses of Veterans with TBI. Participants completed a written questionnaire including the Patient Health Questionnaire-15, Caregiver Reaction Assessment, Quality of Life Index, and the general health subscale of the 12-Item Short Form Survey version 2. Caregivers reported moderate levels of QOL, and over a quarter of the sample reported high levels of somatic symptoms, particularly fatigue and sleep disturbance. Age, perceived general health, somatic symptoms, the five subscales of caregiver burden (self-esteem, disrupted schedule, effect on finances, lack of family support, and effect on health) predicted QOL and explained 64% of its variance (adjusted r2 = 0.64, F(8,31) = 9.59). However, only somatic symptoms and the caregiver burden subscales of self-esteem and effect on finances were significant predictors in the model. These findings have implications for development of family-centered interventions to enhance the QOL of informal caregivers of Veterans with TBI.

Family functioning, resilience, and depression among North Korean refugees.

Abstract: North Korean refugees in South Korea are at high risk of depression, but there are few studies exploring protective factors in this population. We hypothesized that family functioning (family adaptability and cohesion) and resilience would protect North Korean refugees from developing depressive symptoms. A subsample of 304 adult North Korean refugees drawn from the cross-sectional 2010 Nationwide Survey of Domestic Violence in South Korea was analyzed. Approximately 44% of respondents were identified as having depression, using scores on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale. In models capturing the full spectrum of depressive symptoms (continuous), family cohesion was significantly associated with depression, and the relationship was partially mediated by resilience. In models predicting clinical depression (dichotomous), resilience fully mediated the relationship between family cohesion and clinical depression. In contrast, family adaptability was not associated with depression or resilience in this sample. These findings suggest that assessing and enhancing family cohesion and resilience may be essential for professionals working with refugees, and that refugees without family support may be at particularly high risk for depression.

Enhancing Breastfeeding Through Healthcare Support: Results from a Focus Group Study of African American Mothers.

Abstract: Objectives To explore African American women’s breastfeeding thoughts, attitudes, and experiences with healthcare professionals and subsequent influences on their breastfeeding interest and behavior. Insight was also sought about the most effective practices to provide breastfeeding support to African American women. Methods Thirty-eight pregnant or lactating African American women and racially diverse health professionals were recruited and participated in one of six membership specific focus groups in the metro Detroit area. An experienced focus group facilitator who was African American woman served as the primary group facilitator, using a semi-structured guide to discussions. Focus groups explored perceptions of personal and professional roles and behaviors that support African American women’s breastfeeding behavior. Discussions were digitally recorded and audiotapes were transcribed. Thematic content analysis was conducted in combination with a review of field notes. Results Participants generally agreed that breastfeeding is the healthier feeding method but perceived that healthcare providers were not always fully supportive and sometimes discouraged breastfeeding. Non-breastfeeding mothers often expressed distrust of the information and recommendations given by healthcare providers and relied more on peers and relatives. Health professionals lacked information and skills to successfully engage African American women around breastfeeding. Conclusions for Practice Breastfeeding initiation and duration among African American mothers may increase when postpartum breastfeeding interventions address social and cultural challenges and when hospital breastfeeding support with the right professional lactation support, is void of unconscious bias and bridges hospital, community, peers, and family support. Professional lactation training for healthcare professionals who are in contact with expectant and new mothers and an increase in the number of IBCLC of color could help.

The Family’s Role in the Reintegration of Formerly Incarcerated Individuals: The Direct Effects of Emotional Support

Abstract: Using data from the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative evaluation, this study measures the effects of perceived levels of emotional and instrumental family support on the likelihood of self-reported criminal activity and new arrests in the 15 months following release from state prison. Logistic regression models using both listwise deletion and multiple imputation are employed. Findings indicate that higher levels of emotional support are associated with a significant reduction in reoffending. Higher levels of instrumental support do not significantly predict reoffending. The findings have implications for policies and practices within the corrections system as well as post-release supervision agencies.

Family resilience in families where a parent has a mental illness

Abstract: SummaryThis study explores the concept of family resilience where a parent has a mental illness. Eleven Australian adults who have grown up in a household with a parent who had a diagnosed mental illness participated in an in-depth interview. The interviews focused on the ways in which these families responded to challenges in everyday life, particularly related to parental mental illness.FindingsFamilies developed resilience through processes such as shared humour or regular family rituals and routines. In some cases, open communication about mental illness enabled families to better cope when parents were unwell and to build a greater sense of family connectedness. However, data suggest that parental mental illness potentially creates stress and confusion for families and there are multiple social and cultural barriers that make it difficult for families to acknowledge and speak openly about mental illness. For participants, resilience tended to be about maintaining a balance between stress/distress and...

Developmental care in North American pediatric cardiac intensive care units: Survey of current practices

Abstract: Background Developmental care practices across pediatric cardiac intensive care units (CICUs) have not previously been described. Purpose To characterize current developmental care practices in North American CICUs. Methods A 47-item online survey of developmental care practices was developed and sent to 35 dedicated pediatric CICUs. Staff members who were knowledgeable about developmental care practices in the CICU completed the survey. Findings/results Completed surveys were received from 28 CICUs (80% response rate). Eighty-nine percent reported targeted efforts to promote developmental care, but only 50% and 43% reported having a developmental care committee and holding developmental rounds, respectively. Many CICUs provide darkness for sleep (86%) and indirect lighting for alertness (71%), but fewer provide low levels of sound (43%), television restrictions (43%), or designated quiet times (21%). Attempts to cluster care (82%) and support self-soothing during difficult procedures (86%) were commonly reported, but parental involvement in these activities is not consistently encouraged. All CICUs engage in infant holding, but practices vary on the basis of medical status and only 46% have formal holding policies. Implications for practice Implementation of developmental care in the CICU requires a well-planned process to ensure successful adoption of practice changes, beginning with a strong commitment from leadership and a focus on staff education, family support, value of parents as the primary caregivers, and policies to increase consistency of practice. Implications for research Future studies should examine the short- and long-term effects of developmental care practices on infants born with congenital heart disease and cared for in a pediatric CICU.

Perceived Social Support and Mental Health among First-Year College Students with Histories of Bullying Victimization

Abstract: Although childhood bullying victimization is associated with adult depression and anxiety, the majority of previously bullied youth do not develop psychopathology. Identifying protective factors has implications for designing interventions that can support a successful adjustment to emerging adulthood. In this study, we investigate whether perceived social support protects against depression and anxiety among first-year college students who had previously experienced bullying. We collected data from 1474 first-year college students attending four large universities across the United States. Students completed a web-based survey in fall 2012 (Wave 1) and 436 (29.5 %) participated in a follow-up survey in spring 2013 (Wave 2). Participants reported on childhood bullying victimization, current depression and anxiety, and current social support (overall and from family, friends, and significant others). Results indicated that a history of childhood bullying victimization was positively associated with depression and anxiety in both fall and spring. Further, overall social support reported in fall moderated the association between childhood bullying victimization and fall and spring anxiety. Also, higher levels of perceived family support, in particular, buffered previously bullied students’ risk for spring anxiety. Results suggest that perceptions of familial social support during the initial adjustment to college may protect previously bullied first-year students from anxiety during their adjustment to college. Research and clinical implications, study limitations, and future directions are discussed.

Aging in Saudi Arabia: An Exploratory Study of Contemporary Older Persons’ Views About Daily Life, Health, and the Experience of Aging

Abstract: Objective: This exploratory study sought to measure current self-reported experiences of older Saudi adults. Method: Self-reported aging perceptions and demographic data from semistructured questions were obtained from 52 community-dwelling older Saudi adults aged 50 or older. A thematic content analysis was completed around issues of family life/social support, daily/weekly activities, health and health programs, and older adults' own thoughts about aging and the experience and future of personal aging. Results: Several key themes emerged from the interviews. The majority of respondents in this preliminary study acknowledge a preference for family care. Formal programs in Saudi Arabia are attended with relative infrequency while older adults recognize family support as the preferred method of support. Older Saudi interviewees hold a positive view of aging, but physical functioning, varying financial resources, and other daily obligations are a concern for those in this study. Discussion: Data suggest as the Saudi population ages, more research is needed on the aging experience with particiular emphasis on issues relevant to older adults . Future research must work to clarify the aging experience as cultural context changes.