Journal of gerontological nursing最新文献

Purpose: Social isolation poses significant risks to older adults' well-being, yet the mechanisms driving their demographic differences remain unclear. The current study investigated whether social participation mediates the relationship among social isolation, gender, and marital status among retirees.

Method: A secondary analysis of AARP survey data (N = 6,664) was conducted. Mediation analyses examined the indirect effects of gender and marital status on social isolation through social participation. Participants were predominantly adults aged ≥50 years with low to moderate income.

Results: Women and married individuals showed higher social participation and lower social isolation. There was a significant direct effect of being female and being married on social isolation, and also a significant indirect effect through social participation.

Conclusion: Interventions should consider diverse vulnerable groups. Although unmarried men may benefit from tailored social programs, broader strategies, inclusive of gender and marital status dynamics, are essential. Tailored programs targeting unmarried men could foster social participation, thereby reducing social isolation and promoting healthy aging.

Purpose: Urinary retention (UR) is a lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) that can present in men and women aged ≥65 years. However, unlike the medications available for men to treat this condition, the current approach to management of chronic UR in women is limited to conservative methods and urinary catheterization, which have various risks. The current article reviews the use of tamsulosin as a potential pharmacological alternative for the management of chronic UR in older women.

Method: A review of primary literature evaluating tamsulosin use for the treatment of chronic non-neurogenic UR in women was performed.

Results: Tamsulosin showed significant improvements in LUTS-based outcome measures, with limited reports of orthostatic hypotension and dizziness.

Conclusion: Tamsulosin may be considered a safe alternative option for the management of UR in older women over urinary catheterization and potentially reduces the incidence of catheter-associated complications.

Purpose: Sleep quality is crucial for older adults, yet many experience poor sleep due to physical, mental, and social factors. The current study addresses the research gap on sleep quality among Korean American older adults in senior housing by examining relevant factors.

Method: Using data from 314 Korean American residents in Los Angeles senior housing, we conducted descriptive analysis and logistic regression models.

Results: Poor sleep was significantly associated with poor physical health (odds ratio [OR] = 4.89), low energy (OR = 7.92), severe pain (OR = 14.92), multiple chronic conditions (OR = 2.71), and poor mental health (OR = 5.82), including moderate to severe anxiety (OR = 4.71) and depression (OR = 5.11).

Conclusion: Findings emphasize the unique sleep needs of Korean American older adults in senior housing and provide insights to improve their well-being. The study also highlights the need for further research using longitudinal designs, broader samples, and comprehensive sleep measures.

Purpose: To explore the transitional experiences of internationally educated nurses (IENs) in U.S. long-term care (LTC) settings, focusing on their preparedness to provide care for older adults and the perceived quality of professional development opportunities.

Method: A qualitative descriptive methodology was used with 22 IENs from eight countries participating in semi-structured interviews. Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis framework integrated inductive and deductive approaches.

Results: Two key themes emerged from the analysis-Preparation for Care of Older Adults and Navigating Professional Growth. IENs with prior gerontological care experience felt more prepared for LTC roles. Professional development opportunities varied significantly, with many participants citing inadequate ongoing training. Findings suggest that a comprehensive clinical orientation program and ongoing professional development opportunities are essential for IENs to succeed in LTC facilities.

Conclusion: Findings underscore the importance of comprehensive orientation and structured, continuous professional development tailored to IENs' needs. Enhanced support systems could improve IEN integration, care quality, and workforce retention in U.S. LTC settings.

Purpose: eHealth literacy is crucial for immigrant Korean American older adults to effectively access online mental health information and manage their mental health within the health care system. The current study aimed to investigate mental health issues, levels of eHealth literacy, and the impact of eHealth literacy on mental health among Korean American older adults.

Method: Data were collected from Korean American adults aged ≥50 years through a survey that included the eHealth Literacy Scale and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis.

Results: Korean American older adults demonstrated lack of skills in assessing the quality of online health resources. Higher levels of eHealth literacy were significantly associated with lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Conclusion: Findings indicate that strategies should be developed to address the specific needs and challenges of Korean American older adults, particularly for those with limited skills in using online mental health information when making health-related decisions.

Most people living with dementia (PLWD) live at home with assistance provided by an unpaid family caregiver. Many PLWD require toileting assistance, thus leaving the home is stressful due to lack of public toilets that are accessible by PLWD and their caregivers. Many choose to stay home instead of seeking needed social interaction or schedule their activities around usable public toilet locations, which can leave PLWD and their caregivers feeling isolated, depressed, and excluded. Dementia-friendly toilets, which are unisex, large enough to accommodate assistive devices and a caregiver, and contain simple fixtures/signage, are needed. PLWD and their caregivers deserve to have the same accessibility as others, including enjoyment of leisure activities, which has been shown to improve quality of life and confidence.

Since the beginning of the second Trump Administration there have been changes in relationships and global agreements, Executive Orders that supported fossil fuel energy while limiting environmental health protections, and communications related to climate change. These changes risk the health of older adults. Nurses must engage with policymakers and advocate to rollback polices that negatively influence health to protect older adults from climate change-related health risks.