Pub Date : 2023-09-05DOI: 10.1108/qaoa-03-2023-0021
Andrew Fletcher
Purpose Significant funding has been made available in the UK for social, behavioural and design research that aims to improve health and wellbeing for older adults. The growing importance and use of participatory and co-creative approaches in this field not only reflects a general turn in social research but also seeks to redress power imbalances between researchers and researched. This paper aims to use Miranda Fricker’s concept of “epistemic injustice” as a lens to describe the author’s experience with one such project, and highlight the cautions and considerations that must be made when navigating, handling and amalgamating “other people’s knowledge”. Design/methodology/approach Personal and theoretical reflection. Primary data for this paper consists of first-hand insider observations on how different forms of knowledge were treated in an interdisciplinary, intersectoral participatory research context. Findings Some participatory studies are hampered by insufficient consideration for a range of ways of thinking, including between researchers and participants, younger and older adults, different academic disciplines or academia and industry. This can harm project integrity and outcomes, potentially eroding trust in academic research. Originality/value By reflecting on a recent participatory study in healthy ageing, this paper outlines a theoretical basis to increase the benefits of working with different stakeholders across health and care, design, business and academia. It concludes by suggesting ways that researchers might address epistemic injustice, and so recognise and properly value the range of knowledge types encountered in participatory research.
{"title":"…And (epistemic) justice for all: a cautionary tale of knowledge inequality in participatory research","authors":"Andrew Fletcher","doi":"10.1108/qaoa-03-2023-0021","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/qaoa-03-2023-0021","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Significant funding has been made available in the UK for social, behavioural and design research that aims to improve health and wellbeing for older adults. The growing importance and use of participatory and co-creative approaches in this field not only reflects a general turn in social research but also seeks to redress power imbalances between researchers and researched. This paper aims to use Miranda Fricker’s concept of “epistemic injustice” as a lens to describe the author’s experience with one such project, and highlight the cautions and considerations that must be made when navigating, handling and amalgamating “other people’s knowledge”.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Personal and theoretical reflection. Primary data for this paper consists of first-hand insider observations on how different forms of knowledge were treated in an interdisciplinary, intersectoral participatory research context.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Some participatory studies are hampered by insufficient consideration for a range of ways of thinking, including between researchers and participants, younger and older adults, different academic disciplines or academia and industry. This can harm project integrity and outcomes, potentially eroding trust in academic research.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000By reflecting on a recent participatory study in healthy ageing, this paper outlines a theoretical basis to increase the benefits of working with different stakeholders across health and care, design, business and academia. It concludes by suggesting ways that researchers might address epistemic injustice, and so recognise and properly value the range of knowledge types encountered in participatory research.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44916,"journal":{"name":"Quality in Ageing and Older Adults","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2023-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47254785","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-08-17DOI: 10.1108/qaoa-07-2022-0043
L. Jones, N. Cullum, R. Watson, J. Keady
Purpose This study aims to address this need. In the UK, people with dementia admitted to National Health Service mental health in-patient dementia assessment wards [dementia assessment wards] present as complex and experience a number of changed behaviours, such as excessive walking, agitation and aggression. The complexity of the presentation of dementia has been identified as underpinning pre-and post-admission to these care environments, but limited study has so far been conducted to explore the boundaries and meaning of complexity and its relationship to dementia assessment ward practice. Design/methodology/approach An online electronic survey of UK-based national dementia leaders was conducted in 2018. Nineteen completed questionnaires were returned, and mental health nurses comprised the largest sub-sample. Qualitative data of the free-text responses were analysed using manifest content analysis. Findings Four routes to admission to a dementia assessment ward were identified. Multiplicity of needs and interconnectedness were seen as important domains in uncovering the meaning of complexity. The importance of life story and formulation approaches were highlighted. Challenges uncovered included, better understanding changed behaviour and its relationship to complexity, the need for understanding the boundaries of complexity and making visible care practices on these specific wards. Originality/value Findings can be used to produce a heightened awareness about the meaning and function of complexity in dementia assessment wards. Policymakers and researchers need to increase the emphasis on this area of mental health and dementia care. Further training for the multidisciplinary team on formulation approaches could help to improve the evidence-base for practice.
{"title":"Complexity and practice on NHS mental health in-patient dementia assessment wards","authors":"L. Jones, N. Cullum, R. Watson, J. Keady","doi":"10.1108/qaoa-07-2022-0043","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/qaoa-07-2022-0043","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This study aims to address this need. In the UK, people with dementia admitted to National Health Service mental health in-patient dementia assessment wards [dementia assessment wards] present as complex and experience a number of changed behaviours, such as excessive walking, agitation and aggression. The complexity of the presentation of dementia has been identified as underpinning pre-and post-admission to these care environments, but limited study has so far been conducted to explore the boundaries and meaning of complexity and its relationship to dementia assessment ward practice.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000An online electronic survey of UK-based national dementia leaders was conducted in 2018. Nineteen completed questionnaires were returned, and mental health nurses comprised the largest sub-sample. Qualitative data of the free-text responses were analysed using manifest content analysis.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Four routes to admission to a dementia assessment ward were identified. Multiplicity of needs and interconnectedness were seen as important domains in uncovering the meaning of complexity. The importance of life story and formulation approaches were highlighted. Challenges uncovered included, better understanding changed behaviour and its relationship to complexity, the need for understanding the boundaries of complexity and making visible care practices on these specific wards.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000Findings can be used to produce a heightened awareness about the meaning and function of complexity in dementia assessment wards. Policymakers and researchers need to increase the emphasis on this area of mental health and dementia care. Further training for the multidisciplinary team on formulation approaches could help to improve the evidence-base for practice.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44916,"journal":{"name":"Quality in Ageing and Older Adults","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2023-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42778918","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-08-04DOI: 10.1108/qaoa-11-2022-0070
Naomi Boyle, D. Seddon, G. Toms
Purpose Demand for care at home is growing because of the increase in life expectancy, an ageing population and the chronic conditions that often accompany longevity. Daytime care at home services have been widely reported on, but less is known about overnight care at home. This paper aims to gather evidence about overnight social care for older adults in their homes. Design/methodology/approach Recent studies were identified through searches in three electronic databases. Studies published in English between January 2016 and June 2022 exploring overnight care at home for older adults were eligible for inclusion. An additional Google search identified home care services within the UK currently providing overnight support. Findings The review retrieved five relevant papers, highlighting the paucity of research in this area. A narrative review of the literature identified common themes that suggested domiciliary night care staff play an integral role in meeting the overnight care and support needs of older adults who wish to be cared for at home. Despite the limited evidence base in this area, the Google search for UK domiciliary services who provide overnight support identified several active programmes. Originality/value To the best of our knowledge, this is the first scoping review exploring the provision of overnight social care to older adults in their own homes. The review highlights the need for further research to inform commissioning and practice development.
{"title":"Exploring overnight social care for older adults: a scoping review","authors":"Naomi Boyle, D. Seddon, G. Toms","doi":"10.1108/qaoa-11-2022-0070","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/qaoa-11-2022-0070","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Demand for care at home is growing because of the increase in life expectancy, an ageing population and the chronic conditions that often accompany longevity. Daytime care at home services have been widely reported on, but less is known about overnight care at home. This paper aims to gather evidence about overnight social care for older adults in their homes.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Recent studies were identified through searches in three electronic databases. Studies published in English between January 2016 and June 2022 exploring overnight care at home for older adults were eligible for inclusion. An additional Google search identified home care services within the UK currently providing overnight support.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The review retrieved five relevant papers, highlighting the paucity of research in this area. A narrative review of the literature identified common themes that suggested domiciliary night care staff play an integral role in meeting the overnight care and support needs of older adults who wish to be cared for at home. Despite the limited evidence base in this area, the Google search for UK domiciliary services who provide overnight support identified several active programmes.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000To the best of our knowledge, this is the first scoping review exploring the provision of overnight social care to older adults in their own homes. The review highlights the need for further research to inform commissioning and practice development.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44916,"journal":{"name":"Quality in Ageing and Older Adults","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2023-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44011840","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-07-25DOI: 10.1108/qaoa-03-2023-0022
Patty Doran, M. Goff, Chris Phillipson
Purpose The Village model, most extensively developed in the USA, is an innovative response to ageing populations and older adults who wish to remain living independently within their community. The “Urban Villages” participatory action research study aimed to test the potential of the Village model to work with groups of older adults in two economically deprived, inner-city neighbourhoods in Manchester, UK. Design/methodology/approach Participatory methods were used to work with residents to, first, adapt the Village model to the Manchester setting, and second, to develop and deliver community projects that supported ageing in place. The study aimed to involve marginalised individuals and groups in the co-design, leadership and implementation of the projects. Ethnographic methods were applied to observe and reflect on the development of “Urban Villages”. Interviews and focus groups were organised to gather the views of the residents involved in the community projects. Findings Residents were supported to develop and test seven projects, all aimed at reducing social isolation and supporting ageing in place. The study provides new insights into challenges related to co-production with older people in deprived neighbourhoods. These challenges are presented under the following headings: individual capacity and expectations; collective capacity including communication and knowledge; and the capacity of place. Originality/value To date, only a limited amount of literature is available showing how co-production with older adults can be realised when working with marginalised groups and deprived communities. The paper explores the potential of participatory approaches to develop age-friendly initiatives through strengthening the capacity of older adults to age in place.
{"title":"Interventions to promote ageing in place: developing the Village model in Manchester","authors":"Patty Doran, M. Goff, Chris Phillipson","doi":"10.1108/qaoa-03-2023-0022","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/qaoa-03-2023-0022","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000The Village model, most extensively developed in the USA, is an innovative response to ageing populations and older adults who wish to remain living independently within their community. The “Urban Villages” participatory action research study aimed to test the potential of the Village model to work with groups of older adults in two economically deprived, inner-city neighbourhoods in Manchester, UK.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000Participatory methods were used to work with residents to, first, adapt the Village model to the Manchester setting, and second, to develop and deliver community projects that supported ageing in place. The study aimed to involve marginalised individuals and groups in the co-design, leadership and implementation of the projects. Ethnographic methods were applied to observe and reflect on the development of “Urban Villages”. Interviews and focus groups were organised to gather the views of the residents involved in the community projects.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Residents were supported to develop and test seven projects, all aimed at reducing social isolation and supporting ageing in place. The study provides new insights into challenges related to co-production with older people in deprived neighbourhoods. These challenges are presented under the following headings: individual capacity and expectations; collective capacity including communication and knowledge; and the capacity of place.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000To date, only a limited amount of literature is available showing how co-production with older adults can be realised when working with marginalised groups and deprived communities. The paper explores the potential of participatory approaches to develop age-friendly initiatives through strengthening the capacity of older adults to age in place.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44916,"journal":{"name":"Quality in Ageing and Older Adults","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2023-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46708156","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-07-12DOI: 10.1108/qaoa-02-2023-0004
Ben Thomas, M. Sladen
Purpose Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNAs) are intended to help create evidence-based priorities for public health commissioning at local government level in the UK. They are supposed to consider the needs of people with protected characteristics, and this study aims to look at how the JSNAs for London are serving the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) population. Design/methodology/approach JSNAs are documentary data and are in the public domain. Each of the 31 JSNAs for London was individually assessed against a series of questions designed to test their inclusion of the local LGBTQ+ population. Findings Fewer than one in five of London’s JSNAs: had a dedicated LGBTQ+ section; cited bespoke research into, or engagement with, the local LGBTQ+ population; made recommendations for specialist services for people from this community; or considered intersectionality in the context of this population. Originality/value This study demonstrates that many of London’s JSNAs contain little information on the city’s local LGBTQ+ population and only minimal assessment of its health, care and wellbeing needs. Recommendations include conducting further research on this population at the local level, using available guidance and engaging best practice.
{"title":"Joint Strategic Needs Assessments in London, the LGBTQ+ population and the latter’s health, care and wellbeing needs","authors":"Ben Thomas, M. Sladen","doi":"10.1108/qaoa-02-2023-0004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/qaoa-02-2023-0004","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNAs) are intended to help create evidence-based priorities for public health commissioning at local government level in the UK. They are supposed to consider the needs of people with protected characteristics, and this study aims to look at how the JSNAs for London are serving the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) population.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000JSNAs are documentary data and are in the public domain. Each of the 31 JSNAs for London was individually assessed against a series of questions designed to test their inclusion of the local LGBTQ+ population.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Fewer than one in five of London’s JSNAs: had a dedicated LGBTQ+ section; cited bespoke research into, or engagement with, the local LGBTQ+ population; made recommendations for specialist services for people from this community; or considered intersectionality in the context of this population.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This study demonstrates that many of London’s JSNAs contain little information on the city’s local LGBTQ+ population and only minimal assessment of its health, care and wellbeing needs. Recommendations include conducting further research on this population at the local level, using available guidance and engaging best practice.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44916,"journal":{"name":"Quality in Ageing and Older Adults","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2023-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46972012","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-06-26DOI: 10.1108/qaoa-01-2023-0001
G. Toms, D. Seddon, E. Miller, Nick Andrews
Purpose Short breaks enable unpaid carers to have a life alongside caring, supporting their physical and emotional well-being. In the UK, short breaks are usually explored during a Carers Assessment. The conversations underpinning these assessments require considerable skill and presently there are few tools to support the exploration of short break needs, desired outcomes and options. Images are used in other conversations to enhance communication, help people consider options and broaden thinking. This study aims to explore whether and how stakeholders thought images might support short break conversations. Design/methodology/approach To improve access to meaningful short breaks, we need to be guided by the insights of unpaid carers, those they support, practitioners, commissioners and policymakers. We hosted two online involvement events, designed to facilitate the exchange of perspectives and ideas amongst diverse stakeholders. The events explored the acceptability, facilitators and challenges of using images to enhance unpaid carer short break conversations. Findings The online events were attended by 47 short break stakeholders. These stakeholders saw merit in using images to support short break conversations. They identified several facilitators and challenges to introducing images into practice. The paper highlights how this learning can inform future research and practice development. Originality/value Supporting the well-being of older unpaid carers is a pertinent concern as the number of older unpaid carers continues to grow. This paper reports on how stakeholders have informed the earliest stages of practice and research development in a relevant area and provides a model of involvement that others can emulate.
{"title":"Exploring the use of images to support short break conversations with unpaid carers","authors":"G. Toms, D. Seddon, E. Miller, Nick Andrews","doi":"10.1108/qaoa-01-2023-0001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/qaoa-01-2023-0001","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Short breaks enable unpaid carers to have a life alongside caring, supporting their physical and emotional well-being. In the UK, short breaks are usually explored during a Carers Assessment. The conversations underpinning these assessments require considerable skill and presently there are few tools to support the exploration of short break needs, desired outcomes and options. Images are used in other conversations to enhance communication, help people consider options and broaden thinking. This study aims to explore whether and how stakeholders thought images might support short break conversations.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000To improve access to meaningful short breaks, we need to be guided by the insights of unpaid carers, those they support, practitioners, commissioners and policymakers. We hosted two online involvement events, designed to facilitate the exchange of perspectives and ideas amongst diverse stakeholders. The events explored the acceptability, facilitators and challenges of using images to enhance unpaid carer short break conversations.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The online events were attended by 47 short break stakeholders. These stakeholders saw merit in using images to support short break conversations. They identified several facilitators and challenges to introducing images into practice. The paper highlights how this learning can inform future research and practice development.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000Supporting the well-being of older unpaid carers is a pertinent concern as the number of older unpaid carers continues to grow. This paper reports on how stakeholders have informed the earliest stages of practice and research development in a relevant area and provides a model of involvement that others can emulate.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44916,"journal":{"name":"Quality in Ageing and Older Adults","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2023-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47280573","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-06-21DOI: 10.1108/qaoa-05-2023-0032
Peter Scourfield
Purpose This paper aims to highlight current finding issues relating to the provision of hospice care services which are largely provided by the independent sector and heavily reliant on charitable fund raising. The primary focus is on the UK, but it is an issue of relevance to many other countries around the world. Design/methodology/approach The paper is an opinion piece informed by contemporary reports, official publications and research findings, as well as the author’s own work within the hospice sector. Findings As with many other countries around the world, the bulk of hospice funding in the UK comes from charitable donations of various kinds. However, the impact of COVID-19 highlighted both the fragility of this funding model and the precarious nature of hospice sector finances currently. Practical implications This is an issue of growing importance that affects older people and their families not only in the UK but in all countries with ageing populations. Hospices play an important role in providing end-of-life care and, with demand for services steadily rising due to demographic trends, there are important questions about the sustainability of the current hospice funding model. Social implications Issues of funding require a much higher level of engagement from policymakers if hospice care is going to continue to play a significant part in achieving a good death for people from all sections of society. Originality/value Although hotly debated within the hospice sector and in official reports, this issue has yet to be properly examined within academic circles.
{"title":"Funding a “good death”: the financial crisis facing hospices","authors":"Peter Scourfield","doi":"10.1108/qaoa-05-2023-0032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/qaoa-05-2023-0032","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This paper aims to highlight current finding issues relating to the provision of hospice care services which are largely provided by the independent sector and heavily reliant on charitable fund raising. The primary focus is on the UK, but it is an issue of relevance to many other countries around the world.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000The paper is an opinion piece informed by contemporary reports, official publications and research findings, as well as the author’s own work within the hospice sector.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000As with many other countries around the world, the bulk of hospice funding in the UK comes from charitable donations of various kinds. However, the impact of COVID-19 highlighted both the fragility of this funding model and the precarious nature of hospice sector finances currently.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000This is an issue of growing importance that affects older people and their families not only in the UK but in all countries with ageing populations. Hospices play an important role in providing end-of-life care and, with demand for services steadily rising due to demographic trends, there are important questions about the sustainability of the current hospice funding model.\u0000\u0000\u0000Social implications\u0000Issues of funding require a much higher level of engagement from policymakers if hospice care is going to continue to play a significant part in achieving a good death for people from all sections of society.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000Although hotly debated within the hospice sector and in official reports, this issue has yet to be properly examined within academic circles.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44916,"journal":{"name":"Quality in Ageing and Older Adults","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2023-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46046318","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-06-02DOI: 10.1108/qaoa-03-2023-0012
Rene L. Dumont, A. Sellon, Tina M. K. Newsham, Mary C. Hollifield, A. Thomas, M. Pate, Elizabeth Fugate-Whitlock
Purpose Many older adults engage in volunteer activities, drawing meaning and purpose through such efforts. Social distancing restrictions, put in place during Covid-19 surges to reduce the risk of transmission, disrupted older adult volunteers’ lives and volunteer experiences. Social distancing measures provide a unique opportunity to explore what happened when the choices around pausing or stopping volunteering were not entirely within the control of older adults. This paper aims to explore the experiences of older adult volunteers as they navigated uncertainties and made difficult decisions around balancing their safety and their desire to continue volunteering. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted interviews with 26 community-dwelling older adults, age 50+, who had engaged in volunteer activities for at least 1 h a week prior to the start of the pandemic. The interviews were conducted on the phone or via Zoom. The authors used thematic analysis to help us analyze the data and identify patterns from participants’ experiences. Findings Despite the risk presented by Covid-19, most participants volunteered during the pandemic. They continued some or all of their previous activities with safety-related adjustments, with some seeking new or different opportunities. Participants’ discussions highlight the challenges of volunteering during the pandemic and the importance of engagement to their resiliency and subjective well-being. Originality/value This paper provides original contributions to understanding how and why older adults volunteered during the Covid-19 pandemic. The social distancing measures provide a novel opportunity to enrich our understanding of the meaningfulness and value of volunteerism to older adults’ lives and subjective well-being.
{"title":"Importance of meaningful engagement: how and why older adults volunteer in uncertain times","authors":"Rene L. Dumont, A. Sellon, Tina M. K. Newsham, Mary C. Hollifield, A. Thomas, M. Pate, Elizabeth Fugate-Whitlock","doi":"10.1108/qaoa-03-2023-0012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/qaoa-03-2023-0012","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose Many older adults engage in volunteer activities, drawing meaning and purpose through such efforts. Social distancing restrictions, put in place during Covid-19 surges to reduce the risk of transmission, disrupted older adult volunteers’ lives and volunteer experiences. Social distancing measures provide a unique opportunity to explore what happened when the choices around pausing or stopping volunteering were not entirely within the control of older adults. This paper aims to explore the experiences of older adult volunteers as they navigated uncertainties and made difficult decisions around balancing their safety and their desire to continue volunteering. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted interviews with 26 community-dwelling older adults, age 50+, who had engaged in volunteer activities for at least 1 h a week prior to the start of the pandemic. The interviews were conducted on the phone or via Zoom. The authors used thematic analysis to help us analyze the data and identify patterns from participants’ experiences. Findings Despite the risk presented by Covid-19, most participants volunteered during the pandemic. They continued some or all of their previous activities with safety-related adjustments, with some seeking new or different opportunities. Participants’ discussions highlight the challenges of volunteering during the pandemic and the importance of engagement to their resiliency and subjective well-being. Originality/value This paper provides original contributions to understanding how and why older adults volunteered during the Covid-19 pandemic. The social distancing measures provide a novel opportunity to enrich our understanding of the meaningfulness and value of volunteerism to older adults’ lives and subjective well-being.","PeriodicalId":44916,"journal":{"name":"Quality in Ageing and Older Adults","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2023-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46846556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-05-29DOI: 10.1108/qaoa-03-2022-0019
C. Vidal-Martí
Purpose This study aims to explain the evaluation of a training programme for older adults to make them facilitators of a memory training project. Older adults were trained as facilitators to respond to the need to continue training memory and promote the active role of adults in the community. Design/methodology/approach The Kirkpatrick model was used to comprehensively evaluate the training programme. The participants were 89 older adults from the city of Barcelona, with an average age of 73.1 years old. To evaluate the training programme, six instruments were administered, adapted to the four levels established in Kirkpatrick’s model. Findings The results obtained show that the programme to train facilitators enables older adults to become facilitators in a memory training project. Research limitations/implications Two limitations have been identified. The first is to analyse the extent to which the participants learned from the facilitator’s memory training project. The second is the methodological improvement for future research on two issues: strengthening the validity of the instruments and incorporating a control group. Practical implications The implications for practice, presented in this article, are twofold. One is the importance of lifelong learning as a resource for remaining healthy. Another implication is the active role of older adults in the community. Originality/value This research enables older adults to become involved in responding to their own needs such as memory training. In turn, it contributes to promoting active ageing and community participation.
{"title":"Evaluation of a training programme to train older adults as facilitators in a memory training project: using Kirpatrick’s model","authors":"C. Vidal-Martí","doi":"10.1108/qaoa-03-2022-0019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/qaoa-03-2022-0019","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000This study aims to explain the evaluation of a training programme for older adults to make them facilitators of a memory training project. Older adults were trained as facilitators to respond to the need to continue training memory and promote the active role of adults in the community.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000The Kirkpatrick model was used to comprehensively evaluate the training programme. The participants were 89 older adults from the city of Barcelona, with an average age of 73.1 years old. To evaluate the training programme, six instruments were administered, adapted to the four levels established in Kirkpatrick’s model.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000The results obtained show that the programme to train facilitators enables older adults to become facilitators in a memory training project.\u0000\u0000\u0000Research limitations/implications\u0000Two limitations have been identified. The first is to analyse the extent to which the participants learned from the facilitator’s memory training project. The second is the methodological improvement for future research on two issues: strengthening the validity of the instruments and incorporating a control group.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000The implications for practice, presented in this article, are twofold. One is the importance of lifelong learning as a resource for remaining healthy. Another implication is the active role of older adults in the community.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This research enables older adults to become involved in responding to their own needs such as memory training. In turn, it contributes to promoting active ageing and community participation.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44916,"journal":{"name":"Quality in Ageing and Older Adults","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2023-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43339648","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2023-05-24DOI: 10.1108/qaoa-06-2022-0036
Ana Isabel Córdoba Iñesta, Pilar Ortí Notari, B. Gfellner
Purpose Attitudes, experiences and knowledge about menopause are relevant, especially when menopause starts earlier than expected. This study aims to examine women who underwent this transition “early” and “on-time” according to these factors. Design/methodology/approach The sample included 117 women, 69 with “on-time” and 48 with premature menopause. Participants completed three questionnaires. Findings Women with premature menopause had a better understanding of it but more negative attitudes and a higher incidence of physical and psychological symptoms, although they indicated greater feelings of control over their symptoms. Moreover, “early” menopause women appeared to exhibit greater anxiety. Practical implications Results underscore the need to inform women about menopause as a natural developmental process. Originality/value This paper shows the menopause as a difficult transition especially for women with early menopause.
{"title":"Knowledge, attitudes and experiences of menopause among “early” and “on-time” women","authors":"Ana Isabel Córdoba Iñesta, Pilar Ortí Notari, B. Gfellner","doi":"10.1108/qaoa-06-2022-0036","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1108/qaoa-06-2022-0036","url":null,"abstract":"\u0000Purpose\u0000Attitudes, experiences and knowledge about menopause are relevant, especially when menopause starts earlier than expected. This study aims to examine women who underwent this transition “early” and “on-time” according to these factors.\u0000\u0000\u0000Design/methodology/approach\u0000The sample included 117 women, 69 with “on-time” and 48 with premature menopause. Participants completed three questionnaires.\u0000\u0000\u0000Findings\u0000Women with premature menopause had a better understanding of it but more negative attitudes and a higher incidence of physical and psychological symptoms, although they indicated greater feelings of control over their symptoms. Moreover, “early” menopause women appeared to exhibit greater anxiety.\u0000\u0000\u0000Practical implications\u0000Results underscore the need to inform women about menopause as a natural developmental process.\u0000\u0000\u0000Originality/value\u0000This paper shows the menopause as a difficult transition especially for women with early menopause.\u0000","PeriodicalId":44916,"journal":{"name":"Quality in Ageing and Older Adults","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2023-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47218487","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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