Journal of Gerontological Social Work最新文献

Participant recruitment in dementia caregiver research is recognized as challenging. This article details the strategies, barriers, and successes of a recruitment approach of a clinical intervention trial for family caregivers of persons living with dementia. Throughout the study, we dealt with challenges both within and outside the researchers' control. These challenges included institutional barriers, community barriers, and individual barriers. To maximize our chances for success, we focused on building strong relationships between the research team and the participants. Using social workers as recruiters, maintaining frequent contact with participants, and flexibility in managing challenges promoted modest success in recruitment and retention.

Given the mental health impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the vulnerability of socially disadvantaged older adults, we examined the associations among ACEs, self-perceptions of aging and mental health in low-income older Korean immigrants. Using data from 320 residents in subsidized housing in Los Angeles (mean age = 79.4), we found a significant indirect effect of ACEs on depressive symptoms through self-perceptions of aging (B [SE] = .12 [.05], bias-corrected 95% CI = 0.02, 0.22). These findings elucidate a mechanism through which early life adversities affect the current mental health of older adults and highlight the importance of interventions aimed at promoting positive perceptions of aging.

This study examined the role of gender, social frailty, depressive symptoms, and cognitive impairment on life satisfaction, along with the interaction effect of social frailty between gender and life satisfaction. We used the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave 1 data and considered 23,345 older adults. Multivariate models, ordinary least squares regression, and moderation analyses were conducted. The higher levels of social frailty status depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment reduced life satisfaction. The interaction models revealed that the relationship between gender and life satisfaction was moderated by social frailty. The results indicate the need to improve social networks and engagement among aging adults.

This article focuses on older adults' resilience following major losses. Interviews of seventeen older adults in Ireland illuminate the resilience process and its social dimensions - family, friends, social participation, formal supports, faith and spirituality. Becoming resilient is a process that develops through agential resolve contextualized by utilization of available resources. Those who had struggled to see themselves as resilient benefited from formal supports - such as counseling and social prescribing - that helped them to engage resilient agency. The resilience process presents as an internal resolution aided by social supports.

After the earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, thousands of people started to live in container cities. Determining the life satisfaction levels of older adults living in these cities and investigating the factors that may be effective are of vital importance for individuals. 274 older adults living in container cities in Kahramanmaraş city constituted the sample of this study. Results show that the life satisfaction levels of earthquake victims older adults living in the container city are at a medium level. Additionally, both perceptions of loneliness and death anxiety had a negative relationship with life satisfaction.

Older adults, particularly older adults of minoritized communities, may be particularly at risk for adverse outcomes when gentrification occurs. This literature review aims to synthesize existing definitions and measurement approaches and summarize gentrification's implications for older adults. 39 articles were identified and extrapolated. The investigation identified differences in the definition of gentrification, resulting in inconsistent findings. The most consistent findings revealed that minoritized populations, particularly Black older adults, were most vulnerable. A scientific consensus must be reached when defining and operationalizing gentrification. Such refinements will result in more robust research that describes the implications of gentrification for older adults.

As the older population grows in Türkiye, students' attitudes toward older adults and their educational satisfaction gain increasing importance. This study examined the relationship between these factors among 210 associate degree students in elderly care and social work programs. Students showed generally positive attitudes toward older adults (M = 142) and moderate to high educational satisfaction (M = 108). A low but significant positive correlation was found between attitudes and satisfaction (ρ = .21, p < .05). These findings suggest that strengthening empathy- and awareness-based educational content may improve student satisfaction and the quality of care for older adults.

Urbanization and an aging population challenges social service accessibility for older adults in Portugal. This study used socio-spatial modeling, integrating data from the Portuguese Social Charter and National Institute of Statistics, to evaluate service allocation and the mismatch with older adults' needs. Geospatial and Multiple Linear Regression Models showed high demand and service saturation in urban centers like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. Conversely, significant service gaps were identified in rural and inland regions. Lower utilization in economically weaker areas suggests a strong need for financial support. Findings suggest targeted regional planning for equitable resource allocation and better service provision.