Journal of Gerontological Social Work最新文献

Health screening rates remain low even in countries like Korea with universal health coverage. This study examined how perceived barriers among nonusers in 2006 were associated with screening uptake in subsequent years (2008-2020) among 4,846 Koreans (45+), using Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging data. At baseline, 47.2% hadn't received recommended screenings. The most common perceived barriers were unnecessary (42.3%) and lack of time (21.7%). While the overall likelihood of health screening uptake increased over time, longitudinal trajectories differed by perceived barriers identified at baseline. Significant interactions between time and perceived barriers also underscored the need for tailored health promotion efforts.

In today's digital era, older adults face unique challenges in adapting to technological advancements, particularly regarding online security and privacy. This study, conducted in Turkey, explores how older adults perceive and respond to digital threats. Using a phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 participants. Findings indicate strong concerns about personal data theft, distrust of data-sharing practices, and anxiety about digital mistakes. Participants rely on informal strategies to protect themselves. The study highlights the need for digital literacy programs and awareness campaigns, framed by the Digital Divide Theory, to strengthen older adults' confidence in navigating the digital world.

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) older adults experienced discrimination. There is evidence that neighborhood context may play a protective role in mental health outcomes.

Methods: Using the 2022 California AANHPI Community Needs Survey, multivariate regression models examined associations among discrimination, neighborhood characteristics, and mental health.

Results: COVID-related discrimination was associated with higher levels of serious psychological distress, while higher levels of neighborhood social cohesion and safety were associated with better mental health outcomes.

Discussion: These findings highlight the importance of neighborhood factors in promoting AANHPI older adults' mental health.

This commentary highlights a chronic and debilitating health condition which has received limited attention from social work practitioners and researchers. Similar to other chronic health problems, Osteoarthritis (OA) is more prevalent among marginalized and racialized populations along with the associated increased negative effects. OA, commonly associated with aging and older adults, contributes to social isolation, negative mental health outcomes, and substance use within this group. Provided is a brief description of OA in general with attention to the most common type, knee osteoarthritis followed by highlights on the disparities associated with the condition. The importance of social work intervention and research into this chronic health condition is essential due to its deleterious effects on older adult populations and increasing medical and social costs incurred by those with OA.

This study explored the challenges and adaptive strategies of older persons in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Using a research qualitative approach, interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 35 participants. Data were analyzed thematically, and the findings revealed challenges, such as health issues, emotional and psychological stress, financial hardship, and social exclusion. To adapt, older persons engaged in economic activities, practiced self-care, participated in religious events, and managed limited resources. Based on the findings, the study recommends the development of targeted interventions to address the needs of older persons and promote an inclusive environment for healthy aging.

Little is known about the development, implementation, and sustainability of Dementia-Friendly Communities (DFCs) in the U.S., designed to enable people living with dementia to maintain dignity, participate in community life, and access needed services. This integrative review synthesizes evidence from 17 articles (2015-2024), examining DFC stakeholders, strategies, and barriers. Findings highlight DFCs as multi-sector collaborations that enhance well-being through person-centered design, social inclusion, and caregiver support. However, challenges such as funding shortages and rural service gaps persist. Addressing these requires sustainable funding, cross-sector partnerships, targeted rural strategies, and public education to promote equity in dementia care and engagement.

This cross-sectional study examined associations between mental health, social participation, and cognitive function among 3,607 Thai older adults using data from Wave 4 of the Health, Aging, and Retirement in Thailand (HART) project, collected in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Controlling for demographics, hierarchical regression revealed higher depressive symptoms (CES-D-10) linked to lower cognitive performance. Formal social participation showed a modest buffering effect (β = 0.008, p = .002), despite an adverse main effect (β = -0.012, p < .001), likely from pandemic-related restrictions. Social networks had a positive partial correlation (r = 0.082, p < .001). Results advocate community-based interventions, including virtual formats, to support cognitive resilience.

Promoting healthy aging among older adults in a low socioeconomic position (LSP) is crucial for enhancing their quality of life and reducing the economic strain of global aging. Given their distinct challenges, such as financial constraints and limited health literacy, a multi-faceted approach is needed. This study explores motivators, facilitators, and barriers to healthy aging among LSP-older adults to better address their needs and inform intervention development. A qualitative study was conducted in five Dutch neighborhoods differing in socioeconomic position and urbanization levels. Semi-structured interviews were held with 37 community-dwelling older adults, and thematic analysis was applied. Key motivators included social connectedness, preserving health and mobility, and maintaining independence, which seemed to be interconnected and mutually reinforcing factors. Facilitators and barriers were categorized into individual, communal and institutional, and societal levels, encompassing health limitations, personality traits, neighborhood relationships and resources, and the impact of modern-day individualism and digitization. Differences between urban and rural participants underscored the need for localized approaches. To effectively promote healthy aging in this target group, interventions should adopt a holistic, systemic, and context-sensitive approach that fosters supportive environments and actively involves older adults in their design, ensuring alignment with their lived experiences and needs.

Informal kinship caregivers of maltreated children face complex challenges. Using the Andersen Model of Service Utilization and latent class analysis of 689 caregivers, we identified three challenge patterns: Financial Challenge, Child's Behavioral and Emotional Health, and Intergenerational Family Dynamics. Patterns varied by caregivers' age, race, and sex. Kinship Navigator Program (KNP) engagement mitigated age and sex disparities in the Financial Challenge Group, and racial and sex disparities in the Intergenerational Group. However, KNP did not buffer BIPOC caregivers' financial challenges or older caregivers' intergenerational challenges. Findings inform targeted, equity-focused approaches to prevention-related support for informal kinship caregivers.

With Portugal projected to have one of the oldest populations by 2050, understanding the causes and preventive measures of older adult neglect is crucial. This study qualitatively analyzes the perceptions of 52 Portuguese older adults regarding the origins and prevention of neglect. Thematic analysis identifies two broad categories of etiological factors: proximal, including personal and family problems; and distal, such as the emotional overload of caregivers and the social devaluation of older adults. Active interventions stood out, particularly in promoting autonomy, while passive interventions included support for caregivers, combating ageism, and legal and community reinforcement. This study contributes to the understanding of aging in vulnerable contexts, offering recommendations for future interventions.