Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine最新文献

This qualitative study explores the experiences of elderly beggars who transitioned from a life of homelessness to a hopeful life through rehabilitation programs. The aim is to gain insights into their lived experiences, challenges faced during their homeless phase, and the transformative effects of rehabilitation interventions. The study employs Case study approach applying thematic analysis to capture the narratives of elderly individuals who have undergone rehabilitation. The data was collected directly from the elderly using purposive sampling method. The in-depth interview guide was used to collect data from 30 elderly people in Atchayam Beggars Rehabilitation centre at Erode. From the findings, it was clear that homeless phase is characterized by extreme poverty, social exclusion, health issues, and a lack of basic necessities. The elderly beggars face numerous challenges, including stigma, discrimination, and a sense of hopelessness. The study documents the transformative journey of the elderly beggars, highlighting the positive changes they experience after rehabilitation. These changes include improved physical and mental well-being, restored self-esteem, regained social connections, and the acquisition of new skills. The elderly experience a renewed sense of hope, dignity, and empowerment as they move from vulnerability to independence and self-sufficiency. The study also highlights the significance of destigmatization efforts and community involvement in fostering the successful reintegration of elderly beggars into society. The study also contributes to the existing literature by shedding light on the possibilities for positive change and the journey from homeless life to a hopeful life among this vulnerable population.

Food insecurity impacts the lives of 7.6 million U.S. adults aged 60 and older and is linked to numerous life challenges. This study examined the nature of food insecurity among community-based participants ≥65 years in a north Florida county and conceptualized food insecurity as encompassing the lack of food and individual adaptability. Thus, food insecurity was measured using three dependent variables: (1) worrying that food would run out, (2) cutting meal size or skipping meals, and (3) food not lasting. Logistic regression revealed that older participants, those with better-perceived health status, and those who were confident that they could find solutions to their problems had lower odds of reporting food insecurity. However, respondents who lived in low-income, low-access zip codes and those who received food assistance were more likely to report food insecurity. To improve outcomes and reduce healthcare disparities, solutions to food insecurity must vary in focus and approach.

This study investigated the behavioral intention of Filipino older adults toward using telemedicine and the pivotal role of initial trust in influencing this intention. A cross-sectional method was employed, involving a questionnaire administered to 180 participants using convenience sampling. The structural model test results indicate that subjective norm, attitude, and notably, initial trust positively impact the behavioral intention to use telemedicine, whereas perceived behavioral control does not significantly affect intention. This underscores the significance of subjective norm and attitude in shaping behavioral intention, consistent with the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), while the extended construct of initial trust played a crucial role in influencing the attitude and intention of older adults, highlighting its importance in technology adoption. The study aligns with the trend of increased telemedicine adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for trust in sensitive healthcare contexts. Establishing initial trust is vital for successful telemedicine implementation among Filipino older adults, enhancing healthcare accessibility and well-being.

As global population ages, "Aging in Place" is prioritized as the top aging strategy for many of the older adults worldwide. India, being a nation that is expected to hold the maximum share of the older adult population in the near future, has a huge responsibility vested in it to take care of the needs of older adults. The social structure of the nation has emphasized the importance of older adults to age in place, experiencing all the independence and autonomy at their own dwelling places for as long as possible. This study aims to provide a profound understanding of the meaning, attitude, and perceptions of older adults toward aging in place. Using a qualitative research design, in-depth interviews were conducted among 15 community-dwelling older adults who chose aging in place in Kerala, India. Following the interviews, thematic network analysis was done, inspired by Jennifer Attride-Stirling. Three global themes were derived, which include the older adults' perspectives on (1) determinants of aging in place, (2) challenges of aging in place, and (3) strategies for successful aging in place. The study evokes in-depth exploration of the experiences of older adults aging in place, which inform future evidence-based practices and policy-level implications.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) affects 15% of adults 50 years old and over. Individuals living with MCI have shown decreased social participation, a critical activity as it may delay cognitive decline. Depression may be a key factor in limiting participation. This study is a secondary data analysis of 30 older adults living with MCI, looking for associations with participation. Participation was examined using the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS^®) Satisfaction with Participation in Social Roles Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) form. Depressive symptoms were reported using the PROMIS Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders Depression CAT form and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PhQ-9) form. Results showed that demographics (age, sex) were not significantly associated with participation, but depressive symptoms were significantly associated. This suggests that adults living with MCI who have higher levels of depressive symptoms may be a uniquely vulnerable population who benefit from interventions that support participation.

Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) becomes more common as the population ages, making diagnosis challenging and leading to underdiagnosis and poor management. Person-centered care is crucial for successful rehabilitation outcomes, and patient's personality influences it. Female, 77 years old, diagnosed with CES caused by nucleus pulposus herniation at fourth to fifth lumbar vertebrae, with a complication of pressure injury grade IV due to immobilization. Her family's lack of caregiving skills, poverty, and histrionic personality disorder were her barriers to comply to rehabilitation program. Adding a psychotherapy based on personality on rehabilitation program increased her functional outcome. This case highlight the significance of assessing each patient's personality to optimize outcomes, emphasizing the importance of tailoring rehabilitation programs to individual needs, including psychosocial and environmental factors.

Objectives: To assess and compare levels of social support (SS), social participation (SP) and life accomplishment (LA) among older adults in some assisted-living facilities (ALFs) and their community-dwelling (CD) peers. Methods: One hundred twenty older adults (54 ALF, 66 CD) from a Nigerian population participated in this cross-sectional survey. The Multidimensional Scale for Perceived Social Support, the Participation Scale and the Life Habit Questionnaires were used to evaluate levels of SS, SP, and LA, respectively. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman rank order correlation, at .05 alpha level. Results: Participation restriction (PR) was significantly more prevalent among the ALF group compared to the CD group (χ² = 12.74; p = .01) but the two groups enjoyed comparable level of SS. LA was significantly better for the CD group in the overall score. LA had significant correlation with PR in both the ALFs (r = -.44; p < .05) and CD (r = -.62; p < .05) group. Conclusions: Older adults in ALFs received moderate SS, had LA, and a high PR, while CD older adults received a high SS and LA but had no PR. The findings implicate that social participation and enhancing community support for older adults may be important for a sustainable community.

In response to the growing need for effective policy implementation strategies for older adults in South Korea, we propose the establishment of a user-centered institution tightly integrated with policies, termed, "comprehensive gateway institution for older adults." This research addresses the challenges 231 older adult users face when navigating various health policies. Our survey findings revealed that these users experienced difficulties in dealing with the current policy approach for older adults. The respondents expressed their expectations for improved service access through the proposed gateway institution. They emphasized the importance of universal access to services and the need for personalized offerings that consider their unique circumstances, physical abilities, and skills. By incorporating these research outcomes into practice, we can help lay the groundwork for more effective policies measures and create a system that better meets the needs of older adults in the future.