Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine最新文献

COVID-19 has affected the daily activities of people worldwide. Recommendations introduced to reduce the spread of the virus led to increased use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to meet everyday needs. Such rapid digitalization had not been seen previously and not been possible to study before. Hence, this study aimed to identify and describe self-reported changes in usage of and attitudes toward ICT among three generations in Sweden during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it aimed to identify whether and how belonging to a specific generation was related to these changes. A national cross-sectional survey was conducted in June 2020 with a final sample of N = 3,000, stratified into three generations (30-39, 50-59, and 70-79-year-old persons). A majority reported using digital technology more often than before the pandemic. Compared to the youngest generation, the oldest and middle-aged generations reported that they used digital technology more often than before the pandemic. Our results show which technologies were considered essential for different generations during the early phase of the pandemic. This information can be used to guide policy makers based on knowledge concerning the needs and demands for digital technologies in everyday life among people of different ages.

This qualitative study aimed to gain insight into the impact of COVID-19 on Home Care Workers (HCWs). During COVID-19 HCWs provided a lifeline for home care clients to support older people remaining living in their own homes. With a high-risk client base, HCWs were one of the few (Health and Social Care Professional) HSCPs to continue providing home-based care throughout COVID-19. Despite these contributions HCWs provided for aging in place during COVID-19, a paucity of research exists in relation to the challenges and impact of the pandemic on HCWs. Three in-person focus groups were conducted (n = 23). Two main themes were produced guided by a Reflexive Thematic Analysis approach to enable the researchers to best represent the participants experiences: Challenges and concerns to the personal and private lives of HCWs and Navigating home-based complexities of HCWs workplace during COVID-19. health care challenges to minimize impact to HCWs issues to create a safe workplace for HCWs.

Purpose: Patients and surgeons may be reluctant on spinal surgery over 80 years old, fearing medical complications despite the possible improvement on quality of life. However, fewer reservations for lower limb prosthetic surgery (LLPS) seem to be arisen in this population. Is spinal surgery after 80 years-old responsible of more complications than lower limb surgery? Methods: The consecutive files of 164 patients over 80 years that had spinal surgery or LLPS were analyzed. The data collected pre-operatively were demographic, clinical and post-operatively the number and types of medical complications and length of stay. Results: The mean number of medical complications was 1.11 ± 0.6 [0-6] for spinal surgery and 1.09 ± 1.0 [0-3] for LLPS, (p = 0,87). The length of stay in orthopedic unit was comparable between the two groups: 10.7 ± 4.9 days [2-36] for SS and 10.7 ± 3.0 days [5-11] for LLPS (p = 0,96). Conclusion: The global rate of peri-operative complications and the length of hospital stay were similar between spinal surgery and lower limb prosthetic surgery. These results may be explained by the rising cooperation between geriatric specialist and surgeons and the development of mini-invasive surgical technics, diminishing the early post-operative complication rates.

Purpose: Assisted Living (AL) residents are embedded in "care convoys" comprised of a dynamic network of formal and informal care partners. Using the convoys of care model-a multi-level framework connecting care convoy properties to resident outcomes-we examined healthcare management and communication between convoy members. We recommend strategies to engage primary care in supporting collaboration, communication, and consensus-building for older adults and their convoys. Methods: Data were collected from the longitudinal study, Convoys of Care: Developing Collaborative Care Partnerships in AL. Fifty residents and their care convoy members (N = 169) were followed in eight AL homes in Georgia over 2 years. Original data were analyzed using Grounded Theory Methods of qualitative data, including formal and informal interviewing, participant observation, and record review. Results: The convoys of care model provide an innovative perspective that will assist providers in supporting AL residents and their care partners to achieve better care outcomes. Findings demonstrate the utility of understanding the structure and function of social resources and implications for improving healthcare outcomes. Conclusion: This research informs the work of physicians and mid-level providers with patients in AL by providing strategies to uncover specific social determinants of health. Recommendations for use in patient encounters are enumerated.

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.