Digital Commons Network^™

The Pension Factor: Assessing The Role Of Defined Benefit Plans In Reducing Elder Hardships, Frank Porell, Beth Almeida

Gerontology Institute Publications

Traditional defined benefit (DB) pension plans have long been an important source of income for elder households seeking to maintain a middle-class standard of living after a lifetime of work. Under traditional DB plans, retirees receive a guaranteed, regular stream of income after retirement that continues until death.

The monthly pension benefit is typically based on years of service to the employer, age, and salary history. Retirees also have the option to elect a joint-and-survivor benefit, to ensure that pension payments continue to a surviving spouse. DB plan participation rates among private sector American workers have sharply decreased from about …

Service-Learning In Tertiary Institutes : Nurturing A Giving Culture Among U-Students In Hong Kong, Cheung Ming, Alfred Chan

Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Service-Learning 亞太地區服務研習會議

Lingnan University is the first University in Hong Kong to set up an Office of Service-Learning that echoes its long-standing motto, ‘Education for Service’. Our mission, following the same tradition enacted in the 70s by the US leading universities, is not only to develop able scholars, but also to serve our community with the knowledge learned in classrooms. Service-Learning seeks to provide a vital university-community link through which students can find meanings in academic pursuits and in helping those in need. Serving in real life situations also facilitates students’ learning in lifelong commitments to community service, research and leadership. In …

Life Long Education Experience At Lingnan University, Ying Po Cheung, Chi Ping Kwan, Che Kau Li, Kit Ha Tong, Fat Hing Yip

APIAS Monograph 專題論文

Owing to the advancement of medical technology, food availability, improved environment and health conditions, population ageing is a phenomenon that is occurring both globally and locally. In Hong Kong, the elderly population defined as comprising people aged 65 and over, was 653,700 in 1996 (Census & Statistics Department 2005a). By 2006, it will be 839,600 (Census & Statistics Department 2004), representing a net increase of 33%. During the same period (1996—2006), the increase in the old-old group (aged 75 and over) is 59%. In Hong Kong, the decrease in birth rate coupled with an increase in average life expectancy, and …

Primetimes Newsletter, Summer 2009, Office Of Lifespan Studies

PrimeTimes Newsletter

PrimeTimes is the newsletter of the Office of Lifespan Studies in the College of Science at Coastal Carolina University.

Inspiring The Retirees Towards Active Ageing : A Case Study Of The Elderly Shop Project, Kwok Fai, Tony Leung

APIAS Monograph 專題論文

The “elderly shop” project is a project for retired elderly who are commonly identified as recipients of care and assistance, to venture into business. It provides a platform for them to be actively engaged in productive activities. This project is based on the “self-financing” business model. With the elderly as role models other social groups such as housewives and non-engaged/unemployed youths are also enlisted to provide support to this project. Together they form the service team. The transfer of “know how” and consultative support provided by the business community and professionals enable this project to provide services to those who …

Inside Unlv, Diane Russell, Shane Bevell, Mamie Peers

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.

服務研習通訊第六期 Office Of Service-Learning Newsletters, Volume 6, Office Of Service-Learning, Lingnan University

SLant 嶺召

在今期通訊中，我們將會為您介紹嶺南大學的服務研習計劃模式，並與您分享過往3年的努力成果。

In this issue, we are thrilled to introduce the model of Service-Learning programs at Lingnan University. In the meantime, you can know more about our achievement after 3 years of hard work.

Elderly Participation : My Experience As A Retiree, Fan Chun, Peter Tsang

APIAS Monograph 專題論文

Adaptation to life after retirement can be a challenge. In spite of being psychologically prepared, retirees often experience the feelings of idleness and restlessness. In order to be able to adapt, retirees must learn how to make their life more enjoyable and meaningful. Based on my experience, I suggest volunteering which is meaningful to the individual, family and the community at large. Volunteering can also result in personal growth as it is not only a process of giving but also learning as well. In this paper, I would like to share five of the most essential “ingredients” that would make …

An Evolving Practice Model In The Development Of Lifelong Education For Senior Citizens, Wai Chuen Shum

APIAS Monograph 專題論文

Promoting productive and successful aging has gradually become a main concern for society at large, in particular, public policy makers, gerontologists and social workers in ageing societies. In Hong Kong, the population aged 60 years and above has increased from 745,500 (13% of the total population) in 1991 to 1,004,400 (14.8%) in 2001 (Census & Statistics Department 2005). This figure will increase to about 2.2 million representing 27.7% of the population by 2023 within a span of about twenty years (Census & Statistics Department 2004). With this rapid growth of the elderly population, greater efforts are urgently needed to prepare …

Remembering Chicago Sociologists, Leo Goodman

Bios Sociologicus: The Erving Goffman Archives

This conversation with Leo Goodman, Professor Emeritus of sociology at the University of Chicago, was recorded over the phone on May 28, 2009. Dmitri Shalin transcribed the interview, after which Dr. Goodman approved posting the present version in the Erving Goffman Archives. Breaks in the conversation flow are indicated by ellipses. Supplementary information and additional materials inserted during the editing process appear in square brackets. Undecipherable words and unclear passages are identified in the text as “[?]”.

Finding A Lost Pension, Pension Action Center, Gerontology Institute, University Of Massachusetts Boston, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

Pension Action Center Publications

Workers may be tempted to shrug their shoulders and write off the pensions as “lost.” Indeed, some pensions may in fact be gone forever. In many cases, though, the pension money is sitting safely in a fund, waiting only for the worker (or a surviving spouse or beneficiary) to come forward to collect it. If you think you may be entitled to money in a pension fund, either as a participant or as a spouse or beneficiary of a participant, it makes sense to try to track it down. This booklet, which is based on the experience of pension counselors, …

Gender And Friendship Norms Among Older Adults, Diane Felmlee, Anna M. Muraco

Sociology Faculty Works

The authors examined same- and cross-gender friendship norms in a sample of 135 adults (average age 73 years). Participants evaluated a friend’s behavior, quantitatively and qualitatively, in vignettes in which the friend’s gender was experimentally manipulated. Gender often significantly, though modestly, influenced normative evaluations. Women frequently had higher expectations of friends than men and placed a greater emphasis on intimacy. Women were more disapproving of violations of friendship rules, such as betraying a confidence, paying a surprise visit, and failing to stand up for a friend in public. However, both men and women were less approving of a man than …

Defining Family: Naming, Orientation, And Redemption In The Case Of Terri Schiavo, M. Chad Mcbride, Karen L. Taas, Paige W. Toller

Communication Faculty Publications

This paper undertakes a detailed analysis of the Terri Schiavo case as it was covered in popular media. Drawing on Burkean theory, we argue a critical issue in the case was a struggle between Terri's parents and husband to be seen as the more legitimate family in order to determine the duration and extent of Terri 's medical care. We discuss how the private debate over Terri's health and the decision to remove her feeding tube entered into the public scenes of legal and political action. This shift to the public scene represented problems for the parties directly involved in …

Using Internet‐Based Vignette Methods To Understand Elder Residential Choices, Francis G. Caro, Teck Ho, Daniel Mcfadden, Alison Gottlieb, Christine Yee, Taizan Chan, Joachim Winter

Gerontology Institute Publications

This paper illustrates an innovative method of administering fractional factorial surveys (vignettes) using the internet. The approach makes it possible to use video clips to deliver information. The method also provides subjects with interactive options before making judgments. A study to determine the views of older people regarding residential options is used to illustrate the method. The study found that the following characteristics of vignette persons affected subject recommendations: personal introduction, functional status, social network, and current housing characteristics. However, characteristics of retirement community features and personal financial status did not affect recommendations.

Visual Impairment And Eye Care Among Older Americans: Secondary Analysis Of The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (Brfss), Amy L. Freeland

Dissertations

The aim of this three-paper format dissertation is to explore three topics relevant to public health and vision loss. The three papers are independent studies, yet build upon each other by first describing the population of people aged 40 years and older in the United States in terms of visual impairment, diagnosed eye disease/injury, and their use of eye care, and then next exploring the factors that influence eye care use for both the general population and the subpopulation of people with diagnosed diabetes. The first paper provides a state-level examination of the characteristics of people aged 40 years and …

Media Exposure And Women's Fear Of Crime, Pamela C. Hooper

Sociology & Criminal Justice Theses & Dissertations

This study examines the relationship between the media portrayal of women and crime on television and fear of crime among female viewers. Data from the National Opinion Survey of Crime and Justice was used. A weak relationship between media exposure and fear of crime was found. Consistent with previous research, a statistically significant gender difference was revealed. Women reported higher levels of fear overall. When television dramas were examined, women who watched these shows had a lower reported fear of crime. An unexpected inverse relationship emerged between women's age and fear of crime. This finding contradicts a majority of the …

Welcome To The Neighborhood: Does Where You Live Affect The Use Of Nutrition, Health, And Welfare Programs?, Molly De Marco, Allison C. De Marco

The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare

Despite the recent upsurge in neighborhood effects research, few studies have examined the impact of neighborhood characteristics on the use of nutrition, health, and welfare programs. To explore these issues, this study used data from Welfare, Children, and Families: A Three-City Study, a longitudinal dataset comprised of low-income neighborhoods in Boston, San Antonio, and Chicago (n=1,712). Using hierarchical linear models, the results indicated that both individual (education, employment, and marriage) and perceived neighborhood disorder factors were related to social service use.

服務研習通訊第五期 Office Of Service-Learning Newsletters, Volume 5, Office Of Service-Learning, Lingnan University

SLant 嶺召

今期通訊回顧了各個國際及本地的服務研習計劃，並為您介紹兩位客席服務研習導師。另一方面，我們亦詳述了長者學苑計劃的突破性發展。

In this issue, we highlight both our international and local Service-Learning programs as well as introduce our 2 Visiting Service-Learning Tutors to you. In the meantime, you can know more about the exceptional progress of the Elder Academy by reading it.

North America's Native Peoples: A Social Justice And Trauma Counseling Approach, Sherri Turner, Mark Pope

Education Sciences and Professional Programs Faculty Works

This article understands North America's indigenous peoples in the context of social justice. The authors discuss the role of legislation in shaping cultural contexts of indigenous people and influencing mental health issues in Native American communities. Trauma counseling with Native Americans is explored.Este artículo entiende a los habitantes indígenas de norteamérica en el contexto de la justicia social. Los autores discuten el papel que juega la legislación en la formación de los contextos culturales de los pueblos indígenas y la influencia que ejerce en los problemas de salud mental en las comunidades de Americanos Nativos. Se explora la terapia de …

Family Matters, Phyllis Braudy Harris, John Keady

Sociology

No abstract provided.

Participants' Perception Of The Utility Of An Adult Day Health Care Center, Sherry Ann Snyder

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study is to assess the participants' perception of San Bernardino Adult Day Health Care. Adult day health care centers serve the mentally ill as well as the mentally disabled and elderly population, and are designed to help keep the participants in the community and free from institutionalization.

Substance Abuse Among The Aging Population: A Needs Assessment, Stephen Michael Clark

Theses Digitization Project

This needs assessment was composed of 33 clinicians' in Riverside and San Bernardino counties that work in the substance abuse field. This study was developed to test if there is a need to increase clinicians' knowledge level base when working with older adults age 65 plus with a substance abuse problem. This needs assessment looked at demographics and tested the differences between self reported knowledge and what instruments their agencies are currently using.

Caregivers' Perceptions Of Disabled Elders Preparations For A Natural Disaster, Brenda Marie Starkins

Theses Digitization Project

The focus of this research study was to evaluate caregivers' perceptions of how well disabled elders are prepared for a natural disaster. This study was conducted through the Inland Caregiver Resource Center. Participants included six hundred ninety-one caregivers who care for and support the disabled elderly population.

The Utilization Of Temporary Emergency Protective Custody Orders For At Risk Elder And Dependent Adults: An Exploratory Study, Mary Avitia-Torres

Theses Digitization Project

This study discusses how the utilization of temporary emergency protective custody orders would help Adult Protective Services (APS) social workers in San Bernardino County with their modes of interventions. This study sought to identify the gaps and challenges faced by APS social workers and help develop a theory explaining what collaborative efforts are needed by certain agencies in order to deliver effective protective services to endangered elderly and dependent adults. The research site and participants utilized for this study were APS social workers employed in the County of San Bernardino Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) Region One.

In Our Own Words: A Qualitative Study Of Bachelor And Master Of Social Work Interns At Vitas Hospice, Martha Elizabeth Romero

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of Bachelor/Master of Social Work (BSW/MSW) interns who completed a full year internship at Vitas Hospice in San Bernardino. Using the post positivist paradigm, the researcher interviewed nine previous BSW/MSW interns to find out about their experiences as interns while at Vitas Hospice. The study was conducted by interviewing the nine interns and their responses were used to develop a theory of the interns' experience. These experiences led to learning about what was helpful and what was not helpful for their development as social workers as …

Elder Depression Among Nursing Home Residents, Alejandro Paul Holguin

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this was designed to confirm the hypothesis that depression is prevalent among nursing home residents. Elder depression is a huge problem in society, especially as the older population continues to grow at an alarming rate. This study investigated the correlations between demographic information and item responses.

Veteran Baby Boomer Retirement Planning, Kahalia Tunisha Anderson

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this project was to explore how prepared for retirement are some military veterans who are baby boomers. The retirement prospects of baby boomers have become a leading cause of public interest. Some experts contend that the poor saving routines of boomers could possibly be the breaking point of the United States' economic growth and place financial concern on government programs such as Medicare and Social Security. The study site was the Veterans Home of California Barstow (VHCB) and the surrounding community in Barstow, CA.

Seniors' Perceptions And Experiences Of Autonomy In A Health Care Setting, Dianne Rae Goldberg

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this study was to develop and implement a process by which nursing home seniors could identify and describe feelings of autonomy. This study assumed that seniors themselves are in the best position to describe their perceptions of autonomy and the factors that contributed to those perceptions.

Economic Insecurity And Depression Among Low Socioeconomic Status Adults, Laura Margaret Wills

Theses Digitization Project

The purpose of this research is to discover the effects of economic insecurity and low socioeconomic status on depression in adults. Mixed correlations were discovered, but the findings appear to support the need for increased mental health services for people with low socioeconomic status.

Pilot Community-Based Intervention To Address The Needs Of Elderly Caregivers In The Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, Priscilla Reddy, Shegs James, H. Mutumba Bilay-Boon, Eka Esu-Williams, Hena Khan

HIV and AIDS

The HIV epidemic in South Africa has placed a substantial burden on elderly caregivers, mainly women, who are often tasked with caring for their grandchildren who are orphaned and rendered vulnerable by the death or illness of their parents. The Medical Research Council (MRC), Age-in-Action, and the Horizons Program conducted formative research, as described in this research summary, to assess the needs of elderly caregivers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa in 2005. The investigations revealed that elderly caregivers faced a number of challenges including difficulty communicating with youth, fears and a sense of hopelessness around matters regarding …