Digital Commons Network^™

An Integrative Approach To Investigating Bilingual Advantages In Cognitive Decline: The Australian Longitudinal Study Of Ageing, Wei Xing Toh, Andree Hartanto, Joanne Qin Ying Tan, Hwajin Yang

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

A commentary on “The relationship of bilingualism to cognitive decline: The Australian Longitudinal Study of Ageing” by Mukadam N, Jichi F, Green D, Livingston G (2018). International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 33(2), e249‐e256, .

Labour Research Conference 2018: Upskilling Of Mature Workers, Stephen Hoskins, Luca Facchinello

Research Collection School Of Economics

Many developed countries are approaching an era of ageing population due to an increase in longevity and decrease in fertility rates. Singapore is no exception, having one of the fastest ageing populations in Asia, which is driven by low fertility rates and the third longest life expectancy in the world. The number of elderly citizens, defined as those aged 65 and above, is expected to triple to 900,000 by 2030, making up about 28% of the total population in Singapore (Population SG, 2016). This changing population age profile, combined with a competitive labour market, means it makes business sense to …

Lifestyles, Income, Health Factors, And Life Satisfaction Of Older Hispanic Adults, Gina Fe G. Causin Ph.D., Hyunsook Kang Ph.D., Mary S. Olle Ph.D.

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

The aim of this study was to explore to what extent life styles, income, and health factors contribute to the life satisfaction of Hispanic older adults. A secondary data analysis from a national survey of Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (HEPESE) (Markides, Ray, Angel, & Espino, 2012) was used. Subjects were Hispanic older adults (over 75 years, n = 1542). For this study, Hispanics and Latinos were considered as one and the same. A two-step hierarchical regression was conducted to address the research question. The results showed health status and income were unique predictors in …

“My Determination Is To Live”: Narratives Of African-American Women Who Have Lived With Hiv For 10 Or More Years, Sabrina Cherry, Kathleen Demarrais, Cheryl Keita, Marsha Davis, Joel Lee

The Qualitative Report

Exploring the experiences of African-American women who have lived with HIV for many years can inform public health practice on how to better serve high-risk populations along the care continuum. To understand the experiences of African-American women who are HIV positive, the researchers used a narrative approach to guide repeat interviews. Under a theoretical framework of Womanism, we interviewed six African-American women ages 48-66 (M=57) who have lived with HIV for 10 years or longer and conducted analyses of narrative to identify key themes. The primary themes were: recollecting early hardships, HIV infection, and diagnosis; embracing social support; surviving and …

The Multi-Scalar Organization Of Aging-Related Services In Us Rural Places, David L. Brown, Nina Glasgow, Laszlo J. Kulcsar, Scott R. Sanders, Brian C. Thiede

Faculty Publications

Many rural communities in the United States are experiencing significant population aging, and these changes in age structure are often associated with shifts in economic activity. The demands for certain goods and services are expected to vary across age groups, and public- and private-sector service providers may make decisions based on their interpretation of demographic trends. The extent to which these perceived changes in the demand for services align with their provision has significant implications for the well-being of the older residents of aging communities. In this article, we draw on case studies of four aging communities across the rural …

Older Adults' Health Care Utilization A Year After Experiencing Fear Or Distress From Hurricane Sandy, Laura P Sands, Yimeng Xie, Rachel Pruchno, Allison Heid, Yili Hong

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether self-reports of disaster-related psychological distress predict older adults' health care utilization during the year after Hurricane Sandy, which hit New Jersey on October 29, 2012.

METHODS: Respondents were from the ORANJ BOWL Study, a random-digit dialed sample from New Jersey recruited from 2006 to 2008. Medicare hospital, emergency department (ED) and outpatient claims data from 2012 and 2013 were matched to 1607 people age 65 and older in 2012 who responded to follow-up surveys conducted from July 2013 to July 2015 to determine their hurricane-related experiences.

RESULTS: In total, 7% (107) of respondents reported they experienced …

Easthampton Council On Aging Planning Study, Caitlin Coyle, Jan Mutchler, Ceara Somerville

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

This report describes collaborative efforts undertaken by the City of Easthampton Council on Aging (ECOA) and the Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging (CSDRA), within the Gerontology Institute at the McCormack Graduate School, University of Massachusetts Boston. Beginning in Fall 2017, these organizations partnered to conduct a study to investigate the needs, interests, preferences, and opinions of the City’s residents age 55 and older. During this assessment, multiple approaches were utilized to compile information that could be used to plan and implement current and future services. We examined data from the U.S. Census Bureau and from projections generated …

Evaluasi Manfaat Penggunaan Aplikasi E-Mobile Posyandu Terhadap Kader Posyandu Dalam Proyek Pos Pintar Sebagai Program Csr The Hongkong And Shanghai Bank Corporation (Hsbc) Di Posyandu Pepaya, Rw 16, Kecamatan Cilincing, Jakarta Utara.

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

The role of cadres is very important in improving posyandu services, therefore we need to strengthen the role of cadre as a source of health information and to encourage mothers with children under five years old to come to the posyandu. Through one of HSBC CSR programs called Pos Pintar Project, cadres are capacitated through the training of mobile-Posyandu applications so that they can provide better services to mothers with children under five years old who come to the posyandu. This study uses a qualitative approach with a type of summative evaluation research. The result shows that posyandu cadres who …

Pemahaman Situasi Anak Yang Berkonflik Dengan Hukum Pada Lembaga Pemasyarakatan Orang Dewasa: Suatu Kajian Literatur.

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

Based on data of the Prison Database System, on November 2013, the number of prisoners is 5730, with detail of 2233 were detained (with details of 2168 as boys and the rest were girls) and 3497 child delinquent (with details of 3428 boys and girls). The increase in cases of child delinquent is not balanced with the increase in the number of prisons and special detention for children. The number of special detention for Children in Indonesia is only 17 units out of 33 provinces. From 17 special detention for Children in Indonesia, there are only 8 units of special …

Peran Pendamping Dalam Intervensi Pada Orang Dengan Hiv/Aids (Odha).

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

People living HIV / AIDS have social problems in various dimensions, especially in the social dimension such as being excluded from the social environment, lacking social support, difficulties in establishing relationships with the social environment, and being not confident with status as himself as a person with HIV. To help people living HIV/AIDS problems in their social dimensions, in Jember Regency there is a Peer Support Group (PSG) of Pelangi which intervenes both with individual and group approaches. In carrying out the intervention, there were social worker who included former People living HIV/AIDS and not The role of social worker …

Model Kemitraan Dalam Pemberdayaan Usaha Mikro Pedesaan.

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

Recent literature has explored enough strategies to empower MSMEs. This research offers a different perspective by giving more emphasis on empowerment aspects to rural business partners by student groups. The research approach used is qualitative through in-depth interviews with informants related to research questions such as students as agent of change and rural business partners. Some important findings that emerge are several strategies in empowering MSMEs that arise in partnership and foster parents models with intensive assistance from student groups to business partners. Some effective strategies found are building relationships and trust, using directive and nondirective interventions, strengths perspective, achievement …

Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Oleh Pt Nestle Indonesia Melalui Kelompok Tani Ternak Sapi Perah Budi Luhur.

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

Poverty is a social welfare issue and has become the focus of world development. The most basic form of poverty is the deprivation of welfare. Poverty is experienced by many developing countries like Indonesia and nowadays it is centered in rural areas. Therefore, PT Nestle as part of the private sector has an obligation to support and help solve poverty experienced by the state. The manifestations of these efforts are to support community empowerment through Budi Luhur Dairy Farmers Group --- as one of the strategies to reduce poverty. Why is it focused on dairy farmers? Because they increase the …

Pemahaman Situasi Anak Yang Berkonflik Dengan Hukum Pada Lembaga Pemasyarakatan Orang Dewasa: Suatu Kajian Literatur.

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

Based on data of the Prison Database System, on November 2013, the number of prisoners is 5730, with detail of 2233 were detained (with details of 2168 as boys and the rest were girls) and 3497 child delinquent (with details of 3428 boys and girls). The increase in cases of child delinquent is not balanced with the increase in the number of prisons and special detention for children. The number of special detention for Children in Indonesia is only 17 units out of 33 provinces. From 17 special detention for Children in Indonesia, there are only 8 units of special …

A Comprehensive Database Of Senior Centers In Massachusetts, Jan E. Mutchler, Ceara Somerville

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

This report was produced by the Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging (CSDRA), a research unit within the Gerontology Institute at UMass Boston, in partnership with the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging (MCOA).

The goal of this project is to develop and distribute a comprehensive database that will contribute to successfully meeting the shared goals of MCOA and EOEA. It will facilitate clearer explanations about what COAs do, supporting more effective advocacy efforts on the part of MCOA and stronger reporting by EOEA. It will be a resource for MCOA staff, helping member COAs identify relevant models …

Wenham Connects: An Age And Dementia Friendly Needs Assessment, Caitlin Coyle

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

Wenham is a small residential community of approximately 5,000 residents located about 22 miles north of Boston. Public transit access to downtown Boston located in the neighboring town of Hamilton provides access to employment and recreational activities outside of the town’s boundaries. In addition, Wenham is home to abundant green space (e.g., wetland systems and Wenham Lake) that provide residents with opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The Wenham Council on Aging (COA)is a municipal department designed to serve the needs of Wenham’s residents age 60 and older. It is responsible for advocating on behalf of Wenham’s …

Lifesaving In Every Way: The Role Of Companion Animals In The Lives Of Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, And Transgender Adults Age 50 And Over, Anna M. Muraco, Jennifer Putney, Chengshi Shiu, Karen I. Fredriksen-Goldsen

Sociology Faculty Works

This study uses mixed-methods data and a life-course perspective to explore the role of pets in the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults age 50 and over and addresses the following research questions: (1) How does having a pet relate to perceived social support and social network size? and (2) how do LGBT older adults describe the meaning of pets in their lives? The qualitative data (N = 59) were collected from face-to-face interviews, and the quantitative data (N = 2,560) were collected via surveys from a sample across the United States. Qualitative findings show that pets …

Older Adults’ Social Relations: Life Satisfaction To Widowhood, Hyunsook Kang, Bonnie Ahn

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the breadth and depth of relationships with relatives and friends and the possible implications of those relationships with regards to life satisfaction to widowhood. Data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) survey were used, which sampled persons 57-85 years of age (N=3005). It was hypothesized that older widowed adults have greater quality of both family and friend relationships than do older married adults. Structural Equational Modeling analysis results supported these hypotheses, revealing that older widowed adults reported higher quality of engagement in family and friend …

Build Your Own Nest: Singapore's First Study On Matched Savings Schemes For Lower Income, Older Women, David Chan, Benedict S. K. Koh

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

Matched Savings Scheme is a research study, commissioned by the International Longevity Centre – Singapore (ILC – Singapore) of the Tsao Foundation and funded by the Tote Board, found that a monthly matched savings scheme is effective in sustaining the retirement savings behaviour among a group of 377 elderly women from low-income households over the study period of 18 months. The research, conducted by principal investigator psychology professor David Chan and co-investigator finance professor Benedict Koh, used an experimental design and longitudinal tracking to examine the effects that different factors of a matched savings scheme have on the participants’ decision …

Reading As A Lifeline Among Aging Readers: Findings From A Qualitative Interview Study With Older Adults, Paulette Rothbauer, Nicole Dalmer

Data and Test Instruments

Our paper is published in Library and Information Science Research, volume 40, no. 3/4: 165-172), 2018.The version posted here is the "accepted version". The final version is available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2018.08.001

Service-Learning Times : Semester 1, 2018/19, Office Of Service-Learning, Lingnan University

S-L Times

Service-Learning (S-L) is a pedagogy that drives learning, innovation, contribution and transformation. It provides experiential learning opportunities for students by connecting academic knowledge to impactful community service with ongoing reflection during the process. The diverse and insightful S-L experience enables students to discover their potential, address the challenges faced by the community, as well as transform beneficiaries’ lives by providing support to collaborating partners.

This booklet highlights the courses with S-L elements offered this semester. Students wishing to experience the best of S-L should plan and act quickly while places are available.

Older Workers In Boston: An Age-Friendly Perspective, Jan Mutchler, Brittany Gaines, Ping Xu, Caitlin Coyle

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

As this report makes clear, work challenges experienced by older people are not uncommon in Boston. Retraining and upgrading skills are required for some people to retain or secure employment. For those who have not participated in job search for some time, support with job seeking strategies may be necessary. Programs that also offer socioemotional support are helpful to some older job-seekers. Yet while training and job search support is an important part of the solution, these are not the only targets of intervention required. Employers need to be educated about successful strategies that will help them to retain their …

Gerontological Social Work Roles In Disaster Preparedness And Response, Nancy Kusmaul, Allison Gibson, Skye N. Leedahl

Social Work Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Intro To Community-Engaged Research And Service Learning Presentation, Tracey Gendron, Jennifer Early, Katie Elliott

Community Engagement Institute

The purpose of this workshop is provide participants with an introduction of community-engaged research (CEnR) and service learning (SL) at VCU. Academics will be encouraged to think of the 3 traditional aspects of academic work (research, teaching, and service) as doors that they can open to collaborate with community partners in an integrated portfolio of scholarship. Community partners will be encouraged to consider how community initiatives align with academic aspects of research, teaching, and service.

Higher Quality At Lower Cost: Community Health Worker Interventions In The Health Care Innovation Awards, Caitlin Cross-Barnet, Sarah Ruiz, Megan Skillman, Rina Dhopeshwarkar, Rachel Singer, Rachel Carpenter, Suzanne Campanella, Maysoun Freij, Lynne Snyder, Erin Colligan

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Background: Published evidence regarding cost savings, reduced utilization, and improved quality associated with employing community health workers (CHWs) is largely lacking. This paper presents findings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Health Care Innovation Awards (HCIA), with a focus on six diverse programs that employ CHWs. We examine outcomes associated with programs incorporating CHWs into care teams for a broad age range of patients with various health issues such as cancer, asthma, and complex conditions.

Methods: This mixed-methods study used data from claims and site visits to assess the effectiveness of CHW programs. In difference-in-differences analyses of Medicare …

Developing A Mixed-Methods Method To Model Elderly Health Technology Adoption With Fuzzy Cognitive Map, And Its Application In Adoption Of Remote Health Monitoring Technologies By Elderly Women, Noshad Rahimi

Dissertations and Theses

Providing healthcare to the ever-rising elderly population has become a severe challenge and a top priority. Emerging innovations in healthcare, such as remote health monitoring technologies, promise to provide a better quality of care and reduce the cost of healthcare. However, many elderly people reject healthcare innovations. This lack of adoption constitutes a big practical problem because it keeps the elderly from benefiting from technology advances. The phenomenon is even more pronounced among elderly women, who represent the majority of the elderly population.

A plethora of studies in the field of technology adoption resulted in sound, but highly generalized theories …

A Modern Plague: U.S. Racial And Ethnic Vaccination Disparities During The 2009 H1n1 Influenza Pandemic, Andrew E. Burger

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

On June 11, 2009 the World Health Organization announced that a novel strain of H1N1 influenza was being classified a Phase 6 pandemic, the highest level of alarm indicating that the disease was present worldwide and its spread was inevitable. While seasonal influenza epidemics occur annually, the 2009 H1N1 strain was the first novel pandemic influenza since the 1968 Hong Kong flu. The 2009 H1N1 pandemic provides a case study of how the U.S. population responded to an emergent and potentially lethal infectious disease. The richness and variety of public health data presents an opportunity to examine predictors of vaccination …

Women's Education, Intergenerational Coresidence, And Household Decision-Making In China, Cheng Cheng

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

ObjectiveThis study examines how intergenerational coresidence modifies the association between women's education and their household decision‐making power in China.BackgroundPast research on how married women's education increases their decision‐making power at home has focused primarily on nuclear families. This article extends prior research by examining how this association varies by household structure. It compares women living with their husbands with those living with both their husbands and parents‐in‐law.MethodThis article used data from the China Family Panel Studies in 2010 and 2014. It employed marginal structural models to address the concern that certain characteristics selecting women of less power into coresidence with …

Marshfield Council On Aging Planning Study, Jan Mutchler

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

This report describes collaborative efforts undertaken by the Town of Marshfield Council on Aging (COA) and the Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging (CSDRA), within the Gerontology Institute at the McCormack Graduate School, University of Massachusetts Boston. Beginning in Fall 2017, these organizations partnered to conduct a study to investigate the needs, interests, preferences, and opinions of the Town’s residents age 50+, and also of participants at the Marshfield COA/Senior Center. During this assessment, several approaches were utilized to compile information that could be used to plan and implement current and future services. We examined data from the …

Identifying Elderlies At Risk Of Becoming More Depressed With Internet-Of-Things, Jiajue Ou, Huiguang Liang, Hwee Xian Tan

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Depression in the elderly is common and dangerous. Current methods to monitor elderly depression, however, are costly, time-consuming and inefficient. In this paper, we present a novel depression-monitoring system that infers an elderly’s changes in depression level based on his/her activity patterns, extracted from wireless sensor data. To do so, we build predictive models to learn the relationship between depression level changes and behaviors using historical data. We also deploy the system for a group of elderly, in their homes, and run the experiments for more than one year. Our experimental study gives encouraging results, suggesting that our IoT system …

Unobtrusive Detection Of Frailty In Older Adults, Nadee Goonawardene, Hwee-Pink Tan, Lee Buay Tan

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Sensor technologies have gained attention as an effective means to monitor physical and mental wellbeing of elderly. In this study, we examined the possibility of using passive in-home sensors to detect frailty in older adults based on their day-to-day in-home living pattern. The sensor-based elderly monitoring system consists of PIR motion sensors and a door contact sensor attached to the main door. A set of pre-defined features associated with elderly’s day-to-day living patterns were derived based on sensor data of 46 elderly gathered over two different time periods. A series of feature vectors depicting different behavioral aspects were derived to …