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Information Technology Usage And Quality Of Life Among Older Persons : A Qualitative Study In Hong Kong, Wing Fung, Chad Chan

Lingnan Theses

INTRODUCTION: In this high technology era, rapid developments in information technology (IT) have the potential to transform the lives of older persons. Ageing tends to be associated with reductions in health status and resources, which can be potentially affect the adoption of new technology. However, the role of IT is becoming ever more influential in our daily living though the digital services such as email, e-banking and e-shopping. Therefore, older persons inevitably come across various IT-related products, especially computers and the Internet, in their everyday lives. Moreover, the quality of life of older persons is important and has been identified …

Physicians' Communication With Older Patients, Particularly Older African American Women, About Sexual Health And Sexual Risk Behaviors For Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv) And Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Aids)*, Regina Vaughn Gibson

Theses and Dissertations

HIV/AIDS is rising among people age 50 and older in the U.S. but primary care physicians may not be talking to their older patients about sexual health and high-risk sexual behaviors nor routinely testing them for HIV/AIDS. Do primary care physicians in Arkansas obtain sexual histories on their older patients? Are primary care physicians in Arkansas knowledgeable enough about HIV to impart risk-reduction information to their older patients? These are but two of the questions this research seeks to answer. Contrary to what the medical or general population believes, many older persons remain sexually active throughout their lifetime. The problem …

Lifelong Learning: The Integration Of Experiential Learning, Quality Of Life Work In Communities And Higher Education, Ann Harwood

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

This descriptive quantitative study examined preferences and choices by adult learners (leading edge baby boomers and older adults, ages 50-70), who were participants in Elderhostel international experiential programs and The University of Montana Alumni Association educational travel programs. The study investigated the preferences of the sample populations and their interests in making a career change in mid-life to work in a new career to help improve the quality of life in their community. The typologies of the respondents were compared with their interests to make career transitions to jobs to improve the quality of life in their communities. The study …

Indicators Of Self-Rated Driving Ability Among A Community-Based Sample Of Older Adults, Michelle Lynn Ackerman

All ETDs from UAB

No abstract provided.

Cd 552 Adult Education Seminar, Beverly C. Johnson-Miller

Syllabi

Designing an Older Adult Ministry by Richard H. Gentzler, Jr. (Discipleship Resources, 1999) The Graying of the Church: A Leader’s Guide to Older Adult Ministry in The United Methodist Church by Richard H. Gentzler, Jr. (Discipleship Resources, 2004) Building a Ministry for Homebound and Nursing Home Residents by Marie White Webb (Discipleship Resources, 2003) Winter Grace: Spirituality and Aging by Kathleen Fischer (Upper Room Books, 1998)

The Physical And Mental Health Of Spouse Caregivers In Dementia: Finding Meaning As A Mediator Of Burden, Susan M. Mclennon

All ETDs from UAB

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of caregiver burden on the physical and mental health of caregivers of spouses with dementia and to determine if finding meaning through caregiving mediated the relationship between burden and health. This was a cross-sectional, correlational study in a convenience sample of 84 community-residing spouse caregivers of adults with dementia recruited from North- Central Florida. Measures included the Zarit Burden Interview, the Finding Meaning through Caregiving Scale, and the Medical Outcomes Short Form-36, version 2. Data analyses consisted of descriptive, correlational, and standard multiple regression statistical methods. The sample consisted of …

Age And Gender Differences In Hip Extension And Flexion Torque Steadiness, Iveta Grunte

All ETDs from UAB

Purpose of this study was to compare age and gender differences in hip extension (HE) and flexion (HF) relative (5, 25, and 50% of maximal voluntary contraction [MVC]) and absolute (25 Nm) torque steadiness measured as standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) of torque fluctuations, and torque accuracy (TA). MVC and steadiness were assessed for 20 young (24.0 + 2.2 yrs) and 11 older (65.4 + 4.5 yrs) men and women. MVC was lower for HF, but HE had greater torque fluctuations. For HE, CV of 5% MVC was greater for older compared to young adults and women …

Resource Reviews, Phyllis Fox

The Christian Librarian

No abstract provided.

Psychographics And Patronage Behavior Of Mature Consumers In Thailand, Howard W. Combs, A. Anken, S. Chaipoopirutana

Faculty Publications

The elderly market is critically important to many businesses due to its growing size and expanding economic potential. Lifestyles or psychographics have emerged as a viable means of determining market segments for this market. This research examined the relationship between lifestyle segments and retail patronage behavior of mature consumers in Thailand. Three lifestyle or psychographic segments of mature consumers, family oriented, young and secure, and quiet introverts demonstrated a low positive relationship with patronage behavior. Two additional lifestyle segments, active retiree and self reliant, demonstrated norelationship.

Spirituality And Aging In Social Work: State Of The Art And Future Possibilities, Holly Nelson-Becker, Edward R. Canda

Social Work: School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Other Works

This article identifies the unique contributions social work has made to the study of spirituality and religion in relation to aging, based on respect for their diverse expressions. Definitions of religion and spirituality that particularly relate to late life are provided. The study of spirituality and aging is situated in four historical phases ranging from sectarian origins (1890s to 1920), to professionalization and secularization (1920s-1970s), to renewed interest (1980s to mid 1990s), to the current phase characterized by transcending boundaries. Interdisciplinary research by social workers is prevalent. Topics of study include a wide range of religious and nonreligious spiritual perspectives, …

Decreasing Physical And Verbal Aggression In A Brain Injured Nursing Home Resident, Erin L. Woodhead, B. A. Edelstein

Faculty Publications

Following a traumatic brain injury, patients often suffer a series of psychological and psychiatric sequalae. This study presents the case of Mr. K, a 52-year-old brain-injured nursing home resident who exhibited problematic physical aggression and verbal abuse toward staff and residents. His problem behaviors were intertwined with an ethical issue involving a heterosexual relationship with another resident who also was brain injured. Following a functional assessment of antecedents and consequences, a differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) schedule was implemented. Specifically, the resident was rewarded with short-term and long-term reinforcers following periods of time during which behaviors other than the …

Suicidal Ideation In College Students Varies Across Semesters: The Mediating Role Of Belongingness, Scott R. Braithwaite, Kimberly Van Orden, Tracy K. Witte, Lisa M. James, Yessenia Castro, Kathryn H. Gordon, Daniel L. Hollar, Thomas E. Joiner Jr.

Faculty Publications

The interpersonal–psychological theory of suicidal behavior (Joiner, 2005)proposes that the need to belong is fundamental; when met it can prevent suicide and when thwarted it can substantially increase the risk for suicide. We investigate one source of group-wide variation in belongingness among college students—changes in the social composition of college campuses across academic semesters—as an explanation for variation in suicidal ideation across the academic year.Our results indicate that in a sample of college students at a large southern state university (n=309), suicidal ideation varied across academic semesters, with high-est levels in summer compared to both spring and fall. Differences in …

Attitudes Towards One’S Aging Among Single, Professional, Highly Educated, Baby Boom Women: “I Don’T Know Who I Am, But I Am Not A Crazy Old Maid!”, Tatyana Shepel

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Age is a value-laden cultural construct as it conveys social attitudes toward aging. This qualitative research, using a grounded theory approach and critical feminist gerontology as a theoretical framework, makes visible the experience of growing older and the renegotiation of self-identity among the ten single, professional, highly educated women ages 47-59 who resided in the Pacific Northwest and lets their voices be heard. In this study ten in-depth interviews and one focus group provided narrative data that captured women’s experiences of aging and uncovered common themes. The explored phenomenon of aging is experienced in the various socio-cultural contexts and conditions …

Portraits: Discovering Art As A Transformative Learning Process At Mid-Life, William Scott Wallace

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study explores art as a transformative learning process at mid-life. As adults individuate as they develop into middle age and move towards integration, they may experience transformative learning, a process that can lead to a much broader and deeper life view. Most studies have viewed transformative learning as a process that occurs through critical reflection, (Mezirow, 1991, 2000), possible disorienting dilemmas, (Mezirow, 1991, 2000, and Daloz, 2000), influence of personality type (Cranton, 1994), soulfulness (Dirkx), and other means of awareness. While researchers acknowledge the possibilities of experiencing transformative learning through the arts, a review of the empirical literature reveals …

The Role Of Id2 Phosphorylation At Serine 5 In C2c12 Myoblasts., David Christopher Butler

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Inhibitor of differentiation protein-2 (Id2) is a dominant negative helix-loop-helix (HLH) protein, and a positive regulator of proliferation, in various cells. The N-terminal region of Id2 contains a consensus cdk2 phosphorylation sequence SPVR, which may be involved with the induction of apoptosis, at least in myeloid 32d.3 cells. However, the role of Id2 phosphorylation at serine 5 in skeletal muscle cells is unknown. The purpose of this dissertation was to determine if the phosphorylation of Id2 at serine 5 alters its cellular localization and role in apoptosis in C2C12 myoblasts. Overexpression of wild type Id2 decreased MyoD protein expression, which …

Clinical Functional Testing In People 30-60 Years Old. Expected Performance Values And Correlations To Muscle Fitness And Activity Level, Robert A. (Tony) English

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Activity and fitness levels decline through the years from 30 to 60 years of age. Minimal research is available regarding functional assessment tools in this population. Reliable functional tools are needed to reintroduce individuals to appropriate physical activity levels following an injury and to maintain high levels of participation through their lifespan. The purposes of this study were multiple: 1) determine if three functional tests correspond with neuromotor fitness levels, 2) establish a model of functional tests, activity levels and descriptive data that distinguishes the most from the least fit, 3) describe expected mean functional test performances, and 4) demonstrate …

Do Control Beliefs Mediate The Relationship Between Social Exchanges And Health? Examining A Mediational Model Across The Lifespan, Heather Renee Frederick

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Social exchanges and control beliefs are each associated with heath yet rarely considered together. This research examined whether control beliefs are a plausible mechanism linking domain specific social exchanges (both supportive and unsupportive) to health. The sample consisted of 2,348 adults drawn from the Midlife in the United States Survey (MIDUS). All participants were married or in a cohabitating relationship; they were primarily White and educated. Structural equation modeling was used to test multiple meditational models. When the model was tested for the entire sample, control beliefs were found to serve as a mediator, significantly mediating the relationship between social …

2008 - 2009 Undergraduate Catalog, Armstrong Atlantic State University

Armstrong Office of the Registrar: Undergraduate Catalogs (Archived)

Academic catalog for Armstrong Atlantic State University.

Theoretical Substruction Illustrated By The Theory Of Learned Resourcefulness (Article), Abir K. Bekhet, Jaclene A. Zauszniewski

College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications

This article describes the process of theoretical substruction and uses this process to examine the significance of Rosenbaum's resourcefulness theory for nursing research and practice. The article discusses relocation as a phenomenon of interest to gero-psychiatric nurses working with elders who have relocated to retirement communities, illustrated by the theory of learned resourcefulness. The literature was reviewed to assess the congruence between the theoretical and operational systems suggested by Rosenbaum's resourcefulness theory. A model of learned resourcefulness is presented that includes middle-range concepts, relational statements, and propositions derived from the research literature. Theoretical substruction provides a mechanism for testing middle-range …

Aging Effects On The Transcription Of Differentially Impaired Dysarthric Speech, Molly Anne Duggan

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Thirty participants transcribed 60 words and 30 sentences spoken by persons with dysarthria. Participants, all aged 65 and older were divided into three age groups: Young-Old, Middle-Old, and Old-Old. Each group was comprised of 10 participants. Stimuli were recorded by two male speakers with differing severity levels of dysarthria. Results suggested age did affect the transcription scores, as the Young-Old participants were able to transcribe words and sentences with greater accuracy than the Old-Old participants. The severity of the dysarthric speaker also affected the accuracy of participants in transcribing their words and sentences. Utterances produced by the speaker with mild …

Antitrust Law And Regulatory Gaming, Stacey Dogan

Faculty Scholarship

Antitrust law promotes competition in the service of economic efficiency. Government regulation may or may not promote either competition or efficiency, depending on both the goals of the agency and the effects of industry "capture." Antitrust courts have long included regulated industries within their purview, working to ensure that regulated industries could not use the limits that regulation imposes on the normal competitive process to achieve anticompetitive ends. Doing so makes sense; an antitrust law that ignored anticompetitive behavior in any regulated industry would be a law full of holes.

The role of antitrust in policing regulated industries appears to …

Alzheimer's Caregiving Appraisal, Andre' Fortier

LSU Master's Theses

The purpose of this study is to contribute to the knowledge base of AD caregiving appraisal by understanding a connection of factors that influence caregiving appraisal. It is important for the profession of social work to understand the complexities which may impact the level of care and/or appraisal. A combination of research questions and hypotheses were devised to determine the influence of each factor and/or a combination of factors on caregiving appraisal. The survey comprises of six sections: demographics and stage of AD, burden, resilience, family strengths, ethnic awareness, and caregiving appraisal. The overall survey was designed by the researcher; …

Developing New And Alternative Quality Of Life Indicators For Older People: A Case Study From Community Vision And A Cohort Of Their Aged Clients In Perth, Wa, Jonathan Georgiou

Theses : Honours

This Honours thesis explored the highly debated construct of Quality of Life and in particular, how this concept was perceived amongst a small cohort of aged clients from Community Vision, a peak Non-Government Organisation operating in the northern suburbs of Perth, W A. The Analytical Framework utilised in this Honours study consisted of two phases; an analysis of existing academic literature and the development of a new qualitative inquiry. Semi-structured interviews and electronic surveys were conducted with a group of aged clients, staff and managers from Community Vision and key informants representing three peak W A aged care service providers. …

The Benefits Of Pet Ownership For Single Adults In Midlife, Lauren Mcgillivray

Theses : Honours

Pets are shown to enhance quality of life through support and companionship. Midlife is a time where pets may be most valuable, since it is a time that involves critical changes to intimate relationships, roles and status. In this article a critical review of the literature on midlife development and demographic trends was carried out. Further, the psychological literature on human-pet relationships was reviewed and integrated with midlife research. Evidence for the psychological and physical benefits of pets is examined and the implications and potential benefits for middle aged adults are discussed. Findings suggest that pets may help to reduce …