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The Self-Reported Sexual Behaviors Of Single Older African Americans, Victoria Foster, Patricia C. Clark, Marcia M. Holstad

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Abstract

African Americans are disproportionally affected by HIV/AIDS, but little is known about the risky sexual behaviors of older African Americans. This cross-sectional, comparative study, investigated the self-reported sexual behaviors of sexually active older African Americans. The nonrandom sample (N = 78) included single African American men (59%) and women (41%), 50-74 years of age. Participants were recruited from various community sites, and data were collected with a standard sexual history questionnaire. Participants reported practicing risky behaviors such having unprotected oral, anal, and vaginal sex (96.5%), and having multiple sex partners (37.2%). There were several significant gender differences such …

Understanding Social Responsibility Using The Theory Of Planned Behavior: The Connecticut Gatekeeper Program, Dwight L. Norwood

Doctoral Dissertations

The public is often encouraged to engage in socially responsible behaviors for the good of society, sometimes on behalf of those most vulnerable; older adults are one such rapidly growing vulnerable population. Nationally policies trend toward helping older adults remain at home rather than entering skilled nursing facilities when they encounter difficulty looking after themselves due to failing health. Although community supports are available, many are unlikely to access them, due to the very nature of their problems, such as depression and dementia. Across the U.S., gatekeeper programs encourage community members to make referrals to social service agencies which can …

Fall Prevention Among Older Adults Living In The Community, Clarissa Silva Lopez

Theses & Dissertations

Older adults are within the fastest population growth rate in the United States, and as the population ages, the potential for falls increases (DHHS, 2011). This was a mixed-method explanatory study that investigated the perceptions of older adults regarding the usefulness, adequacy, and positive experience of fall information among older adults living in the community when received from healthcare professionals during physician’s office visits. The research questions were: 1. What is the relationship among perceptions of usefulness, adequacy, and positive experience of fall information among older adults? 2. Is there a difference in the perceptions of usefulness and adequacy among …

“Worried About Them When We Left”: A Mixed-Methods Essay, Carlee Lehna, Stephanie Twyman, Erin Fahey, Mary-Beth Coty, Joseph Williams, Drane Scrivener, Gracie Wishnia

The Qualitative Report

The purpose of this visual inquiry using ethnographic photographic research was to examine fire safety in homes of 42 urban older adults. Photographs were taken to document home fire safety (HFS) practices and grouped according to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Home Safety Checklist categories. Participants had a mean age of 74 years, and were mostly African American (n=21, 57%), and female (n=32, 78%). Major findings from the photographs demonstrated unsafe electrical, cooking, and heating practices. Other HFS hazards related to installation and maintenance of carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke alarms, smoking safety, and identification and practice of home fire …

African American Grandparents Residing In A Nursing Facility: Perceptions Of Influence With Their Grandchildren, Family, And Community, Monica Bester

Wayne State University Theses

African American older adults have historically been identified as vital members of the African American family and community (Hill, 1972; Cox, 2002; Waites, 2008). Unfortunately, research has shown an increasing number of older African Americans are being admitted into nursing facilities (Paul, 2004; Feng et al., 2011). Between the years of 1998-2008, it was projected African Americans living in nursing homes increased by 10.8% (Feng et al., 2011).

This study explores the intergenerational relationships of older African American adults with their grandchildren, family, and community through the lens of Intergenerational Family Systems Theory. By viewing this qualitative study through the …

Exercise Motivations Of Older Adults, Laura J. Attaway

All Master's Theses

This study examined and compared activity levels and motives in 103 older (over 50 years of age) competitive athletes (CA) and non-competitive fitness exercisers (NCF). The findings indicate that the CA group was significantly higher in the motives of enjoyment, competition, and social recognition. Ranking of the strength of the motivation factors for each group indicated that enjoyment was the strongest motivating factor for both groups, health ranked high for both groups, and social recognition ranked lowest in both groups. Findings related to rankings were not tested for significance, so are more tentative.

Intergenerational Service-Learning With Exercise Science Students, Mckinze R. Vowels

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Exercise science professionals often work with older adults to help maintain function and independence. Ageism may begin during undergraduate training, as most have not interacted with older adults. Intergenerational service-learning (ISL) may be a useful pedagogy to facilitate interactions with older adults. PURPOSE: To determine if exercise science students’ knowledge of older adults and ageism are significantly improved by incorporating ISL into an exercise science course. METHODS: Students (n =10) enrolled in Exercise and Aging and from two additional exercise science courses (n = 17) completed pre and post assessments of attitudes towards and knowledge of older adults. Students implemented …

Characteristics And Quality Of Gait In Older Adults Living In Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico And Lima, Peru, Maria De Los Angeles Villarreal-Reyna, Maria Magdalena Delabra-Salinas, Mistral Carhuapoma-Acosta, Elena Zuniga-Chura, Wendy Garcia-Meza, Ana Laura Sr. Carrillo-Cervantes, Jack Roberto Silva-Fhon

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Session presented on Sunday, July 27, 2014:

Purpose: To compare the characteristics and quality of gait in older adults living in the metropolitan area of Saltillo, Coahuila. Mexico and Lima, Peru.

Methods: Descriptive-comparative design. Population integrated by older adults with 60 or more years, users of Daycare Centers for Older Adults. The calculated sample was of 210 older adults from Saltillo, Mexico (n1=105) and Lima, Peru (n2=105) selected by convenience. Spatial-temporal characteristics and quality of gait were evaluated.

Results: The averages of the spatial-time parameters of gait show that it was characterized for being regular (speed (n1) = 1.42 m/s; …

Balance And Power In Older Adults With And Without A History Of Falls, Stephanie Michelle Gray

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to observe the differences between power and balance in older adults over the age of 65 with and without falls. A total of 62 community dwelling older adults between the ages of 65 and 92 participated in the study. Two groups consisted of 25 fallers and 37 non-fallers. No statistical differences were found between groups on age, height, weight, or BMI. Testing included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) to test balance, the Tendo Weightlifting Analyzer (TWA) during a sit-to-stand to test lower body power, and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) to …

Designing For Understanding: Helping Older Adults Understand Over-The-Counter Medication Information, Aqueasha Martin

All Dissertations

This research is motivated by some of the challenges faced by the healthcare community in communicating health information to the public and the potential for user-centered technology design to address some of these limitations. Each year, thousands die or are injured due to adverse-drug events due to both prescription and over-the-counter medications. The integration of technology has improved the incidence rate for adverse-drug events due to prescription medications. Similarly, personal health records and other consumer-based health applications have been shown to be beneficial for helping individuals manage their health. Despite this growing body of research, little to no research has …

Participation In Recreation And Leisure Activities In Long-Term Care Facilities And Health Related Quality Of Life, James Michael Duncan

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this paper was to examine predicted variations in Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) among individuals over the age of 65 residing in Long Term Care (LTC) facilities. Variables related to self-care, depression, gender, social support, and leisure activities were examined. Univariate analysis was conducted from data collected from 110 LTC residents from 15 assisted living facilities (ALF) and nursing homes (NH) throughout Arkansas and a standard multiple regression was employed. Linear combinations of independent variables were significantly correlated to variations of HRQoL. More specifically, higher ratings in depression were positively correlated to lower ratings of HRQoL. …

A Life Span Approach To The Relationship Between Cholesterol, Late Onset Alzheimer’S Disease, And Cognitive Functioning Among Older Adults, Brian Downer

Theses and Dissertations--Gerontology

There is evidence that cholesterol presents an important risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but the direction of this relationship is modified by age. High cholesterol during midlife and low cholesterol during late life are both associated with an increased risk for AD. This dissertation research engaged a life span approach to study the relationship between cholesterol, AD and cognitive functioning among older adults. The purpose of this research was to determine if trajectories of cholesterol from midlife through late life differ according to AD status and if these trajectories are associated with cognitive functioning during old age.

This research …

Let’S Play: Understanding The Role And Significance Of Digital Gaming In Old Age, Julie A. Skalsky Brown

Theses and Dissertations--Gerontology

Despite a marked increase in the use of digital games among older persons, there is insufficient research that provides insight into the gaming experiences of this population. A major demographic shift within the senior gaming market has ushered in a new perspective on the use of digital games as a tool for physical and cognitive health, and improved socialization. It is proposed that individual notions of play, which are developed over the life course, influence digital game play engagement and interaction preferences, and contribute to well-being. This study explored how self-perceptions of play over the course of the senior gamer’s …

Preventing And Addressing Abuse And Neglect Of Older Adults: Person-Centred, Collaborative, System-Wide Approaches, Registered Nurses' Association Of Ontario

General Submissions: Community and Population-based Materials

Best Practice Guidelines are systematically developed statements designed to assist nurses and clients in making decisions about appropriate health care (Field & Lohr, 1990). Initial development of this guideline's purpose and scope included three teleconference focus groups with a total of 26 topic experts and health-care practitioners across Canada, and one in-person focus group with 20 older adults living in Ontario. The Expert Panel was then convened and determined the purpose of the guideline: To expand the awareness of abuse and neglect of older adults and provide evidence-based recommendations for preventing and addressing abuse and neglect in all health-care settings …

Self-Regulation In Older Adults: The Prioritization Of Emotion Regulation, Daniel R. Evans

Theses and Dissertations--Psychology

Despite having fewer cognitive resources, older adults regulate their emotions as well as, if not better than, younger adults. This study aimed to (1) test the limits of older adults’ emotion regulation capacity and (2) gain a better understanding of how older adults use their more limited resources to regulate their emotions. Participants included 48 healthy older adults aged 65-85 from the community and 50 healthy younger adults aged 18-25 from the student population. They were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups involving an initial activity that was high or low in self-regulatory demand followed by a test …

Circles Of Connection: Finding Social Connectedness And Meaning Within Group Process, Julianna F. Bratsberg, Aundrea Marcella Roberts, Susan R. Untiedt

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Social participation is an area of occupation that can increase and enhance an individual’s participation in life. This is particularly true in senior housing communities where common issues of aging and adjustment can be addressed while reducing feelings of social isolation. The purpose of this demonstration project was to provide a venue where older adults living at The Redwoods, a senior housing community in Mill Valley, California, could share and develop meaningful strategies for living, and ultimately foster a sense of connectedness, which would affect quality of life. The project’s goals were to create and implement a series of process …

Applying Mobile Application Development To Help Dementia And Alzheimer Patients, Jean F. Coppola Phd, Marc A. Kowtko, Christina Yamagata, Shannon Joyce

Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship

Caregiver anecdotes attest that music and photographs play an important role for family members diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), even those with severe AD. Tablets and iPads, which are prevalent, can be utilized with dementia patients in portraying favorite music and family photographs via apps developed in close partnership with geriatric facilities. This study addresses cognitive functioning and quality of life for people diagnosed with dementia via technology. Research has shown that technology instruments such as iPods, help stimulate those with dementia. This study focuses on innovative devices such as iPads and tablets, which are mainstream and easy to use, …

The Effect Of Context And Self-Esteem On Decision Making Competence And Preferences For Collaborative Decision Making In Older Adults, Christopher Gayer

Theses and Dissertations--Gerontology

Older adults increasingly face difficult decisions in life threatening contexts as they move closer to death, become more likely to be diagnosed with life threatening diseases, and encounter more death within their social network (Greenberg, 2011). The purpose of this research was to understand the effect of a life-threatening decision context centered around cancer, self-esteem, other individual difference factors and cancer experience on older adults’ decision making competence, and preferences for collaborative decision making.

Study participants were recruited through online circulation of the study recruitment flyer and in-person solicitations at meetings and other events at community locations (senior centers, civic …

The Nature And Perceived Influence Of Lifestyle Discussions With Older Adults In Primary Care, Shoshana H. Bardach

Theses and Dissertations--Gerontology

The Nature and Perceived Influence of Lifestyle Discussions with Older Adults in Primary Care Rationale: A healthy diet and physical activity help with disease prevention and disease management and can promote quality of life regardless of the age at which an individual begins engaging in these behaviors. Despite the value of these health behaviors, many older adults do not follow lifestyle recommendations. Given that older adults frequently interact with the healthcare system, primary care providers are well situated to counsel older adults to improve their health behaviors. Unfortunately, we do not know how to most effectively engage in this counseling. …

Prevention Of Falls And Fall Injuries In The Older Adult, Registered Nurses' Association Of Ontario

General Submissions: Community and Population-based Materials

The purpose of this guideline is to increase all nurses' confidence, knowledge, skills and abilities in the identification of adults within health care facilities at risk of falling and to define interventions for the prevention of falling. It does not include interventions for prevention of falls and fall injuries in older adults living in community settings. The guideline has relevance to areas of clinical practice including acute care and long-term care, and will assist nurses to apply the best available research evidence to clinical decisions, and to promote the responsible use of health care resources. Specifically, Prevention of Falls and …

Different Patterns Among Caregivers In Their Utilization Of Formal Services And The Influence On Caregiver Burden And Health, Jeehoon Kim

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

This study examined how older adults and their primary family caregivers utilized formal services; and how formal service utilizations were associated with the caregiver's burden and health status. Conceptually, the caregiver's stress/appraisal model was modified by adopting a relation between formal and informal care from health economics or policy.

Neighborhood Context As A Predictor Of Nursing Home Placement Among Older Adults, David Russell Buys

All ETDs from UAB

Persons who are aging face an increased risk of adverse health events and decreased levels of personal competencies, potentially inhibiting their ability to age in place. Sometimes, nursing home placement (NHP) may be imperative, especially if persons experience environmental docility-- an incongruence of their physical capacity with their environment. This study links the neighborhood disadvantage literature with Lawton's environmental press and environmental docility theories to examine how the environment interacts with individual level variables to impact likelihood of NHP. Findings suggest that there is not a direct link between living in a disadvantaged context and likelihood of NHP, but that …

Prevention Of Constipation In The Older Adult Population, Registered Nurses' Association Of Ontario

General Submissions: Community and Population-based Materials

The purpose of this guideline is to reduce the frequency and severity of constipation among older adults through the use of adequate hydration and dietary fibre, regular consistent toileting and physical activity. Achieving and maintaining a pattern of normal bowel elimination will prevent constipation, decrease the use of laxatives, and improve the quality of life for older adults. There is no agreed upon definition of constipation in the clinical and research communities (Koch, Voderholzer, Klauser & MullerLissner,1997). Some authors maintain that defining constipation on the basis of symptoms is misguided (Probert, Emmett & Heaton, 1995).

Recognition Of Posed And Spontaneous Dynamic Smiles In Younger And Older Adults, Nora A. Murphy, Jonathan M. Lehrfeld, Derek M. Isaacowitz

Psychological Science Faculty Works

In two studies, we investigated age effects in the ability to recognize dynamic posed and spontaneous smiles. Study 1 found that both younger and older adult participants were above-chance in their ability to distinguish between posed and spontaneous younger adult smiles. Study 2 found that younger adult participant performance declined when judging a combination of both younger and older adult target smiles, while older adult participants outperformed younger adult participants in distinguishing between posed and spontaneous smiles. A synthesis of results across the two studies showed a small-to-medium age effect (d = −0.40) suggesting an older adult advantage when …

Caregiving Strategies For Older Adults With Delirium, Dementia And Depression, Registered Nurses' Association Of Ontario

General Submissions: Community and Population-based Materials

This guideline has been developed to address the question of how best to care for older adults (65 years or older) with delirium, dementia and/or depression. It is the intent of this document to recommend care strategies to assist Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) who are working in diverse settings in acute, long-term, and community care.

Screening For Delirium, Dementia And Depression In Older Adults, Registered Nurses' Association Of Ontario

General Submissions: Community and Population-based Materials

This guideline has been developed to improve the screening assessment of older adult clients for delirium, dementia and depression. This guideline does not include recommendations for the management of these conditions in day-to-day nursing practice.

Best practice guidelines are systematically developed statements to assist nurses and clients in decision making about appropriate healthcare (Field & Lohr, 1990). This guideline focuses on: (1) Practice recommendations: directed at the nurse to guide practice regarding assessment and screening for delirium, dementia and depression in older adults; (2) Education recommendations: directed at educational institutions and organizations in which nurses work to support its implementation; …

Predicting The Psychological Health Of Older Adults: Interaction Of Age-Based Rejection Sensitivity And Discriminative Facility, Debbie Sau-King Chow, Evelyn Wing-Mun Au, Chi-Yue Chiu

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

We hypothesize that older adults who anxiously expect, readily perceive, and intensely react to social rejection because of their old age (i.e., have high age-based rejection sensitivity) are vulnerable to depression and poor social functioning. We further hypothesize that the association between age-based rejection sensitivity and poor psychological health would be attenuated among older adults who possess adequate cognitive coping ability--they can discern and respond discriminatively to subtle variations in situational demands (i.e., have high discriminative facility). Based on the results of a focus group study, we constructed an age-based rejection sensitivity measure, which predicts greater depression, poorer social functioning, …

How Subjective And Objective Memory, Family History, And Knowledge Of Alzheimer's Disease Influence Older Adults' Fear Of Developing Alzheimer's Disease, Samantha Lyn French

UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations

It is projected that by the year 2050, the number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease (AD) will rise to approximately 13.2 million. And, because AD is on the rise, apprehension about developing the degenerative disease (anticipatory dementia or fear of developing AD) has become a topic of study in the past few years. However, most studies focusing on anticipatory dementia have used a sample of individuals younger than age 65 and have used a single item questionnaire to explore their apprehension. The current study utilized 50 adults ages 65 and older to examine anticipatory dementia and its relationship with subjective …