Digital Commons Network^™

Senior Nursing Students' Knowledge, Attitudes, And Perceived Competency About Older Adults, Deborah Denise Brabham

Dissertations

Nurses entering the workforce may have limited education in gerontological nursing. Therefore, many nurses are unprepared to provide quality care to older adults. An unprepared nursing workforce could negatively influence older adults' health outcomes and care experience.

To determine differences in senior nursing students' knowledge, attitudes, and perceived competency about older adults based on enrollment in a bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN), associate's degree nursing (ADN), and practical nursing (PN) program that offers geriatric content in curricula.

Elder Mistreatment Is Pervasive In New York State, Karl Pillemer, David Burnes

Population Health Research Brief Series

Elder mistreatment is a pervasive problem that has major health and psychosocial consequences for older adults. This data slice shows that about 10% of older adults (age 60+) in New York State experienced elder mistreatment between 2009 and 2019. Age and poor self-rated health increase the risk of experiencing mistreatment. Black older adults are also at greater risk of financial abuse than Whites. Health care practitioners can play a key role in screening, providing education and awareness, and making appropriate referrals for older adults at risk of mistreatment.

Simultaneous Experiences Of Type 2 Diabetes And Symptoms Of Depression And/Or Anxiety Among Latina Women 60 And Older, Adrienne S. Martinez-Hollingsworth

Dissertations

Latina older adult women disproportionately suffer from type 2 diabetes (diabetes) and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. These disease states are associated with serious declines in health outcomes and a three-fold reduction in treatment compliance. Few studies have examined this phenomenon exclusively among Latina older adult women or have captured the impact of intersectional identity on their experiences, values or problem-solving methods related to self-management.

The purpose of this study was to examine how Latina women, 60 and over, emotionally experience both diabetes and interactions with care providers during help-seeking and care engagement.

Proper Medication Adherence Is A Challenge For Older Snap Participants With Chronic Health Conditions, Colleen Heflin, Chinedum O. Ojinnaka, Irma Arteaga, Lauryn Quick

Population Health Research Brief Series

Diabetes and hypertension are among the leading causes of poor health and mortality in the United States. Properly taking prescribed medications to manage these conditions is critical for maintaining health and preventing complications. This is especially true for older adults, who are more likely to live with these chronic conditions. This brief summarizes findings from a study of an older adults in Missouri who participated in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) between 2006 and 2014. On average, 1 in 4 individuals with hypertension and 1 in 3 with diabetes did not properly take prescribed medications to manage their health …

Age Friendly North Reading: A Community Needs Assessment, Caitlin Coyle

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

By the year 2030, 35% of North Reading residents will be age 60 and older1. In response to this demographic shift as well as in response to the desire of most residents to remain living in their community, the resident leaders of North Reading, with support of the Town, have embarked on the journey to become a more age friendly community. The Age-Friendly North Reading initiative means to ensure that North Reading is, and remains, a place where older adults can comfortably and safely age in place. This report describes research undertaken by the Center for Social & Demographic Research …

Implementation Of A Zoom Toolkit For Web-Based, Evidence-Based Health Promotion Programs, Samantha Brown, Julie Shelton

Nursing DNP Projects

This article describes a project to promote the utilization of online evidence-based programs for the self-management of chronic conditions for older adults. The project has been developed based on the findings of a comprehensive review of literature on the outcomes of online health promotion programs for people with chronic health conditions, and on the training needed prior to starting an online course. The project was completed in partnership with WellConnect^®, a non-profit organization facilitating community-based programs that support people in Southeast Minnesota with tools and resources needed to improve individuals’ health and wellbeing.

Interviews with WellConnect^® stakeholders, …

Letters Against Loneliness: The Effect Of A Pen Pal Program Uniting Older Adults And College Students On Perceived Loneliness, Allyson Miriani, Caroline Crawford

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing Undergraduate Honors Theses

Surveys within years and particularly the COVID-19 pandemic have revealed increasing rates of loneliness. More research is also emerging linking loneliness with a myriad of negative health outcomes as well as reduced quality of life. There is little research about effective interventions addressing loneliness. This paper reviews the available literature on the topic and proposes a pen pal program for college students and older adults developed based on available evidence.

Perceived Neighborhood Characteristics And Cognitive Function Among Older Adults: Examining The Role Of Depression, Allison Sullivan, Mph

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: African American older adults have a greater risk of cognitive impairment compared to White older adults. While some research has established that neighborhoods are an important determinant of health, relatively little research has examined the relationship between perceived neighborhood characteristics and cognitive functioning among older adults. Moreover, little is known about how depression is implicated in the relationship between perceived neighborhood characteristics and cognitive functioning, and if racial differences exist. Thus, this thesis aims to determine the mediating and moderating role of depression in the association between perceived neighborhood characteristics and cognitive functioning in older African American and White …

The Importance Of Nutrition And Preventing Malnutrition In Older Adults: A Literature Review And Informational Booklet, Sophie Johnson

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Over years of studying nutrition science and gerontology, there was very little information in classes that combined these two important topics. Older adults are often classified as those above the age of 65 years old. There is a growing number of older adults in the United States, which increases the need for information on how nutrition and aging are interlaced. As humans age, multiple factors can impact nutrition. Nutrition involves consuming the proper amount of nutrients to maintain body function. There are physiological, physical, socioeconomic and medication factors that can all influence nutrition status. It is important to be aware …

Addressing Psychosocial Outcomes Of Social Isolation In Older Adults, Megan Friesen, Madeline M. Christensen

Nursing DNP Projects

Purpose and Rationale

The aim of the evidence-based practice (EBP) project is to improve psychological outcomes for socially isolated older adults enrolled in a Homebound Program (HP) through the implementation of an EBP intervention. Social isolation has a multitude of negative consequences, including impacting the psychological health (e.g. depression, loneliness, anxiety) of the older adult population.

Synthesis of Evidence

Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and randomized controlled trials addressing the clinical problem of social isolation were identified. Through critical appraisal of the evidence, physical activity, psychotherapy, and socialization interventions have shown to decrease depression and loneliness in older adults. There were mixed …

Why Won’T Grandma Cross The Road? Neighborhood Perceptions And Walking Behavior Among Older Adults In Lexington, Kentucky, Sadie Middleton

Theses and Dissertations--Urban and Environmental Design

Many urban places contain subtle details that can unintentionally deter pedestrian activity. These details can be assessed through six themes: safety, comfort, pedestrian infrastructure, aesthetics, proximity, and ease of navigation. Adults over age 65 may have more concerns about walking in urban settings than people in other age groups. This study identifies urban design elements that encourage and discourage walking among older adults and makes recommendations for design improvements. Study participants (n= 67) completed an online survey about walking behaviors, perceptions of health and community, and perceptions of seven unidentified scenes of pedestrian environments in Lexington, Kentucky. Findings suggest that …

The Effects Of Golf On The Mental Health Of Older Adults: A Content Analysis Of The Literature And A Proposed Future Study, Robert K. Upton Iii

Senior Theses

Through my academic and personal experiences as a student at the University of South Carolina, I developed an interest to research the effects of golf on the mental health of older adults. Physical activity can have many positive results on older adults, including increased cardiorespiratory fitness, decreased risk of chronic diseases, increased longevity, and improved memory and cognition. Golf may be a suitable form of physical activity for older adults, but the relationship between golf and the mental health of older golfers must be investigated. Through a literature review and content analysis of secondary sources, this thesis intends to determine …

Influencing Undergraduate Nursing Student Attitudes On Older Adults, Monica L. Tenhunen

General Submissions: Presentations (Oral and Poster)

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine baccalaureate nursing student attitudes toward older adults and whether gerontological nursing education affects those attitudes. As the number of older adults increases, more nurses will be needed to provide care for this part of the population. Education specific to the health care needs of this population should enable nurses to provide safe, quality care by increasing their knowledge and understanding about the older adult.

In the essential competencies for the nursing care of older adults, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing addresses incorporation of attitudes about aging to the education …

Content Validation Of An Instrument For Identifying High-Need Older Adults In The Community, Kuei-Min Chen, Meng-Chin Chen, Hui-Fen Hsu

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

This presentation introduces a brief and user-friendly screening scale to identify high-need older adults in the community for global nurse practitioners/researchers who work with community older adults. The developmental process of the screening instrument will be presented.

What Do Nci Data Tell Us About The Characteristics And Outcomes Of Older Adults With Idd?, Valerie J. Bradley, Dorothy Hiersteiner, Henan Li, Alexandra Bonardi, Laura Vegas

Developmental Disabilities Network Journal

The number of older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is growing and will continue to expand as the baby boom generation moves into older adulthood. This descriptive analysis provides information on the characteristics and outcomes of a subsample of individuals with IDD aged 55 and over in the 2018-2019 National Core Indicators In Person Survey. Selected findings are compared to characteristics of the general population as measured by the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Findings suggest the older adults with IDD are more isolated, have smaller social networks than their younger peers, and have less access to transportation …

Older Adults—Their Focus On Food And Future Living: A Grounded Theory Approach, Kai Victor Victor Hansen

The Qualitative Report

Older adults, also known as the silver generation, are the new healthy generation. This generation has for many decades formed the basis for the prosperity found in Norway. The ageing population is growing rapidly in many countries around the world. The aim of this paper is to understand healthy active older adults’ interpretations of food and meals and their focus on food and future living. Nine CurroCus® group interviews, or fast focus groups, were conducted, lasting 37 to 56 minutes with an average of 45 minutes. Altogether, 76 persons from both genders participated, with an age span of 60 to …

Negotiating Informal And Formal Supportive Services Among Older Adults: An Analysis Of A Caring Culture At Hope Meadows, Derek Ruszkowski

Student Research – Stevenson Center

This case study examines discourses of living and volunteering at an intentional and intergenerational neighborhood in Rantoul, IL managed by a non-profit called Hope Meadows. This is accomplished through participant and non-participant observations and nine resident interviews. The research contributes to literature on community-level efforts serving to strengthen supportive relationships among neighbors by examining a population that is engaged in providing services to their fellow community residents and the non-profit organization in exchange for below-market rent. Additionally, the outcome contributes to literature on aging-in-place, sustaining volunteer programs dependent on committed residents, and challenges of an increasingly disproportionate aging population. Due …

Why Do Cognitive Prompts Hurt Learning In Older Adults?, Kurt Kraiger, Thomas M. Cavanagh, Collin M. G. Willis

Barowsky School of Business | Faculty Scholarship

The purposes of the present investigation were to attempt to replicate the negative effects for learning prompts in older adults reported by Cavanagh, Kraiger and Peters (2016), determine if the impact of learning prompts depends on type of prompt, and investigate the two possible explanations of the negative impact of prompts – increased cognitive load and higher negative affect. Learning prompts refer to short text inserted into training content to encourage trainees to rehearse new content or engage in meta‐cognitive activity. Although learning prompts generally lead to greater learning in training, Cavanagh et al. reported a negative impact for prompts …

Positive Psychology And Older Adult Well-Being, Kenzie Delposen

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Positive Psychology is a new area of scientific study within the realm of psychology that focuses on the positives in life and the promotion of well-being. Well-being can be promoted though aspects such as flourishing, hedonic and eudaimonic perspectives, positive affect and emotions, happiness, and reappraisal. Older adults make up an ever growing percentage of our population. Despite this, there are still biases and negative viewpoints against aging and older adults. The decline in health and social connectedness in aging is not inevitable and resilience can be imperative to successful aging. It is important to ensure healthy aging so that …

To Determine The Predictive Accuracy Of The Frase Risk Assessment Tool In Identifying Older Adults At High Risk Of Falls In Community Hospitals/ Nursing Units, Susan Daly

Theses

Background: The operational effectiveness of Fall Risk Assessment Tools (FRATs)in predicting falls remains unclear due to variation in accuracy when applied in different settings and among different populations (Aranda-Gallardo et al. 2017, Castellini at al. 2017).

Aims: The primary aim of the study is to determine the predictive accuracy of the Falls Risk Assessment Scale for the Elderly (FRASE) risk assessment tool in identifying older adults at high risk of falls in Community Hospitals/ Nursing Units. The secondary aim is to determine the relationship between older adult faller status and the risk factors; gender, age, gait, sensory deficit, falls history, …

Simulated Role-Play To Improve Attitudes And Empathy Toward Older Adults In Accelerated Nursing Students, Elizabeth Ann Galetz

Biennial Convention (CONV)

This pre- and post-test intervention study aimed to: 1) examine the effectiveness of two educational modalities, a case study and simulated role-playing scenarios, on improving attitudes and empathy towards older adults; 2) explore factors affecting attitudes and empathy in accelerated baccalaureate of science in nursing (ABSN) students towards older adults.

Dog Walking: An Exercise Incentive For Older Adults, Lynette P. Harvey

Biennial Convention (CONV)

This review will study the literature in outcomes of dog walking in promoting physical activity in older adults. Subjectively reported data showed trends towards dog walkers being more active compared to their counterparts. This may assist in improving physical and mental health in seniors.

Improving Medication Reconciliation Through An Older Adult Education Initiative, Elizabeth L. Fiscella

Biennial Convention (CONV)

The increasing complexity of medication regimens leaves older adults vulnerable to the hazards of polypharmacy and adverse drug reactions especially during care transitions. This comprehensive EBP project demonstrated an overall improvement in high-risk medication knowledge from a group mean of 3.8 (Pre) to 4.42 (Post), meeting the defined 4.0 benchmark.

2 Feet 4 Life: A Foot Care Self-Management Intervention For Older Adults Without Diabetes, Jennifer J. O'Connor, Deidre D. Wipke-Tevis

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

The high prevalence of foot problems in older adults necessitates preventative foot self-care. This feasibility study evaluated a foot care self-management program on community-dwelling older adults without diabetes. Implementation of best practices may protect foot health, preserve function and mobility, and extend older adults' healthy, active years of life.

Older Adults’ Expectations, And Knowledge Of Oral Health Issues: A Study Of Arkansas Seniors, Virginia Marie Hardgraves

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The life expectancy of the U. S. population is increasing. The advantages of fluoridated water, dental insurance, greater awareness of preventive oral healthcare measures, and more restorative dental services, have helped this generation of adults maintain their teeth into their advanced years. The demand for oral health care services will be greater and more complex that of previous generations. Challenges for the older adult, and the healthcare system providing for them, are complex. Increasing evidence of a link between oral health and overall health underscores the need to promote public health awareness of the need for dental care to be …

A Tailored Intervention For The Elderly: A Feasibility Study, Ladda Senarphitak, Suparb Aree-Ue, Phichpraorn Youngcharoen, Paphon Sa-Ngasoongsong

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

The feasibility of the self-efficacy theoretical based "tailored intervention program" to reduce fear of falling, lessen incidence of re-falling, and improve functional abilities in older adults undergoing hip surgery.

Connect…Collaborate…Catalyze: Enhancing Older Adult Nutrition From Theory To Practice, Carol Ann Amann

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

Malnutrition, food insecurity, and health literacy is concerning within the older adult community and a barrier for healthful living. Novel approaches along with basic nutritional education must be entertained to improve the nutritional status of this population. Creative interventions will be explored to improve the nutritional status of older adults.

The Effects Of A Novel Sport-Based Intervention On Lower Body Muscle Function In Older Adults, Camille H. Dennis

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of a novel, small-court racquet sport, Pickleball, on lower body muscle power and functional performance of older adults, aged 60-75.

Background: Physical inactivity in the older adult population is associated with increased risks of falls, chronic illness, and decreased quality of life. Sports participation may have multiple benefits for improving these risks and have the added benefit of increased adherence among older adults. Pickleball, a popular new sport, is a small-court racquet sport that is moderate intensity, widely accessible, cost effective, and enjoyed by many older adults across the nation.

Methods: Five …

Embracing The Views Of Those Who Matter The Most: An Approach Towards A More Sustainable Recreational Program For Older Adults, Apurva Desai

Student Work - Community Studies

Introduction: With age, older adults may face increasing challenges to community recreational participation. This is usually not for the lack of programming, rather, it may be the result of older adults not finding the programming to be as meaningful. Among other issues, there may be little to no opportunity for self-determination (defined as, having a perceived sense of control over one’s environment), which has been shown to be a critical factor for successful aging. Older adults are usually not at the center of the process; programs are instead primarily driven by the needs of the organization. Community recreational facilities, such …

Fall Risk Assessment In Community- Dwelling Older Adults: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Study, Maryann Dool

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Abstract

Aims: 1) To determine fall risk assessment using subjective and objective measures; 2) To understand older adults' perception on fall risk assessment.

Methodology: An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used and consisted of two phases. Phase 1, the quantitative data was collected from nineteen older adults at an independent living facility in Orlando, Florida. Phase 2, the qualitative data was collected from three participants of Phase 1. After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval, the study was conducted at Lutheran Towers an independent living facility located in the downtown area of Orlando, Florida. Three measurement tools were used: demographic …