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A Comparison Of Self-Report And Performance-Based Measures Of Physical Function In Older Adults, Amy Elizabeth Dunbar

LSU Master's Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to examine the associations between perceived quality of life (QOL)and self-report and performance-based measures of function. An additional purpose of this thesis was to determine whether the afore-mentioned tests could differentiate between independent-living and assisted-living older adults. A total of 36 residents, independent-living (n=22) and assisted-living (n=14), of a continuing care retirement community (age range=65-94) completed the study. Perceived QOL was assessed using the SF-36 and Nottingham Health Profile. The Barthel Index and Functional Status Index (FSI) were used to assess Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Physical function was measured using the reduced Continuous …

Cytotoxic T Cell Response To Influenza Vaccination In Older Adults, Caroline R. Letter

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

Influenza infections result in activation of cellular and humoral immune responses, leading to stimulation of cytotoxic T cells (CTL) and helper T cells with subsequent viral clearance.

By using an assay of granzyme B activity, the in vivo cellular-mediated immune response of old adults was found to be significantly decreased in comparison to young adults. The effect of aging on the CTL response was further investigated via enzyme-linked immunospot technique. A significant increase in number of virus-specific T cells occurred in older adults after vaccination, although the magnitude of the CTL response decreased in comparison to young adults. These data …

The Comparison Of Gait Characteristics Between Older Adults Who Do Tai-Chi Chuan And Older Adults Who Do Not Do Tai-Chi Chuan, Shu-Ya Chen

Rehabilitation Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Tai-Chi Chuan (TCC) is a traditional Chinese exercise which has become popular in the Western world recently. The reported health benefits of TCC exercise include increased lower extremity muscle strength, improved balance, improved cardiopulmonary function, reduced tension, and improved overall wellness. However, no study has demonstrated the effects of TCC exercise on walking performance. The purpose of this study is to determine whether TCC exercise has an effect on normal speed walking of older adults. Twenty-four older healthy women over 55 were recruited in this study, 12 subjects practiced TCC exercise at least two times per week and the others …

Student Perceptions Of Aging And Disability As Influenced By Service Learning, David Greene

Intergenerational

This study examined the effects of two community service learning experiences on student perceptions of aging in a nursing home and on community-based living with a disability. According to content analysis of student narratives, service learning resulted in increased student awareness of issues pertinent to the students' companions in both settings. This heightened awareness was discussed in terms of the capacity for empathy. While both experiences were effective. there were differences in student responses to the two service learning settings. This suggests a uniqueness in benefit from different settings for service learning. Instructors should design community placements accordingly being cognizant …

Attitudes Toward Older Adults Among African American And White Counseling Students, April Mckinnies

Theses

With the increased population growth of adults 65 and older, the present study set out to examine if there were attitudinal differences between African American and white future counselors, toward older adults. Respondents consisted of 37 graduate students enrolled in a counseling program who volunteered to complete the Aging Opinion Survey (AOS). The AOS was distributed to students in the classroom by the instructor. Overall, the findings indicated that there was no significant relationship in attitudes toward older adults and subjects' ethnic group.

Meeting The Spiritual Needs Of Older Adults: A Successful Presbyterian Model, Andrea Leihser Scandrett

Theses

This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the motivations for and benefits of church attendance in the aged population. A survey of the active older members of a particular church was conducted in conjunction with a review of previous research on related subjects. These methods revealed that the primary and secondary motivations for church attendance were to worship and to fellowship, respectively. It was also found that church attendance plays a major role in the adjustment of the aged. However, attendance and participation are sometimes inadvertently discouraged by youth-oriented clergy. Churches can greatly contribute to the satisfaction of both the …

The Effects Of A Graded Exercise Session On Creatine Kinase (Ck) Blood Levels In The Older Adult, Rebecca J. Sefton

Honors Capstones

The purpose of this project was to examine the effect of a one-time graded exercise session on creatine kinase (CK) levels in the older adult. The goal was to determine the level of exercise intensity which maximally benefits the older adult without evidence of muscle tissue damage. Eight volunteers were obtained from the DeKalb YMCA and the NIU Recreational Center's senior citizens exercise programs. Each volunteer exercised on a treadmill for a total of ten minutes, not inclusive of warm-up and of cool down periods, at a Maximal Predicted Heart Rate (MPHR) of either 50% (four volunteers) or 75% (four …

Learning Styles Of Older Adults And The Channels For Dissemination Of Clothing Information, Grace Elizabeth Keir

Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

No abstract provided.

Some Correlates Of Satisfaction In Retirement., Diane Janell Clark

All ETDs from UAB

In 1960, there were 16 million persons over age 65. At present, there are 23 million persons over age 65, and about 38%, or 8.7 million, of those are over age 75. It is projected that by the year 2000, 43% of the aged will be over age 75. Only 21% of the men over 65 are employed as compared to 45% in 1960 (Benedict, 1978). The implications of the preceding statistics are alarming.

Counseling For Older Adults: A Study Of Its Importance And Effectiveness, Suzanne Gram

Theses

Unavailable.