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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Sociology

The University of Maine

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

2006

Articles 1 - 6 of 6

Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Healthy Aging, Mary Walsh, Peggy Haynes, Chris Sady, Matt L'Italien Sep 2006

Healthy Aging, Mary Walsh, Peggy Haynes, Chris Sady, Matt L'Italien

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

It has been scientifically proven that preventative measures such as regular physical activity and healthy eating are crucial in maintaining good health, reducing the impact of disease, delaying disability, and reducing the need for expensive long term care for older adults. Among individuals in Maine aged 65 or older, 43 percent are overweight, 18 percent are obese, and 36 percent do not do any leisure time physical activities. Most of these individuals suffer from one or more chronic health problems. This can be avoided by incorporating moderate physical activity, good nutrition, and no smoking, thus delaying disability by as much …

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Informal Caregiving, Julie Ann Scott, University Of Maine Center On Aging Sep 2006

Informal Caregiving, Julie Ann Scott, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

With advances in medicine and nutrition resulting in longevity comes increased risk of debilitating diseases, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. Although trained professionals can provide care to these individuals, simple aspects of care may be provided by family members or friends. There are now over 52.4 million informal caregivers in the United States. Although informal caregiving comes with personal rewards, it also has emotional, physical, and financial challenges. This role is underappreciated, yet is crucial to society. Sixty-five percent of older individuals with long-term care needs rely exclusively on family and friends for assistance. The economic …

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Civic Engagement, Paula Burnett, Andrew Matlins, University Of Maine Center On Aging Sep 2006

Civic Engagement, Paula Burnett, Andrew Matlins, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

This report looks at civic engagement as volunteerism and community activism. It looks to analyze whether or not seniors will seek to become civically engaged, as well as the best methods for attracting, engaging, and retaining these individuals. By 2020, approximately one in six Americans will be 65 years of age or older. Maine’s population is now the oldest in the nation. These statistics are causing many nonprofit organizations across Maine and the nation to rethink how they can attract and retain volunteers, which are crucial assets to the agencies. Some suggest that we can expect a rise in volunteers …

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Civic Engagement, Paula Burnett, Andrew Matlins, University Of Maine Center On Aging Sep 2006

Civic Engagement, Paula Burnett, Andrew Matlins, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

What is meant by “civic engagement”? Many people limit civic engagement to volunteerism and community activism. Others contend it also includes being in the work force. For the purpose of this issue brief, we are primarily examining civic engagement as it relates to volunteerism and community activism. We do not intend to minimize the issue of older adults in the workforce by taking this approach. Many older adults will either wish to, or need to, remain in the work force. Older adult in the workforce is a significant issue that deserves to be examined separately from the topic of civic …

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Meeting Maine’S Need For Frontline Workers In Long-Term Care And Service Options, Lisa Pohlmann, Maine Center For Economic Policy Sep 2006

Meeting Maine’S Need For Frontline Workers In Long-Term Care And Service Options, Lisa Pohlmann, Maine Center For Economic Policy

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

Thousands of workers across Maine and the nation provide assistance and health care for elders as well as adults and children with disabilities. The Maine Department of Labor estimates that there were about 17,600 direct care workers employed in 2005, which does not include self-employed workers in private pay arrangements. As baby boomers retire over the next 20 years, the demand for direct care and personal assistance services will continue to grow, making direct care occupations some of the highest demand jobs in the state. There is already a labor shortage in this area of work, and thus long-term consumers …

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Hancock County And Statewide Needs, Resources, And Readiness Assessment On Older Adult Alcohol Abuse, University Of Maine Center On Aging, Bucksport Bay Healthy Communities, Coastal Hancock Healthy Communities, Healthy Peninsula Project, Healthy Acadia Coalition Aug 2006

Hancock County And Statewide Needs, Resources, And Readiness Assessment On Older Adult Alcohol Abuse, University Of Maine Center On Aging, Bucksport Bay Healthy Communities, Coastal Hancock Healthy Communities, Healthy Peninsula Project, Healthy Acadia Coalition

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

Alcohol and drug abuse remains to be a serious health issue among 17 percent of adults aged 60 or older. This assessment was conducted in order to determine and fully understand the needs, resources, and readiness necessary to address the issue of substance abuse throughout the state of Maine. It involved a four-part study focused in the Hancock County region. Twelve focus groups were held with the target groups being professionals, caregivers, and older adults. Surveys and interviews were distributed statewide to evaluate substance abuse. Secondary data analysis was included as well in order to analyze arrests, hospital admissions, treatment, …

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