Gerontology Commons^™

Sustainable Small House Project, Mollie Jo George

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

The Sustainable Small House Project was developed in cooperation with UNO/UNL Engineering, UNO Gerontology, and Metro Community College. This project merges both sustainable living with the small house movement to promote aging-in-place for older adults. This presentation describes the journey of Dr. Bing Chen as he envisioned the Sustainable Small House Project to its development and finally to implementation at its current location--west of Baxter Arena or adjacent to the UNO ballfield.

From a gerontological lens, the project focuses on principles of universal design which allows for aging-in-place, fall-detection and prevention using smart technologies such as Nobi, and voice-activated technologies …

Examining Assistive And Interactive Technology Needs Of Older Adults, Joshua Idachaba, Julie Blaskewicz Boron, Sarah Hubner, Marcia Shade, Natalie Manley, Meaghan Walls, Ann Fruhling

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Most older adults have expressed a desire to age in place. Advances in medicine and technology have helped improve the feasibility to fulfill this desire. Assistive and interactive technologies (AITs), which assist with at least one activity of daily living (ADL) or instrumental activity of daily living (IADL), may be key in supporting independent living, improving the user’s quality of life, and reducing caregiver burden. This study aimed to investigate the technology needs and preferences of older adults and how demographics, IADL/ADL function, and quality of life relate to these needs and preferences.

Older adults, mostly in Nebraska, were recruited …

Effects Of Social Networks And Caregiver Characteristics On Loneliness In Caregivers To Older Adults With Chronic Conditions, Hayley A. Fouche, Janelle N. Beadle Dr.

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Caregivers to older adults with chronic conditions may experience physical and mental health issues, such as depression and loneliness, due to the stressful nature of providing daily care. Loneliness levels also may be affected by caregiving characteristics (e.g., time spent on caregiving per week), as well as differing levels of social support. Yet, few studies have specifically examined the relationship between loneliness, caregiving characteristics and social support in caregivers to older adults with chronic conditions. Understanding the risk factors for loneliness among caregivers may provide insights into ways to improve caregiver well-being. This study aims to investigate differences in loneliness …

Assistive And Interactive Technology Use, Comfort, And Interest In Caregiver And Older Adult Populations, Sarah Hubner, Akankshya Chataut, Marcia Shade, Ann Fruhling, Natalie Manley, Meaghan Walls, Julie Blaskewicz Boron

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Remaining community-dwelling is a goal for most aging adults; however, this may necessitate assistance from caregivers. To reduce burden and improve adult autonomy, recent technological advancements have provided various supports. These advancements may improve quality of life (QOL) while also enhancing psychological/physical well-being for adults and caregivers. To investigate relationships between technology, QOL, and caregiver burden, needs assessments with focus groups were utilized. Four older adult and two caregiver focus groups were conducted. Within older adult groups, participants were aged 64-83 years (M=73.1,SD=5.3); the sample was 50% female and 90% white. For caregiver groups, participants were aged 31-73 years (M=57.8,SD=13.2); …

Let’S Talk About Death: Conversation And Bereavement In Late-Life Widows And Widowers [Poster], Bekah Bass

Research in the Capitol

Death is a taboo subject in American society, yet it affects everyone at some point in life. By looking at conversations surrounding death from a sociological perspective, I study the association between conversations about death and the grief of those left behind. Using the Changing Lives of Older Couples dataset, I am conducting a secondary data analysis to study the relationship between talking about death with a spouse before death, and the denial and mental health impacts on the widow after death. By understanding how conversations about death may be related to positive or negative outcomes, we can better support …

A Melting Pot Of Medications: Issues Regarding Over-Prescribing In Dementia Populations, Angela Gifford

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Over-prescribing is an issue faced by many in the older population, but dementia patients statistically experience higher prescribing rates of potentially inappropriate medications compared to their peers. There are currently no FDA approved medications available for the direct treatment of dementia, but drug classes like anticholinergics and psychotropics are used for the management of behavioral symptoms associated with the disease. These drugs can cause negative side-effects in the dementia populations including gastrointestinal issues, neurological issues, increased hospitalizations, and increased mortality rates within this group. Most troubling, the benefits that are supposed to occur from taking these drugs have been show …

4th Annual Social Gerontology Conference Program, Center For Social Gerontology, Georgia Southern University

Center for Social Gerontology Community Conference

Conference Program

Depressive Symptoms, Social Activity, And Physical Activity In Older Adults, Hyeon Jung (Judith) Kim

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Depressive symptoms are negatively related to mental health and quality of life. Social and physical activities have been used as indicators of depressive symptoms in older populations. Participation in high levels of social and physical activities has been associated with decreased depressive symptoms. This pilot study explored the relationship between the levels of social and physical activities and depressive symptoms among older adults living in an independent living facility. Twenty-two participants (Age M=87.50; SD=7.50; 82% women) were recruited and completed The Geriatric Depression Scale short form, the Revised Change in Activity and Interest Index (assessed social activity level), and Godin …

Pilot Study Of Empathy In Adults, Libby Moberg

UNO Student Research and Creative Activity Fair

Empathy is of critical public health importance due to its association with relationship satisfaction and well-being (Davis & Oathout, 1987; Davis, 1983). There is growing evidence that bilingual individuals may have higher levels of empathy (Javor, 2016). One potential mechanism for this relationship is that bilingual individuals tend to have higher levels of executive functioning (Costa et al, 2008), which is linked to higher empathy because individuals are able to more easily adopt others’ perspectives. Previous studies examining this question have largely relied on self-report questionnaires assessing empathy as a general tendency (i.e., trait). No studies have examined differences in …

Grief Off-The-Clock: Supporting Hospice Professionals Through Personal Loss, Rachel A. Guimond

Scholar Week 2016 - present

Working with clients who die can have a major impact on the way professionals address their own grief. Daily exposure to the possibility of death alters the process of mourning and can leave professionals feeling disconnected from family and friends during times of grief. This presentation will look at the challenges that hospice workers, clergy members, social workers and other professionals face when they experience grief in their own lives. Evidence-based strategies for supporting professionals in their grief will also be explored.

A Medical Student Foray Into The Depths Of Public Health: An Exploratory Investigation Toward A Community Dashboard Characterizing The Experiences Of Frailty In Order To Guide Improvement, An Harmanli, Danielle Fahoome, Burton Masem, Ellen Massey, Beverly Lunsford, Joanne Lynn, Elizabeth Cobbs

GW Research Days 2016 - 2020

While it is known that there are many shortcomings in the care of the elderly, their rate and impact on the community and the elderly themselves is not well understood. In exploring the possibilities for using existing data and available informants, a dashboard could be created that would enable a geographic community to understand the experience of living with disabilities in old age, to prioritize problems, and to test improvements.

The methods included a literature review to understand what and how easily information could be accessed, gathered, and presented. In regards to literature on data collection, CMS claims data, MDS, …

How Financial Resources Affect Older Adults' Social Life, Hyunsook Kang, Lisa Mize, Jennifer Newquist

School of Human Sciences Research Showcase

No abstract provided.

Ethnicity And Leisure In Later Life, Hyunsook Kang, Gina Fe G. Causin

School of Human Sciences Research Showcase

No abstract provided.

Intertwining Retirement Education With Adult Education, Chaewon Yang

Adult Education Research Conference

This literature review aims to explore how adult education can intervene to create a more satisfactory retirement through retirement education. Specifically, it is focused how retirement education has use transformative learning theory to interpret retirement experiences.

Socioeconomic Segregation And The Location Of Assisted Living Facilities In Wa State, Miranda M. Anderson

Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE)

This research project looks at the relationships between segregation by socio-economic status, race & ethnicity, and the location of assisted living facilities in the state of Washington. We know that segregation affects a variety of living conditions and life chances and outcomes, such as employment, housing, and school success rates. We lack research, however, on the effects of segregation on the location of assisted living facilities. Are assisted living homes being located in heavily segregated neighborhoods? Assisted living homes are not subject to the standard regulations that a nursing home is, and often the residents of these homes are not …

Motion Analysis Using Wearable Wireless Sensors To Support Treatment Of Diseases In The Elderly, Calvin Hoi Kok Cheung, Timothy Kin Sang Lee

Practical Social and Industrial Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Using Innovative Customer Relationship Management Technologies To Explore The Business Opportunities Of An Ageing Population And Provide Better Service, Paul Tak Wing Tsui, Fred Cheong Fai Li, Aaron Hok Chung Pang, Wai Fan Cheng

Practical Social and Industrial Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

The Ageing Bodies Study: Exploring Action Research Methods Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Yanki Yan Ki Lee, Albert Siu Yin Tsang, Timothy Kin Sang Lee, Cyril Yik Ching Lee

Practical Social and Industrial Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Perceptions Of The Elderly On Ageing In Place In Hong Kong, Kris Wai Ning Wong, Stella Sin Tung Kwok, Fiona Wing Yin Luk

Practical Social and Industrial Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Plenary Session Iii – Medical Track: Reporting At-Risk Drivers To Massdot Medical Advisory Board, Michele Ellicks, Marjorie Weinberger, James Ellison, Debra Kerrigan, Jatin Dave

Older Driver Safety Summit: Planning a Safe and Mobile Future for Massachusetts

This session will address counseling the at-risk driver, healthcare provider responsibility and liability, clinician resources to provide older drivers, and procedures for reporting. This session will also include information on recognizing the sense of loss and grief experienced by someone who must relinquish a driver’s license.

Plenary Session Iii – Policy Track: Focus On Innovation, Emily Shea, Jessica Cicchini, Bryan Reimer, Meghan Verena Joyce, Nora Moreno Cargie, Betsey Crimmins

Older Driver Safety Summit: Planning a Safe and Mobile Future for Massachusetts

Dr. Cicchini will describe the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and how its work can inform efforts in Massachusetts to promote older driver road safety. Dr. Reimer will describe innovations in research and the implications for policy. Nora Moreno Cargie will discuss how corporate and philanthropic partners can support innovative policy developments. Meghan Verona Joyce will describe Uber’s innovative partnership with government partners as a model for other entities to consider as they face regulatory challenges. Betsey Crimmins will discuss the legal and elder justice innovations needed to keep older MA adults safe and mobile.

Plenary Session Iii – Mobility Track: Successful Models For Senior Transportation In Massachusetts, Theadora Fisher, Jayne Colino, Tim O’Day, Erica Girgenti, Janet Seckel-Cerroti

Older Driver Safety Summit: Planning a Safe and Mobile Future for Massachusetts

This session will discuss examples of replicable, successful programs that address the transportation needs of seniors in Massachusetts, including Council on Aging programs, a partnership with a regional transit authority, and a medical escort program.

Plenary Session Ii – Mobility Track: When The Wheels Fall Off, Jean Patel Bushnell, Lissa Kapust, John Paul, Don Blackburn

Older Driver Safety Summit: Planning a Safe and Mobile Future for Massachusetts

This session captures the consumer experience throughout the transition process, their struggle to maintain control and solutions to help them preserve independence and identity.

Plenary Session Ii – Medical Track: Substance And Medication Use, Mary Maguire, Michele Matthews, Stephen J. Walsh, Joanne Thomka

Older Driver Safety Summit: Planning a Safe and Mobile Future for Massachusetts

This session will provide information on drivers’ use of prescription medications, poly-pharmacy, alcohol, “medical” marijuana, and illegal drugs and the impact these substances may have on one’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Plenary Session Ii – Policy Track: Policies That Work, Kathrin Boerner, Jake Nelson, Richard Marottoli, Tom Meuser

Older Driver Safety Summit: Planning a Safe and Mobile Future for Massachusetts

This session will describe policies related to medical fitness to drive and medical reporting. Jake Nelson will provide an overview of the research related to medical fitness to drive. Best practices will be highlighted by Dr. Meuser, and clinical geriatric issues will be discussed by Dr. Marottoli.

Plenary Session I – Medical Track: Identifying Medically At-Risk Drivers, Janet Jankowiak, Brian Ott, Ann Hollis, Elin Schold-Davis, Eugene Scanzera

Older Driver Safety Summit: Planning a Safe and Mobile Future for Massachusetts

This session will focus on assessing and identifying medical conditions that may impact one’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. The session will include information on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, changes in vision, reaction time, and cognition.

Plenary Session I – Policy Track: Policies That Work, David Stevens, Marian Ryan, Kay Khan, Harriette L. Chandler, Patricia Jehlen

Older Driver Safety Summit: Planning a Safe and Mobile Future for Massachusetts

This session will discuss policy formation, implementation, and enforcement issues related to older driver safety. Policymakers Representative Khan and Senators Chandler and Jehlen will discuss the process of getting evidence-based laws enacted, while Middlesex D.A. Marian Ryan will describe enforcement issues and concerns. Moderator David Stevens will talk about advocating for socially just and evidence-based policies impacting older adults.

Plenary Session I – Mobility Track: The Transition From Driver To Passenger And The Role Of Senior-Friendly Transportation Options, Nina Silverstein, Jana Hunkler, Helen Kerschner, William Henry, Noah Berger

Older Driver Safety Summit: Planning a Safe and Mobile Future for Massachusetts

This session will explore the challenges faced by older adults as they transition from driving to transportation options; introduce the strategies of travel training and mobility management for senior transportation; present the concept of supportive senior-friendly transportation and the role of volunteers and volunteer driver programs in supporting that vision; and address risk management concerns in the provision of senior transportation.

Food Insecurity & Aging Adults, Kimberly Morales

Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education Conference

No abstract provided.

From The Ground Up: How To Effectively Merge Research And Practice To Build Impactful Community Programs, Sara E. Stemen

Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education Conference

The purpose of this presentation is to guide those interested in working in community non-profits through the program development process. Furthermore, this presentation highlights the importance of using an evidence-based eye when building programs--bridging what has been learned in the classroom with real world, hands on experience. The presentation will focus on the presenter's academic and professional journey to being responsible for building a program from the ground up--focusing on what was learned along the way. In this presentation, participants will be walked through the process that guided the development of Delaware County's Caregiver Program. Information will be shared regarding …