Gerontology Commons^™

Conceptualization, Measurement, And Contributors To Participation Among People Living With Parkinson’S Disease, Moon Young Kim

WUSM Theses and Dissertations – All Programs

Participation is a key outcome of rehabilitation and key to successful aging. Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) often experience significant challenges in maintaining participation in meaningful activities and roles. This dissertation examines the influence of living with PD on participation by integrating findings from three studies: a systematic review, a cross-sectional study, and a longitudinal study.

The systematic review synthesized the existing quantitative research on participation in people with PD, revealing inconsistencies in the conceptualization of participation. While the evaluation tools aimed at assessing participation in PD showed acceptable coverage of domains of participation, the assessment of the aspects of …

The Scientific Landscape Of The Aging-In-Place Literature: A Bibliometric Analysis, Saman Jamshidi, Nastaran Hashemi

Architecture Faculty Research

The world’s population is aging and, as populations age, they exhibit an increased prevalence of chronic diseases, which can reduce the independence of elderly individuals. The set of initiatives known as aging in place, a common policy response to the aging population, is preferred by both the elderly population and policymakers. Aging in place is a broad and multifaceted topic that involves multiple stakeholders and academic disciplines. A science map of the literature on aging in place can help researchers pinpoint their efforts and help policymakers make informed decisions. Thus, this study maps the scientific landscape of the aging-in-place literature. …

Livable Marshfield: Age And Dementia Friendly Action Plan: Improving Livability For All Ages And Abilities, Caitlin E. Coyle, Beth Rouleau, Ceara Somerville

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

The Town of Marshfield’s Age and Dementia Friendly action plan signifies a milestone and reflects many years of dedication to creating environments within Marshfield that are supportive of residents of all ages and abilities. Guided by the Council on Aging (COA), the Town of Marshfield is dedicated to understanding and responding to the needs and interests of older adults in the community. Over the years, the share of residents over age 60 has steadily grown. According to 2019-2023 estimates from the American Community Survey, an estimated 28% of Marshfield residents are age 60 or older (approximately 7,200 residents). Projections suggest …

Patterns Of Activity Participation And The Well-Being Of Older Adults In Singapore, Zidane Tiew, Rachel Ngu, Yi Wen Tan

ROSA Research Briefs

Older adults participate in different types of activities and do so in varying frequencies. In this study, we utilised latent class analysis to identify underlying patterns of activity participation among the SLP respondents. We found three patterns: (i) generally active (i.e., socially, physically, and digitally active), (ii) physically and digitally active, and (iii) digitally active. Furthermore, we found that respondents who were more broadly active were more likely to experience higher levels of life satisfaction than those who were only digitally active. These respondents tended to be from higher socioeconomic backgrounds, report having better health, or had more close social …

Planning For The Future Of The Easthampton Council On Aging, Caitlin E. Coyle, Sue Berger

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

This report describes an assessment undertaken by the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging (CSDRA) within the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston, on behalf of the ad hoc Senior Center Building Committee. The goals of this project were to document the features of other communities building processes, engage residents in preliminary conversation about their needs and preferences as they consider aging in Easthampton. Results of that work are described in this report and recommendations to the ad hoc building committee are provided. These recommendations are meant to provide an objective description of this preliminary community …

Computer Use Frequency And Cardiovascular Health In Middle-Aged And Older Adults, Meilan Hu, Shu Fen Diong, K. T. A. Sandeeshwara Kasturiratna, Andree Hartanto

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

With increased computer usage amongst midlife and older adults, concerns are emerging with regards to the potential adverse health effects of computer use given the sedentary habits it may encourage. The current study aims to investigate the relationship between computer use and cardiovascular risk in midlife and older adults. From the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States II: Biomarker Project (2004–2009) and the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS II), 2004–2006, we examined five cardiovascular risk biomarkers—high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein—in relation to self-reported general …

Positive And Negative Affect Differentially Predict Individual Differences And Intra-Individual Changes In Daily Cognitive Failures In Younger And Older Adults, Ysabel A. Guevarra, Nadyanna M. Majeed, Nur Eva Alisha Binte Mohamed Hisham, Andree Hartanto

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

(1) Background: Cognitive failures, including lapses in attention, memory, and executive functioning, can negatively affect daily performance and well-being. Negative and positive affectivity have been implicated in cognitive functioning, yet their relationship with cognitive failures remains underexplored. This study investigates the impact of positive and negative affect on cognitive failures, using daily diary methods to examine both within-person and between-person associations in a sample of younger adults from Singapore and adults across the lifespan from the United States (US). (2) Methods: Participants (Singapore: N = 253, US: N = 1726) completed daily diaries over seven (Singapore) or eight (US) consecutive …

The Provision Of Healthcare For Older Adults In A Massachusetts Jail/House Of Correction: Perspectives From Providers, Laura Driscoll

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

THE PROVISION OF HEALTHCARE FOR OLDER ADULTS IN A MASSACHUSETTS JAIL/HOUSE OF CORRECTION: PERSPECTIVES FROM PROVIDERS November 2024 Laura C. Driscoll, B.S., Boston University M.S.P.T., Boston University DPT, MGH Institute of Health Professions M.S., University of Massachusetts Boston Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Boston Directed by Professor Jan Mutchler The aging population in U.S. jails is growing rapidly presenting significant challenges for healthcare provision within carceral settings. Older adults in these facilities often experience complex health conditions, including chronic diseases and age-related impairments, that require specialized care. Despite this, limited research has explored the experiences of healthcare providers tasked with caring …

Aging In Hanover: A Community Needs Assessment, Caitlin E. Coyle, Beth Rouleau, Ceara Somerville

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

This report describes research undertaken by the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging (CSDRA), within the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston, on behalf of the Town of Hanover. The report supports the Council on Aging’s objective to identify and serve the needs of residents age 55 and older. The contents of this report are meant to inform the Town of Hanover, the Hanover Council on Aging (COA), the Senior Center, and organizations that work with and on behalf of older residents of Hanover for the purposes of COA mission fulfillment alongside planning and coordination of …

低收入年長照顧者面對的挑戰研究報告, Chak Kwan, Dickon Chan, Ka Chung, Tom Kwong, Meng Soi, Florence Fong, Sheung Wan, Wanda Wong, Chi Ho Liu, Shuk Yan Yuen, Wai Tung Ng

APIAS Research Report 研究報告

研究目的
隨著人口老化、壽命延長，以及長期病患數目的增加，更多人需要非正規照顧。香港缺乏針對年長及低收入照顧者的文獻，本研究旨在瞭解他們照顧家人的經歷、面對之困難，以及現有支援服務對他們有否幫助。

研究方法
本研究於2024年3月至6月期間，採用深度訪談 (in-depth interview) 方式，訪問了30位60歲以上，正接受政府財政援助計劃的低收入照顧者。收集的訪問數據，以主題分析方法 (thematic analysis) 處理。

研究結果

• 九成被訪者的平均每月收入為$5,000或以下。低收入年長照顧者年齡中位數為72歲，平均患有2種長期疾病。每周照顧時數中位數為42小時，照顧年期中位數為8.5年。
• 被照顧者年齡中位數為78歲，全部都有長期病或癌症，平均患有2種疾病。
• 被訪者提供多方面的照顧工作，包括膳食 (97%)、陪診 (37%)、家居清潔 (33%) 和協助如廁 (27%)。
• 被訪照顧者面對多方面的壓力。經濟方面，由於被照顧的家人體弱，需要乘坐的士覆診，亦要自費購買特定藥物和保健品，財政壓力大。
• 被照顧者自理能力低，情緒不穩定，照顧者經常要處理厭惡性清潔工作，身心俱疲，出現焦慮和失眠。
• 八成被訪者要獨力照顧家人，支援網絡薄弱。
• 照顧者使用服務遇上數方面困難，包括不懂得使用電子預約平台、社區缺乏緊急和突發需要的暫托服務、服務質素差和收費過高。

政策建議

• 放寬照顧者津貼門檻，低收入家庭即使正在領取其它社會保障津貼及受照顧人沒有輪候院舍服務，亦可領取。
• 推行更具彈性和設置24小時緊急支援服務，應付照顧者即時及突發需要。
• 簡化暫托服務程序和提供接送支援，並且發展「長者社區保姆」服務。
• 加強外展接觸有需要照顧者，盡快設立照顧者資料庫，以識別高危照顧者。
• 立法制定照顧者政策 (Carers’ Policy)，推行「照顧者統一評估」，並根據評估結果提供合適服務。

Waking Up Before We Die: Aging And Spirituality, Marcelline Hutton

Zea E-Books Collection

In retirement, I have more time for prayer and reflection, to rest in the Lord, and hence to have my spirit renewed. We choose how we interpret our situations. Positive, spiritual aging ideas enhance our sense of well-being. Of course, the loss of loved ones decreases our sense of self-worth at times, but the Spirit can renew us. As Genesis reminds us, God was still working in the lives of Sarah and Abraham in old age, and they can serve as models for us. Indeed, Sarah laughed at the angels and shows us how humor exists even as we age. …

Negara Hukum Kesejahteraan Di Batas Pantai: Paradoks Perlindungan Negara Terhadap Masyarakat Pesisir Di Tengah Perubahan Iklim, Aji Baskoro

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

Climate change poses significant challenges to vulnerable coastal communities in Indonesia. As a welfare state, the Indonesian government is expected to safeguard these vulnerable groups through policies that promote their welfare and sustainable livelihoods. However, current policies create a paradox. This article explores this paradox: on the one hand, Indonesia adheres to the welfare state principle, which demands that all government actions be grounded in law, ensuring public safety and welfare. On the other hand, the policies focus on exploiting natural resources, exacerbating the vulnerabilities of coastal communities, particularly in the face of climate change. The article employs a normative …

Aging In Maynard: A Community Needs Assessment, Caitlin E. Coyle, Mary Krebs

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

This report describes research undertaken by the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging (CSDRA), within the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston, on behalf of the Town of Maynard. The report supports the Council on Aging’s objective to identify and serve the needs of residents age 50 and older. The contents of this report are meant to inform the Town of Maynard, the Maynard Council on Aging (COA), the Senior Center, and organizations that work with and on behalf of older residents of Maynard for the purposes of COA mission fulfillment alongside planning and coordination of …

Intersecting Inequities For Older Lgbtq+ Adults Of Color In The Advent Of Medicare Access: A Structural Vulnerability Framework, Christian D. Chan

Adultspan Journal

Although advances in Medicare legislation provide access for beneficiaries to professional counselors, older LGBTQ+ adults of Color face a litany of concerns that heighten stigma and inhibit their access to mental health services. The structural vulnerability framework identifies multiple domains that support the interface between Medicare coverage and access to care for older LGBTQ+ adults of Color. In this conceptual article, I outline (a) interdisciplinary scholarship that contextualizes the key issues facing older LGBTQ+ adults of Color; (b) the core tenets of the structural vulnerability framework; (c) implications for practice addressing structural vulnerability for older LGBTQ+ adults of Color with …

Providing End-Of-Life Counseling: A Narrative Inquiry, Carol Hecht, Sibyl West

Adultspan Journal

This qualitative study aimed to address the gap in the research related to end-of-life counseling by exploring the experiences of counselors working with clients at end of life. While counseling literature and education are lacking regarding end of life, many counselors will work alongside clients approaching death. The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to better understand the nuanced experiences of counselors providing end-of-life counseling and (b) to explore the supports and preparations helpful for counselors to provide end-of-life counseling. A narrative approach, using the Listening Guide (Gilligan, 2015), was employed to analyze and present the stories of three …

Mental Health Distress And Suicide Risk Among Older Adults Who Receive Nutrition Services Programming: Implications For Licensed Professional Counselors., Brittany R. Jones-Cobb, Jihee Hong, Mary Chase Breedlove Mize, Laura Shannonhouse

Adultspan Journal

Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) are now eligible to provide mental health counseling to older adults as Medicare providers. Many older adults receive home delivered (HDM) and congregate (CM) meal services through the Aging Services Network, though their mental health impact remains under examined. This study compared the mental health and suicide risk of older adults receiving HDM or CM services. Our cross-sectional study of 221 HDM and 150 CM recipients from 2018-2020 found significant group differences in psychological distress, t(366) = 3.28, p = .001, perceived burdensomeness; t(357.31) = 2.77, p = .006, and thwarted belongingness, t(357.96) …

Considerations Of Medicare Telehealth Services With Older Adults, Sonah Kho, Amanda Dediego

Adultspan Journal

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic set in motion a rapid expansion of mental health services offered via telehealth. With this rapid expansion came the need to examine how policy and practice should be shaped in a future where telehealth is considered common in counseling practice. For counselors to understand how to support older adult clients in using telehealth services, they must understand telehealth policy. Following the eligibility of licensed counselors to participate in Medicare, counselors need to stay abreast of regulatory changes regarding restrictions and regulations on use of telehealth for mental and behavioral health services, including video and …

Experience Of Loneliness Among Older People In Hong Kong : Ageism Perspective, Chi Kuen Wong

Lingnan Theses (MPhil & PhD)

The experience of loneliness is a significant concern among older people, as it can lead to serious health risks and impact overall well-being. This study, conducted in Hong Kong, explores the relationship between ageism and loneliness among older individuals. Employing qualitative research methods and thematic analysis, data were collected from 21 community-dwelling participants aged 65 to 86, including 8 males and 13 females.

The research focuses on how older individuals' experiences and perceptions of ageism contribute to feelings of loneliness. The study examines different forms of ageism, including institutional ageism and social exclusion, interpersonal ageism, and internalized ageism, as well …

The Importance Of Sampling Frequency For Estimates Of Well-Being Dynamics, Stephen James Hoskins, David W. Johnston, Johannes S. Kunz, Michael A. Shields, Kevin E. Staub

ROSA Journal Articles and Publications

Using a high-frequency panel survey, we examine the sensitivity of estimated self-reported well-being (SWB) dynamics to using monthly, quarterly, and yearly data. This is an important issue if SWB is to be used to evaluate policy. Results from autoregressive models that account for individual-level heterogeneity indicate that the estimated persistence using yearly data is near zero. However, estimated persistence from monthly and quarterly data is substantial. We estimate that persistence to shocks typically lasts around six months and has a net present value of 75–80 per cent of the contemporaneous effect. Estimates are similar for different domains of SWB.

孫輩照顧者面對的挑戰研究報告, Chak Kwan, Dickon Chan, Kong Sang Lou, Meng Soi, Florence Fong, Sheung Wan, Wanda Wong, Ka Chung, Tom Kwong

APIAS Research Report 研究報告

背景和目的
香港人口老齡化和長期病患者的增加，令到更多老年人需要人照顧。現時社會對孫輩照顧者的認識不足，使到他們缺乏適切支援服務。本研究旨在探索孫輩照顧殘疾或患有慢性疾病的祖父母的情況，並提出政策與服務建議。嶺南大學亞太老年學研究中心聯同救世軍護老者協會及救世軍護老者服務於2024年4月25日舉辦了「孫輩照顧者的需要、實踐及政策」研討會，各方持份者分享他們對支援孫輩照顧者的經驗和看法，共同尋找方案支援這類照顧者。

研究方法
本研究於2023年4月至12月期間，採用深度訪談 (in-depth interview) 方式，訪問了共40位年齡介乎13至63歲的孫輩照顧者，瞭解他們成為照顧者的主要原因、提供了甚麼照顧，以及照顧過程中面對的困難。

研究結果

• 大部分受訪的孫輩照顧者 (67.5%) 為次照顧者，近半受訪者每周提供20小時以上的照顧工作。
• 共有47位祖父母/外祖父母受到照顧，年齡介乎62至99歲。大部分被照顧者 (91.5%) 行動不便，或患有長期病患 (76.6%)。被照顧祖父母當中過半 (57.4%) 沒有與孫輩同住，8.5%為獨居。
• 孫輩成為照顧者有數個原因，包括家庭成員無法提供照顧、減輕父母的壓力和回饋祖父母過往照顧之恩。
• 孫輩照顧者的照顧角色與他們的年齡、生活狀態、能力，以及被照顧者的需要有關。大部分孫輩照顧者和家人分擔照顧工作，並得到他們的協助。孫輩照顧者會主動運用各種輔助設備，以提高照顧成效。
• 孫輩照顧者除了要面對一般照顧者的困難外 (如支援服務及資訊不足、身心壓力和社交限制)，他們面對的壓力還包括學業及就業、家庭角色的衝突、「夾心」照顧者面對多重壓力，以及缺乏社會的認同。
• 政策建議
  研究報告建議政府須加強院校對就學照顧者的支持、提供額外假期予在職照顧者、將照顧者主題納入中學課程、推廣朋輩支援小組、提供線上及晚間照顧技巧課程、開發多元化暫託服務、建立個案管理制度，以及推動樂齡科技之運用。

Do Pedestrian Safety Improvements Affect Older Adults' Health And Social Outcomes Equitably? A Quasi Experiment In Singapore, Shin Bin Tan, William Tov, Paulin Tay Straughan

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

Pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods are believed to encourage greater social participation, community engagement, and sense of social inclusion, which are important to older individuals at higher risk of being socially isolated. However, most studies on neighborhood walkability, social participation and social inclusion are cross-sectional, making it difficult to robustly establish causal links. Much research on neighborhood walkability is also based in North America and Europe, leaving a knowledge gap on the impact of walkability within other geographic contexts. Furthermore, there is a lack of empirical evidence about whether benefits from traffic calming schemes are distributed equitably. To reduce these empirical gaps, our …

Aging In Hopkinton: A Community Needs Assessment, Sue Berger, Caitlin E. Coyle

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

This report describes research undertaken by the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging (CSDRA) within the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston, on behalf of the Town of Hopkinton. The goals of this project were to investigate the needs, interests, preferences, and opinions of Hopkinton residents age 55 or older by engaging the community regarding their experiences and needs relevant to Senior Services objective to identify and serve the needs of Hopkinton’s older residents. The contents of this report are meant to inform the Town of Hopkinton, Hopkinton Senior Services, and organizations that work with and …

Aging In Newton: A Community Needs Assessment, Claire Wickersham, Katherine Burnes, Shu Xu, Caitlin E. Coyle

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

This report presents the results of a comprehensive examination of issues relating to aging in Newton. A needs assessment was undertaken to support planning on the part of the City of Newton and the Department of Older Adult Services. Results presented here focus on the characteristics and needs of Newton residents who are aged 60 and older. Data was collected via key informant interviews, focus groups with residents and stakeholders and a mailed survey of residents aged 60 and older. Respondents to the community survey included 2,869 Newton residents, which resulted in a response rate of more than 50%. As …

Development Of A Thwarted Belonging Measure In Older Adults: An Application To Neighborhood Context And The Moderating Role Of Neuroticism, Jaclyn Elisa Keenoy

Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects

This research focuses on thwarted belonging (TB), its associations with the neighborhood contextual factors of social cohesion and physical disorder in older adults, and the moderating role of neuroticism. TB is a key component of the Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide (IPTS) that has serious implications for health and well-being (Van Orden et al., 2012). Despite these implications, TB is less frequently investigated outside of the suicide literature. Thus, the first aim of this research was to create a valid measure of TB in a sample of 5,001 older adults using data from the Health and Retirement Study using a …

Retirement And Life Satisfaction Among Middle-Aged And Older Adults: A Piecewise Growth Mixture Analysis, Jonathan L. Chia, Andree Hartanto, William Tov

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

Retirement represents a significant life transition typically occurring in later adulthood, often accompanied by substantial lifestyle changes. Several theoretical frameworks suggest that these changes present both opportunities and challenges for well-being, and the extent to which individuals experience positive versus negative well-being outcomes may be influenced by various factors. To study such heterogeneity in retirement experiences, researchers have embraced person-centered methodologies. Yet, some previous studies have not robustly delineated retirement- from age-related changes in well-being, accounted for statistical uncertainties, or examined these diverse experiences outside of a Western context. These limitations preclude conclusions about the diverse experience of retirement. Using …

Promoting Cultural Humility, Belonging, And Inclusion To Improve Well-Being Among Direct Care Staff In Oregon Assisted Living, Residential Care, And Memory Care Communities, 2024, Jacklyn Kohon, Dani Himes, Laura Rodriguez, Sarah Dys, Paula Carder, Diana Jacoby, Madeline Fox

Institute on Aging Publications

The voices and experiences of those working and living in assisted living, residential care, and memory care (AL/RC) settings in Oregon are highlighted in this study to understand cultural humility, belonging, inclusion, and intersectional experiences related to sustaining the workforce and promoting quality care. This qualitative study collected data through individual and focus group interviews with a total of 68 people, including 25 direct care staff, voice memos or interviews with 9 former direct care staff, interviews with 9 administrators, interviews with 7 management representatives (owner/operators, human resources specialists, directors of operations, among other titles), and interviews with 18 current …

Climate And Extreme Weather Event Impacts On Administrators, Direct Care Staff, And Residents In Oregon Assisted Living, Residential Care, And Memory Care Communities, 2024, Dani Himes, Jacklyn Kohon, Madeline Fox, Laura Rodriguez, Sarah Dys, Diana Jacoby, Paula Carder

Institute on Aging Publications

This brief report on AL/RC staff and resident experiences with climate events highlights the voices of AL/RC direct care staff, former direct care staff, residents, administrators, and management representatives to promote well-being in these care settings. This study can inform Oregon’s efforts to support long-term care workforce readiness for future climate emergencies and inform future quantitative data collection on AL/RC and other long-term care workers, including those employed in home health agencies, nursing facilities, and adult foster homes.

Impacts Of Social Media Use On The Wellbeing Of Older Adults : Evidence From China During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Xuying Dong

Lingnan Theses (Doctoral degree)

Given the trend of increasing use of information and communication technologies among Chinese elder population, more attention should be drawn on the relationship between social media use and wellbeing of older adults. This research explores the social media use situation among older adults in mainland China as well as its influences on their wellbeing, and employs a mixed approach including quantitative questionnaire distributed via WeChat social media platform and qualitative interview among Chinese older adults who are over 60 years of age in Jingzhou, Hubei Province. Generally speaking, social media use can improve the wellbeing of Chinese older adults, more …

The Impact Of Social-Structural Factors On The Health Of Migrating Older People In China : Testing The Buffering Effect Of Social Capital And Social Integration, Anqi Chen

Lingnan Theses (MPhil & PhD)

While older adult migration in China has received significant attention, the related health research and the pivotal role of social relations have been underexplored. This study, grounded in the theory of the relationship between social capital and health, as well as the social integration theory of migration, examines the associations between social relations and health inequalities under the social structure of Chinese society including socio-economic status, hukou and urban/rural residence.

Methodology: Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2018 survey, three health outcomes are physical function, cognitive function, and mental health. The sample consists of 3,137 …

How Can America Support The Health Of Its Diverse Aging Population?, Catherine García, Lauren L. Brown, Marc A. Garcia

Population Health Research Brief Series

By 2030, one in five Americans will be 65 or older. Rapid population aging in the United States is unfolding alongside a parallel trend of rising racial and ethnic diversity. In the coming decades, African American, Native American, Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, and multiracial groups are projected to experience significant growth in their proportions of adults who survive past age 65. Despite improvements in health and gains in longevity in recent decades, minorized groups continue to experience significant barriers to healthy aging. This brief provides an overview of the social determinants of healthy aging, provides recommendations for …