1
|
Zhan HJ, Liu J, Qiu F. Aging in Place with Few Children and Social Services-- Understanding Structural and Cultural Lags in Rural China. J Appl Gerontol 2024; 43:860-869. [PMID: 38289981 DOI: 10.1177/07334648241229595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
This study uses mixed methodologies to reveal how structural and cultural changes are changing the connotations of home and aging in rural China. Based on surveys (n = 830) and 33 intensive interviews with older migrant workers, this study found that having rural public pensions, adult children living nearby, and owning land in their hometowns were associated with the respondents' desire for aging in place (AIP). Moreover, although the image of the rural home is idyllic, the reality is difficult. Aging migrant workers are gaining a strong sense of financial independence and their children's lack of parental care. The authors argue that having no social-care services, while adult children are rarely available for old-age care, is changing the connotations of AIP in rural China. These social and cultural transformations are making AIP more of a romantic ideal than a practical reality for migrant workers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jing Liu
- School of Public Administration, Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fengxian Qiu
- Department of Social Work, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gaudine A, Parsons K, Smith-Young J. Older Adults' Experiences with Remote Care for Specialized Health Service During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Descriptive Qualitative Study. Can J Aging 2024; 43:257-265. [PMID: 37869900 DOI: 10.1017/s0714980823000636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic necessitated a rapid uptake of remote health care services. This qualitative descriptive study was designed to gain an understanding of older adults' experiences of remote care (telephone or online video conference appointments) for specialized health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-one older adults (ages 65 years and older; 8 men and 13 women) living in eastern Canada participated in a semi-structured telephone interview. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The vast majority of older adults were overall satisfied with their remote experiences of specialist care. Advantages to remote care for specialized services included convenience, safety during the pandemic, comfort, efficiency, and ease of visit. Disadvantages included communication not as effective, feeling depersonalized or disembodied, missing the human relationship, and wanting reassurance of physical assessment. It is important that health professionals understand the disadvantages for older adults of remote care visits in order to mitigate them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Gaudine
- Faculty of Nursing, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Karen Parsons
- Faculty of Nursing, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Joanne Smith-Young
- Faculty of Nursing, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Guzman V, Doyle F, Foley R, Wilson P, Crowe N, Craven P, Pertl M. "When we were allowed to go back … the freedom, the vista, the delight … It was just magic": Disruption and adaptation among people ageing-in-place in Ireland during COVID-19. Soc Sci Med 2024; 351:116960. [PMID: 38805835 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 person-place disruptions may dislocate enabling resources and affect the short- and long-term wellbeing of individuals ageing-in-place. However, outcomes may vary according to individuals' personal experiences and capabilities to put in place adaptive strategies. Underpinned by the Conservation of Resources (COR) Theory, this study aimed to identify shifts in older people's relationships to place during the pandemic and to gain a deeper understanding of their adaptive strategies. We analysed data collected between April-May and October-November 2021 from the [Details omitted for double-blind reviewing], a qualitative investigation of community-dwellers based in Ireland and aged 65 years or over. Participants (n = 57) completed written submissions, narrative interviews and/or go-along interviews detailing their experiences during the pandemic. The mean age of participants was 74.9 years, 53% were female, 46% lived alone, and 86% lived in areas with high urban influence. Our framework analysis identified three thematic categories: 1) Characterization of individuals experiencing flow or disruption of place-resources; 2) Effects of place-resource disruptions; and 3) Adaptive strategies to manage disruption. Findings suggest that during the pandemic individuals ageing-in-place experienced trajectories of resistant flow, resilient flow, chronic disruption, or delayed disruption of place-resources, Participants' health and wellbeing was influenced in diverse ways by the threat of- and actual loss of material, social and affective resources. To compensate for disruptions, participants developed multiple adaptive strategies that highlight older people's potential to transform themselves, others, and their environments during times of adversity. These findings showcase the processes by which health enabling places may be maintained and generated, and present areas of opportunity for public health interventions seeking to support ageing populations during public health emergencies and beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viveka Guzman
- School of Population Health, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephen's Green, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland.
| | - Frank Doyle
- School of Population Health, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephen's Green, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Ronan Foley
- Department of Geography, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, WE23 HW31, Ireland
| | - Penny Wilson
- Wellbeing, Interventions and Support during Epidemics (WISE) Study Research Advisory Group, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephen's Green, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Noelene Crowe
- Wellbeing, Interventions and Support during Epidemics (WISE) Study Research Advisory Group, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephen's Green, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Peter Craven
- Wellbeing, Interventions and Support during Epidemics (WISE) Study Research Advisory Group, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephen's Green, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Maria Pertl
- School of Population Health, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephen's Green, Dublin, D02 YN77, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pan Z, Liu Y, Liu Y, Huo Z, Han W. Age-friendly neighbourhood environment, functional abilities and life satisfaction: A longitudinal analysis of older adults in urban China. Soc Sci Med 2024; 340:116403. [PMID: 37989046 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
The construction of age-friendly neighbourhoods is a priority for practice and policy to promote active ageing and increase life satisfaction for older adults. However, there has been a paucity of longitudinal evidence on the interaction effects of age-friendly neighbourhood environment and functional abilities on life satisfaction among older adults in urban China. This study makes the first attempt to examine the effect of person-environment fit on life satisfaction by the accumulative effects of age-friendliness of the baseline neighbourhood environment (measured within the WHO Age-Friendly City framework) on functional abilities and life satisfaction trajectories and the long-term effects of functioning changes on life satisfaction, drawing from four waves of longitudinal data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and latent growth curve modelling. Results indicated that the age-friendliness of transportation was positively associated with functional abilities, and housing was the primary factor that shaped life satisfaction at the baseline. Better maintenance of functional abilities could promote life satisfaction over time. For older adults living in recently built neighbourhoods, social environment factors such as associations and facilities for social participation were more important in functional abilities, and communication and information were more important in life satisfaction. For those living in neighbourhoods built before 2000, physical environment factors such as transportation were essential in functional abilities, and housing was more essential in life satisfaction; health-related facilities and services at baseline exerted a cumulative effect on maintaining functional abilities in the long run. Our findings inform policymakers about how to effectively allocate public resources to enhance older adults' life satisfaction in the Chinese urban context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuolin Pan
- School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Urbanization and Geo-Simulation, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Public Security and Disaster, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yuqi Liu
- Department of Urban Planning, School of Architecture, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ye Liu
- School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Urbanization and Geo-Simulation, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Public Security and Disaster, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ziwen Huo
- Guangzhou Urban Planning & Design Survey Research Institute, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wenchao Han
- Guangzhou Urban Planning & Design Survey Research Institute, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shapiro E, Paz A, Henn Amir S, Sendler Elharar O, Kirzner RS. Health and Well-Being Among Those Aging in Place in a Jerusalem Religious Community. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023; 62:3137-3157. [PMID: 37462892 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01868-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
An innovative pilot program in a traditional Jerusalem synagogue was developed to increase medical and social well-being of older community members who want to age in place. The study assessed the impact of the program. Interviews and focus groups were conducted in 2019 with 30 program participants, program staff, and non-program residents and with program leaders a year later. The evaluation found that wellness and healthcare features of a faith-based aging in place program had a generally positive impact, magnified by the group's strong social cohesion. The program's impact and value have increased since COVID-19, with some potential for replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ephraim Shapiro
- Department of Health Systems Management, Ariel University, 4 Kiryat Hamada, 40700, Ariel, Israel.
| | - Amira Paz
- Beer Emunah Institute and Healthy Aging, Ltd, 61 Dizengoff Street., Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Shachar Henn Amir
- Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center - Ichilov Hospital, 6 Weizmann St., Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Or Sendler Elharar
- Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center - Ichilov Hospital, 6 Weizmann St., Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Rachel S Kirzner
- Stockton University, 101 Vera King Farris Dr, Galloway, NJ, 08205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Klein S, Brondeel R, Chaix B, Klein O, Thierry B, Kestens Y, Gerber P, Perchoux C. What triggers selective daily mobility among older adults? A study comparing trip and environmental characteristics between observed path and shortest path. Health Place 2023; 79:102730. [PMID: 34955424 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Interest is growing in neighborhood effects on health beyond individual's home locations. However, few studies accounted for selective daily mobility bias. Selective mobility of 470 older adults (aged 67-94) living in urban and suburban areas of Luxembourg, was measured through detour percentage between their observed GPS-based paths and their shortest paths. Multilevel negative binomial regression tested associations between detour percentage, trips characteristics and environmental exposures. Detour percentage was higher for walking trips (28%) than car trips (16%). Low-speed areas and connectivity differences between observed and shortest paths vary by transport mode, indicating a potential selective daily mobility bias. The positive effects of amenities, street connectivity, low-speed areas and greenness on walking detour reinforce the existing evidence on older adults' active transportation. Urban planning interventions favoring active transportation will also promote walking trips with longer detours, helping older adults to increase their physical activity levels and ultimately promote healthy aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Klein
- Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research, Urban and Mobility Department, Esch/Alzette, L-4366, Luxembourg.
| | - Ruben Brondeel
- Scientific Directorate of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Basile Chaix
- INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Institut Pierre Louis d'épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, IPLESP UMR-S1136, F75012, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Klein
- Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research, Urban and Mobility Department, Esch/Alzette, L-4366, Luxembourg
| | - Benoit Thierry
- Centre de Recherche de l'université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, QCL, Canada
| | - Yan Kestens
- Centre de Recherche de l'université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Université de Montréal, QCL, Canada
| | - Philippe Gerber
- Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research, Urban and Mobility Department, Esch/Alzette, L-4366, Luxembourg
| | - Camille Perchoux
- Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research, Urban and Mobility Department, Esch/Alzette, L-4366, Luxembourg
| |
Collapse
|