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Fredriksen-Goldsen KI, Jones BR, Hoy-Ellis C, Kim HJ, Emlet CA, La Fazia D, McKenzie G, Petros R, Teri L. Aging with Pride: Innovations in Dementia Empowerment and Action (IDEA). Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2023; 35:101169. [PMID: 37638227 PMCID: PMC10448412 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2023.101169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sexual and gender minority (SGM) older adults and their care partners, compared to the general population, face unique vulnerabilities that exacerbate living with dementia, including elevated disparities in comorbidities, social isolation, and structural inequities, such as discrimination and lack of access to supports. Methods This paper describes the virtual adaptation process of the first-ever randomized controlled clinical trial intervention, Aging with Pride: Innovations in Dementia Empowerment and Action (IDEA), that was designed for SGM older adults living with dementia and their care partners and built upon the foundation of RDAD and NHAS. Results The virtual adaptation of IDEA was guided by the goals of accessibility, quality, ease of delivery, sustainability, and cultural relevance. The implementation required the development of a HIPPA-compliant online virtual platform, coach and participant virtual training, and modification of necessary intervention elements and materials, as needed. Based on the preliminary findings, the participants and intervention coaches responded well to the virtual adaptation of IDEA. When comparing to in-person delivery, the virtual delivery decreased attrition among both intervention participants and coaches. Discussion The virtual adaptation of the IDEA intervention resulted in preliminary, unexpected, yet potentially important benefits, including the ability to expand the reach of the intervention and decreased attrition. Virtual interventions are an emerging field for people living with dementia and their care partners and additional systematic research is needed to fully assess the benefits and limitations as well as to evaluate if specific subgroups are better served by differing delivery modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brittany R. Jones
- University of Washington, School of Social Work, 1410 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Charles Hoy-Ellis
- University of Washington, School of Social Work, 1410 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Hyun-Jun Kim
- University of Washington, School of Social Work, 1410 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Charles A. Emlet
- University of Washington, School of Social Work, 1410 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - David La Fazia
- University of Washington, School of Social Work, 1410 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Glenise McKenzie
- Oregon Health & Sciences University, School of Nursing, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Ryan Petros
- University of Washington, School of Social Work, 1410 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Linda Teri
- University of Washington, School of Nursing, 1410 NE Campus Parkway, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
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Guest MA, Hunter EG, Schoenberg NE. Making Home: The Role of Social Networks on Identity, Health, and Quality of Life Among Rural Lesbian and Gay Older Adults. Innov Aging 2023; 7:igad082. [PMID: 37727599 PMCID: PMC10506171 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igad082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Gay and lesbian older persons face a host of health inequalities related to their identity as they age. Challenges to health access and appropriate social support may be even more exacerbated for those living in rural environments; this may be due to the lack of supportive and affirming social connections. This project aimed to explore and describe the social networks and the relationship of these social networks to identity, health, and quality of life of gay and lesbian individuals in rural communities. Research Design and Methods Social network data on network type, size, and social capital were collected and supplemented by quantitative questionnaires relating to health, quality of life, marginalization, and identity. Results Participants (N = 25) were recruited from three states. Thirteen participants self-identified as gay and 12 as lesbian. All but one identified as non-Hispanic White. The average age of all participants was 60.32 years. Findings indicate that rural gay and lesbian individuals develop networks with little consideration for network members' acceptance of their identity. Participants reported an average network size of 9.32 individuals. Gay men reported higher perceptual affinity (.69) than lesbian participants (.62). Lesbian networks showed significantly (p = .0262) greater demographic similarity (.58) than aging gay men's networks (.55). Aging gay men (.89) reported statistically stronger (p = .0078) network ties than aging lesbian females (.78). Among participants in this study, network size is not correlated with the health and quality of life of rural aging lesbian and gay individuals. Still, personal identity congruence does appear to relate to health and quality of life. Discussion and Implications The findings highlight the collective need to continue research into sexual minority aging and rural sexual minority aging, particularly employing novel methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Aaron Guest
- Center for Innovation in Healthy and Resilient Aging, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Elizabeth G Hunter
- College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Anderson JG, Flatt JD, Cicero EC, Kittle K, Myers CR, Rose KM, Wharton W. Inclusive Care Practices and Policies Among Sexual and Gender Minority Older Adults. J Gerontol Nurs 2022; 48:6-15. [PMID: 36441066 PMCID: PMC10441248 DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20221107-03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
As the health care and well-being of sexual and gender minority (SGM; i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender or gender non-binary) people in the United States receive federal and local-level attention, SGM older adults and caregivers continue to be left out of important health policy and care conversations. The current article describes policy issues and affirmative strategies related to inclusive care practices among SGM older adults and caregivers. In addition to the broader policies considered related to health and well-being, we include a discussion of local-level policy strategies to mitigate discrimination and promote inclusive care for SGM older adults and caregivers. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48(12), 6-15.].
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Prasad A, Immel M, Fisher A, Hale TM, Jethwani K, Centi AJ, Linscott B, Boerner K. Understanding the Role of Virtual Outreach and Programming for LGBT Individuals in Later Life. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2022; 65:766-781. [PMID: 35107060 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2022.2032526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Due to health disparities LGBT older adults may have more health care needs, but they are likely to have less informal sources of support. While efforts have been made to serve LGBT older adults, traditional forms of in person outreach and service may still be inaccessible to those living in rural areas, with restricted mobility, due to lack of transportation, during inclement weather, or in public health situations as the Covid-19 pandemic. We conducted focus group discussions to understand the role of virtual outreach in serving LGBT individuals' needs in their later years of life. Study participants expressed a desire for dating, community, aging in place, and affirming health care. However, their experience of internalized and institutional homophobia and ageism may act as barriers in fulfilling those needs. A dedicated virtual space has the potential to overcome these barriers by facilitating online get-togethers, support groups, dating events, having coming out resources, and exchanging information on LGBT friendly health services. Having a space to express their generativity may make such virtual services more empowering. Lack of technological access and privacy concerns may hinder the use of virtual services but can be overcome with training and education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anyah Prasad
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, USA
| | - Michael Immel
- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, USA
| | - Alice Fisher
- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, USA
| | - Timothy M Hale
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana-Champaign, USA
| | - Kamal Jethwani
- Connected Health Innovation, Mass General Brigham, Boston, USA
| | - Amanda J Centi
- Connected Health Innovation, Mass General Brigham, Boston, USA
| | - Bob Linscott
- The LGBT Aging Project, Fenway Institute, Boston, USA
| | - Kathrin Boerner
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, USA
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