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Cullen H, Osborne AK, Kiernan MD, Wilson-Menzfeld G. Facilitating Domestic and Civic-Style Activity in the Later Life of Army Veterans: The Influencing Culture of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Geriatrics (Basel) 2024; 9:121. [PMID: 39311246 PMCID: PMC11417766 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics9050121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The Royal Hospital Chelsea has been home to veterans of the British Army since 1692. Opportunities to remain physically active throughout the life course of its residents include participation in numerous hobbies within the quasi-military environment, and in the civic engagement representational role of the Chelsea Pensioner. This study examines the influence the Royal Hospital Chelsea culture has on resident opportunities to remain active. A non-traditional mixed-methods convergent design was used across three participant groups. Staff and established residents engaged in semi-structured qualitative interviews, with established residents and a cohort of new residents completing Quality of Life questionnaires. The findings indicate established Chelsea Pensioners experienced a sense of pride and purpose, elevated social status, and increased life satisfaction as a result of engaging in multiple activities. New Chelsea Pensioners demonstrated a trend towards increased quality of life after six months' residence at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Further research is required to explore the transferability of similar interventions into other residential establishments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Cullen
- Department of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7XA, UK; (H.C.); (M.D.K.)
| | - Alison K. Osborne
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK;
| | - Matthew D. Kiernan
- Department of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7XA, UK; (H.C.); (M.D.K.)
| | - Gemma Wilson-Menzfeld
- Department of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7XA, UK; (H.C.); (M.D.K.)
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Fu Y, Chen M. Intergenerational relationship quality and activity profiles among older adults in China. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e1885-e1897. [PMID: 34708475 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13619] [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: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Currently, very few studies have comprehensively investigated how intergenerational relationship quality (IRQ) between older parents and adult children is related to older adults' activity engagement. To fill this gap, this study endeavoured to examine the associations between IRQ and older adults' activity profiles, not only considering the overall IRQ but also different dimensions of IRQ. We also aimed to reveal the different roles of IRQ with son(s) and with daughter(s). This study made use of survey data collected in Yibin City, Sichuan Province of China in 2018 (N = 4,211). We adopted hierarchical cluster analysis to identify activity profiles, and performed multinomial logistic regressions to assess the association between IRQ and the profiles. We identified five activity profiles among older adults: "caregiving-oriented", "employment-oriented", "social withdrawal", "diverse engagement" and "physically active". Those with greater IRQ were more likely to be "caregiving-oriented" and have "diverse engagement" relative to "social withdrawal". It also showed that structural-associational solidarity and affectual closeness were more predictive of the activity profiles, compared to consensual-normative solidarity and intergenerational conflict. Children's gender plays an important role in the relationship between IRQ and activity engagement profiles. Good intergenerational relationships might not narrow down older adults' activity domains, and instead might actually promote their participation in diverse domains. Promoting structural-associational solidarity and affectual closeness was likely to reduce social withdrawal among older adults in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Fu
- School of Social Development and Public Policy, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Mengni Chen
- Department of Sociology, University of Copenhagen, København, Denmark
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Sánchez M, Díaz P. Active ageing policy in challenging production environments: a case study involving social partners in Spain. Eur J Ageing 2022; 19:509-519. [PMID: 36052199 PMCID: PMC9424458 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-021-00650-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, due to population ageing, the European Union has promoted active ageing policies as a means to encourage workers to delay labour market exit. Our paper explores what active ageing means to social partners (employers, managers and workers) in Spain and also the viability of implementing an active ageing culture in organizations. We used a qualitative case study methodology to identify perceptions regarding obstacles and facilitators in the adoption of an active ageing culture in different production sectors, as well as responses to active ageing policies. Data-generating workshops were held with employees and managers of four types of companies located in the south of the country. Perceived obstacles to active ageing were more organizational than individual in nature. Some of these obstacles gave rise to a kind of forced active ageing in a context in which the previous predominant message had been to retire as early as possible. Job adaptation was perceived as both an obstacle and a facilitator. Increasing recognition of older workers and raising their motivation to extend their working lives were found to be important pending tasks. In contexts of high unemployment, active ageing often remains largely unknown within productive organizations, and the idea of retiring as soon as possible continues to guide many workers. In these circumstances, the implementation of top-down, uniform active ageing policies has proven to be of limited efficacy. Awareness campaigns and initiatives aimed at improving older workers' health and abilities should be launched as complementary active ageing strategies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10433-021-00650-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano Sánchez
- Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Sociología, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Pilar Díaz
- Facultad de Relaciones Laborales y Recursos Humanos, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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Serrat R, Scharf T, Villar F, Gómez C. Fifty-Five Years of Research Into Older People's Civic Participation: Recent Trends, Future Directions. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2020; 60:e38-e51. [PMID: 30889249 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnz021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES This study analyzes critically existing knowledge concerning older people's civic participation, pinpoints gaps in the literature, and proposes new directions for research. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a scoping review of literature on older people's civic participation. To conduct this review, we followed the 5-step framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley (Arksey H, O'Malley L. Scoping studies: Towards a methodological framework. Int J Soc Res Method. 2005; 8: 19-32), and expanded by Levac and colleagues (Levac D, Colquhoun H, O'Brien KK. Scoping studies: Advancing the methodology. Implement Sci. 2010; 5: 69). RESULTS Research into older people's civic participation has grown steadily over the past 55 years. However, the increasing number of publications mainly concerns collective forms of social participation, particularly volunteering, with other types of participation being more stable over time. Contextual as well as dynamic aspects of civic participation remain underdeveloped. Diversity of older people is scarcely represented in current research. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS This scoping review identifies 4 critical gaps in the literature that should be at the forefront of future research. These are classified as conceptual, contextual, processual, and diverse aspects of research into older people's civic participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Serrat
- Department of Cognition, Development, and Educational Psychology, University of Barcelona, Spain
| | - Thomas Scharf
- Institute of Health and Society, Sir James Spence Institute, Newcastle University, UK
| | - Feliciano Villar
- Department of Cognition, Development, and Educational Psychology, University of Barcelona, Spain
| | - Camila Gómez
- Department of Cognition, Development, and Educational Psychology, University of Barcelona, Spain
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Rudnik J, Patskanick TR, Miller JB, D'Ambrosio L, Coughlin JF. Hardly Silent: Exploring Civic Engagement and Participation among a Panel of Adults Ages 85. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2020; 63:392-411. [PMID: 32420823 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2020.1766627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The past twenty years have seen a surge of resources for and public attention devoted to civic participation opportunities for older adults in the United States. At the same time, technology has transformed the way information related to political and social issues is spread and shared. As more older adults migrate to using a wider range of communication tools and the internet, technology-mediated forms of engagement represent a new way for the oldest old to participate in society. In this study, a panel of adults ages 85 and older was surveyed to understand their experiences engaging with political and social issues. Responses to a questionnaire (N = 24) and focus groups (n = 22) indicate the oldest old are interested in social and political issues, and there are opportunities for technology to facilitate the oldest olds' civic and political action. This study identifies roles social workers may play in helping the oldest old engage with social and political issues in their communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Rudnik
- AgeLab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) , Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Julie B Miller
- AgeLab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) , Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lisa D'Ambrosio
- AgeLab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) , Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Joseph F Coughlin
- AgeLab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) , Cambridge, MA, USA
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A state-of-the-art review of the socio-ecological correlates of volunteerism among older adults. AGEING & SOCIETY 2020. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x20000082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe health and social benefits of volunteering behaviours by older adults are well acknowledged. However, few review articles have been concerned with the correlates/dimensions of older adults’ volunteerism. Some focused only on the North American context or reviewed studies only up to 2008. This study reviewed the recent global literature in the past decade about the correlates of older adults’ volunteerism. We carried out a literature search in PsycINFO, Social Services Abstracts, Sociological Abstracts and Google Scholar to identify empirical journal publications about the correlates of older adults’ (age 60+) volunteerism from 2008 to 2019. Among 112 initially eligible papers, 41 were selected. Findings were synthesised using the framework of the Socioecological Model. Existing studies mainly have used quantitative methodologies and were conducted within the context of a single Western country. Motivations included higher education, morale and mentality, previous experiences, social network, community cohesion and organisational management. Major barriers were health and financial constraints. Few studies focused on macro-level correlates. Irrelevant and confounding correlates were also discussed. We suggest practitioners recruit and retain older volunteers by identifying their needs and optimising management within the organisation. Policy makers should create a supportive environment and increase resource accessibility. Future research could conduct cross-cultural comparisons, use diverse methodologies and embrace more correlates, especially at the macro-level.
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Exploring underexposed stories: the experienced lifecourse of financially excluded older adults. AGEING & SOCIETY 2019. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x19001235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
AbstractTo gain insights into vulnerable lifecourses and give a voice to those often underrepresented in quantitative research, this study examines the life stories (past, present and future) of 19 financially excluded older adults using an adapted version of McAdams’ life-story interview scheme. Although these life stories demonstrate an accumulation of many disadvantages and an uncertain future because of current financial situations, the stories also reflect the generativity, resilience, coping strategies and agency of financially excluded older adults. We demonstrate how the experienced lifecourse is built around both negative and positive turning points and transitions which go beyond the classical education–work–retirement triumvirate, and how socio-cultural life scripts are used as a framework to build one's own life story in order to achieve continuity. The discussion highlights the potential for deploying the life-story method as a qualitative resource for providing individualised care.
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[Self-design and prevention potential for older people in institutional long-term care]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2019; 62:247-254. [PMID: 30806736 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-019-02916-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare in inpatient long-term care facilities (nursing homes) should not be limited to medical curative measures, but should also include strengthening social participation, autonomy, self-responsibility and joint responsibility of the residents. Prevention and rehabilitation should therefore be even more integrated into care concepts.This article first introduces various areas of prevention physical activity, nutrition, cognitive competence, psychosocial health, abuse, and freedom-removing measures and then discusses their evidence. Essential for the implementation and the success of such measures is the ability and willingness of people in need of care to engage actively in these therapies; here, appropriate and motivating information plays an important role.Subsequently, geriatric rehabilitation is referred to. In the 2013-2017 empirical study Organization and Rehabilitation for Residents in the Nursing Home to Improve Independence and Participation (ORBIT), 215 people in need of care participated in three-month therapeutic interventions, which were followed by three-months of rehabilitative care. Improvements in mobility and quality of life (Barthel index, QOL-AD) could be demonstrated compared to a control group (n = 28). The results have to be considered against the background of a worsening health and reduced functional capacities in old age. A stronger integration of prevention and rehabilitation services into long-term institutional care is functional for strengthening participation and independence - an important condition for the residents' certainty that their dignity will be respected, competence and strive for self-responsibility and self-determination.
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Kruse A, Kuhlmey A, Naegele G. [Gerontological policy advice : Possibilities and limits of scientific counseling]. Z Gerontol Geriatr 2017; 50:420-428. [PMID: 28664288 DOI: 10.1007/s00391-017-1268-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In the first part of this article a comprehensive understanding of political advice is explicated. In this context reference is made to the value judgement dispute in German sociology and a differentiation between an enlightening and a critical function of scientific policy advice. Development of social scientific policy advice is considered against the background of the distinction between technocratic, decisionistic and pragmatic models of counseling. In the second part of the article, the committee of inquiry on demographic change, the national reports on aging and the reviews on the development of the healthcare system are considered as practical examples of policy advice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Kruse
- Institut für Gerontologie, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität, Bergheimer Str. 20, 69115, Heidelberg, Deutschland.
| | - Adelheid Kuhlmey
- Institut für Medizinische Soziologie und Rehabilitationswissenschaft, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Gerhard Naegele
- Institut für Gerontologie, Universität Dortmund, Dortmund, Deutschland
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Barriers to the retention of older participants in political organisations: evidence from Spain. AGEING & SOCIETY 2015. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x15001361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACTIt has been argued that older people's civic engagement has benefits for both individuals themselves and the community more broadly. Removing barriers to participation is, therefore, essential. However, the multi-dimensional nature of civic participation, as well as the different issues raised by recruitment and retention, complicate this. This study explores the barriers to retention of Spanish older people in political organisations, as one important type of participation that has received little attention in the literature to date. A total of 192 people aged 65 and over and actively engaged in three kinds of political organisation participated in this study. Participants answered an open-ended question regarding perceived barriers to continued involvement. Results show a range of reasons for potential future disengagement from political organisations. These barriers fit into three overarching categories related to changes in means, motives or the opportunity context for participation. Means-related barriers were by far the most frequently identified type of barrier. Both the type of organisation and some socio-demographic and participatory characteristics have an impact on the reasons respondents indicated they may potentially stop participating in future. Results suggest the necessity of a more nuanced and multi-faceted approach to understanding barriers to participation. Particularly, the development of retention strategies by political organisations should take into account the specific characteristics of the individuals and organisations they are targeting.
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Ballard PJ, Pavlova MK, Silbereisen RK, Damon W. Diverse Routes to Civic Participation Across Ages and Cultures: An Introduction. RESEARCH IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/15427609.2015.1010341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Parissa J. Ballard
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, San Francisco
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Lerner RM, Johnson SK, Wang J, Ferris KA, Hershberg RM. The Study of the Development of Civic Engagement Within Contemporary Developmental Science: Theory, Method, and Application. RESEARCH IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/15427609.2015.1013759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Pavlova MK, Körner A, Silbereisen RK. Perceived Social Support, Perceived Community Functioning, and Civic Participation Across the Life Span: Evidence from the Former East Germany. RESEARCH IN HUMAN DEVELOPMENT 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/15427609.2015.1010351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Astrid Körner
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena
- Center for Social Research Halle
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