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Sun Y, Ng MK, Chao TYS, He S, Mok SH. The impact of place attachment on well-being for older people in high-density urban environment: a qualitative study. J Aging Soc Policy 2024; 36:241-261. [PMID: 35957602 DOI: 10.1080/08959420.2022.2111168] [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: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Aging in place has become a popular social policy worldwide. This paper argues that well-being is an important outcome of aging in place, upon which older people develop autonomy and environmental proactivity. The temporal dimension of aging in place highlights development of place attachment, which includes place identity and place dependence. The study explores how older people, who live inhigh-density urban environments, make sense of well-being and place attachment by articulating their daily lives. Community dwelling older people aged 65 and above, who came from neighborhoods with high aging population and residential density but high and low median household incomes, were invited for focus group discussions. Multifaceted meanings of well-being include various dimensions that cover individual-collective and material-spiritual (psychological) construct. Meanings of place attachment include values of, bonding ties to, and memories about places. Three pathways are identified linking place attachment and multifaceted well-being. The study finds that social welfare and material richness are not the only determinants of well-being. Fulfillment of higher psychological needs, such as positive evaluation of life and self-actualization, should be emphasized by which older people can make the most of their life in old age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Sun
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
- Research Institute for Land and Space, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Mee Kam Ng
- Department of Geography and Resource Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | - Shenjing He
- Department of Urban Planning and Design, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Social Infrastructure for Equity and Wellbeing (SIEW) Lab, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Sze Hin Mok
- Department of Building and Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
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Bai X, Zhou JJ, Lee CK, Lee VWP, Lai DWL. Personal Competence or Environmental Characteristics? Factors Influencing Happiness among Ageing Adults in Hong Kong Around the Period of COVID-19 Pandemic. J Appl Gerontol 2024:7334648241234995. [PMID: 38412869 DOI: 10.1177/07334648241234995] [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: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Drawing upon person-environment fit perspective, this study examines the joint and interactive influences of personal competence and environmental characteristics on the happiness of ageing adults around the period of COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected in two rounds, before and during the pandemic, with 2,028 participants aged 55 years and older in Hong Kong. Personal competence encompassed financial status, physical health, and mental capital, while environmental characteristics included experiences of ageism, perceived social conditions, and age-friendly policies. Ordinary least squares regression was used to examine personal and environmental influences on happiness. Results indicated a significant decline in happiness following the onset of COVID-19 pandemic. Mental capital was found to have the strongest positive influence on happiness, followed by physical health, financial status, and social conditions. Mental capital mitigated the negative relationship between experiences of ageism and happiness. Practical interventions are informed to improve the well-being of ageing adults during pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Bai
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
- Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Jia-Jia Zhou
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
- Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Chi Ko Lee
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
- Research Centre for Gerontology and Family Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Vincent W P Lee
- Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University, kowloon tong, Hong Kong
| | - Daniel W L Lai
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, kowloon tong, Hong Kong
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Niedoba S, Oswald F. Person-Environment Exchange Processes in Transition into Dementia: A Scoping Review. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2024; 64:gnad034. [PMID: 36988643 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnad034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The important role that the environment plays in the lives of older people is widely acknowledged. To date, little is known about person-environment processes during the early stages of dementia. This scoping review aims to provide an overview of the processes involved during early dementia and the relationship to different dimensions of their life space. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A scoping review was conducted according to the Johanna Briggs Institute Manual, which involved searching for research on early dementia and the environment across 3 databases. RESULTS A total of 1,358 records were screened, with 284 sources included in the first categorization of the diverse relationships that exist between the environment and the person living with early dementia. Finally, 102 sources were selected that describe person-environment exchange processes of agency, belonging, or stress. People living with dementia actively shape, use, seek out, and avoid their environment as a reaction to both declining abilities and environmental barriers. Specifically, feelings of connectedness and familiarity are important. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Taking both an environmental gerontology perspective and a processual, that is, transition perspective broadens the understanding of the experience and behavior of people living with early dementia. They constantly interact with and shape their environment and desire a sense of belonging. This sense of belonging might be threatened by dementia but can be actively reinforced by people living with dementia. These person-environment processes and their dynamics over time should be further investigated. Especially, quantitative data and data on socioeconomic environments are lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Niedoba
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Frank Oswald
- Interdisciplinary Ageing Research, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Liu H, Zhang M, Chen B, Huang L, Zhao X. Links between life-course SES and frailty trajectory moderated by community environment resources: Person-environment Fit perspective. ADVANCES IN LIFE COURSE RESEARCH 2023; 58:100580. [PMID: 38054872 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcr.2023.100580] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Drawing from the life course and person-environment fit perspectives, this study examined whether life-course SES disadvantages during childhood, adulthood and old- age influence frailty development in late- life and how community environment resources moderated the association between life-course SES disadvantages and frailty trajectories over a seven-year follow-up period. METHODS Data from 11,675 participants aged ≥ 50 years at baseline who participated in the four waves (2011-2018) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS) were used. Life-course SES disadvantages were self-reported, and community environment resources (basic infrastructure and voluntary organizations) were ascertained from informed officials in the community. Frailty development was measured at each wave by the Frailty Index (FI) based on 39 potential deficits. Multilevel growth modeling was used to examine the interactive effect of life-course SES disadvantages and community environment resources on frailty development. RESULTS Life-course SES disadvantage exerted cumulatively negative effects on frailty trajectory, and individuals with SES disadvantages in two or three life stages reported higher initial levels of and faster increases in frailty scores. Community environmental resources (basic infrastructure and voluntary organizations) had a protective effect on frailty development and buffered the negative effects of SES vulnerability experiences accumulated over the life course. Community basic infrastructure resources played an important role in slowing the progression of frailty for individuals with cumulative SES disadvantage and downward mobility. DISCUSSION Our findings provided new evidence of person-environmental docility among older adults, documenting the role of community resources in buffering SES disparities in health during later-life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiying Liu
- Department of Sociology, Central South University, Changsha, China; Sau Po Sau Po Centre on Ageing, Hong Kong University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mi Zhang
- Department of Sociology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Beizhuo Chen
- Department of Sociology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lixuan Huang
- School of Health Humanities, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Zhao
- School of Health Humanities, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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Miola L, Carbone E, Toffalini E, Pazzaglia F. Navigability of Residential Care Homes From Residents', Family Members', and Staff's Points of View: The Residential Care Home Navigability Scale. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2023; 63:1419-1427. [PMID: 36913365 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnad029] [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: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Navigational skills display clear signs of decline with increasing age, especially in pathological aging. Therefore, navigability-the extent to which destinations can be reached with reasonable effort and time-should be considered in residential care home design. We aimed to develop a scale assessing environmental features (i.e., indoor visual differentiation, signage, and layout) for navigability in residential care homes: the Residential Care Home Navigability (RCHN) scale. To this end, we examined whether navigability and its factors were associated with a sense of direction within the residential care homes to different degrees for older adult residents, caregivers, and staff. The relationship between navigability and residential satisfaction was also considered. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A sample of 523 participants (230 residents, 126 family caregivers, and 167 staff members) responded to the RCHN, assessed their sense of orientation and general satisfaction, and performed a pointing task. RESULTS Results confirmed the RCHN scale's 3-level factor structure, good reliability, and validity. A subjective sense of direction, but not pointing task performance, was associated with navigability and its factors. In particular, visual differentiation is positively associated with a sense of direction regardless of group, whereas signage and layout contributed to a better experience of a sense of direction, especially among older residents. Navigability was not related to residents' satisfaction. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Navigability supports perceived orientation in residential care homes, especially for older residents. Moreover, the RCHN is a reliable tool for the assessment of RCHN, with important implications for minimizing spatial disorientation through environmental interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Miola
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Carbone
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Enrico Toffalini
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Pazzaglia
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Interuniversity Research Center in Environmental Psychology (CIRPA), Rome, Italy
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Guzman V, O'Dwyer P, Doyle F, Pertl M, Foley R, Morsch P, Alvarez D, Vega E. A scoping review protocol of age-friendly practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. HRB Open Res 2022; 5:64. [DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13619.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Actions focused on age-friendly environments contribute to promote and maintain older people’s functional ability and may enable them to contribute to their communities and enjoy life. As such, age-friendly practices require collaboration between diverse stakeholders across multiple sectors responsible for natural, built, and social environments, which can be particularly relevant during public health emergencies when socio-ecological vulnerabilities become more salient and may disproportionally affect older people. This paper presents a protocol for a scoping review aiming to investigate the breadth of evidence concerning the development, implementation, and evaluation of age-friendly practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. The protocol sets out the objectives, methods, and dissemination plans for the review. Methods: The scoping review will be conducted in line with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review methodology. We will search databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, PsychNet) and grey literature sources. Publications relating to practices across the 8 domains of the World Health Organization’s age-friendly cities and communities’ framework will be included. A tabular data extraction tool will be used to facilitate a narrative synthesis of results. Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval is not required as the methods proposed for this scoping review consist of collecting publicly available data. Findings will be reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and submitted to a journal for academic dissemination. Lay dissemination plans include an infographic and a blog-style article presenting our core results. Conclusion: The publication of this protocol allows for transparency in the systematic process of a scoping review focused on age-friendly practices during COVID-19. Findings emerging from the scoping review will provide insights into the evidence available regarding age-friendly activities during COVID-19 and may inform future age-friendly practices during public health emergencies and beyond.
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Simpson ML, Oetzel J, Wilson Y, Nock S, Johnston K, Reddy R. Codesigning a Culture-Centered Age-Friendly Community for Māori Kaumātua: Cultural Principles and Practices. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2022; 77:2265-2275. [PMID: 35796864 PMCID: PMC9799182 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbac092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examined a Māori (Indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand) age-friendly housing development. Two Māori community groups worked with multiple stakeholders to codesign a culture-centered, kaumātua (older adults) urban housing community. The purpose was to identify codesign and culture-centered principles in the development. METHODS Kaupapa Māori (Māori-centered) and participatory research methodologies guided the culture-centered research design. Data collection included 27 interviews with 19 residents and 12 organizational stakeholders; three focus groups with residents' families, service providers, and nonresident kaumātua (n = 16); and project documents. Data analysis used the framework method. RESULTS Three codesign process themes emerged: (a) Kaumātua-centered vision; (b) realizing the vision; and (c) living the shared vision. DISCUSSION Accounting for cultural practices in codesigning age-friendly and culture-centered housing for and with Indigenous older adults helps meet their cultural, social, health, and economic needs. The research offers a practical pathway to developing age-friendly housing environments for Māori kaumātua, their communities, wider society, and other Indigenous people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Louisa Simpson
- Address correspondence to: Mary Louisa Simpson, PhD, Waikato Management School, University of Waikato, PB 3105, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand. E-mail:
| | - John Oetzel
- Waikato Management School, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | | | - Sophie Nock
- Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
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Kovaleva MA, Jones A, Kimpel CC, Lauderdale J, Sevin C, Boehm L. Patients' and Caregivers' Perceptions of Intensive Care Unit Hospitalization and Recovery. Am J Crit Care 2022; 31:319-323. [PMID: 35773198 PMCID: PMC9275380 DOI: 10.4037/ajcc2022945] [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: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth-based intensive care unit recovery clinics (ICU-RCs) can increase access to post-ICU recovery care for patients and their families. It is crucial to understand patients' and caregivers' experience of illness and recovery to build patient- and family-centered ICU-RCs. OBJECTIVE To explore patients' and caregivers' perceptions of ICU hospitalization and recovery. METHODS Individual semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with 14 patients and 12 caregivers who participated in a telehealth ICU-RC. This study was guided by qualitative description methodology. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS Patients described their ICU hospitalization as scary, traumatic, and lonely. Participants' feedback on hospitalization ranged from praise to criticism. Patients wanted more realistic and detailed prognostication about post-ICU recovery and more physical therapy after discharge. Patients strongly valued the mental health component of ICU-RC visits, which contrasted with the scant attention paid to mental health in other postdischarge health care settings. Their knowledge about post-ICU recovery and connectedness to a primary care provider varied. CONCLUSIONS Examining patients' and caregivers' perceptions of ICU hospitalization and recovery highlights ICU-RC components that can be strengthened to support patient- and family-centered recovery. The ICU-RC staff should invite patients to share feedback about their ICU stay; give a timely, realistic prognosis for recovery; offer mental health consultations; provide physical therapy; and partner with patients and their caregivers to develop and deliver post-ICU care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abigail Jones
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, TN
| | | | | | - Carla Sevin
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Leanne Boehm
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, TN
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Meeks
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
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10
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Wahl HW, Hoppmann CA, Ram N, Gerstorf D. Healthy Aging-Relevant Goals: The Role of Person-Context Co-construction. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 76:S181-S190. [PMID: 34515774 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbab089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This article considers how individuals' motivation for healthy aging manifests within the myriad of different contexts that older adults are embedded in as they move through later life. METHODS Drawing on the concept of co-construction, we argue that persons and contexts both contribute to the emergence, maintenance, and disengagement from healthy aging relevant goals in adulthood and old age. RESULTS To promote the understanding of such co-constructive dynamics, we propose four conceptual refinements of previous healthy aging models. First, we outline various different, often multidirectional, ways in which persons and contexts conjointly contribute to how people set, pursue, and disengage from health goals. Second, we promote consideration of context as involving unique, shared, and interactive effects of socio-economic, social, physical, care/service, and technology dimensions. Third, we highlight how the relevance, utility, and nature of these context dimensions and their role in co-constructing health goals change as individuals move through the Third Age, the Fourth Age, and a terminal stages of life. Finally, we suggest that these conceptual refinements be linked to established (motivational) theories of lifespan development and aging. DISCUSSIONS In closing, we outline a set of research questions that promise to advance our understanding of the mechanisms by which contexts and aging persons co-construct healthy aging relevant goals and elaborate on the applied significance of this approach for common public health practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Werner Wahl
- Network Aging Research & Institute of Psychology, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | | | - Nilam Ram
- Departments of Psychology and Communication, Stanford University, California, USA
| | - Denis Gerstorf
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt University Berlin, Germany
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Danielson RA, Ray-Degges S. Aging in place among older adults with histories of traumatic experiences: A scoping review. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2021; 62:e1-e16. [PMID: 34436570 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnab127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Adverse childhood and adult experiences can have far-reaching impacts, and when coupled with typical aging-related changes, may impede achievement of a suitable person-environment fit for aging adults. The objective of our study was to determine if extant literature connects older adults with trauma history to successfully aging in place. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We proposed a conceptual model regarding trauma history, adaptive capacity of aging adults, and trauma-informed supports for aging in place. We conducted a scoping review using six databases [key words older adult(s), aging in place, housing, trauma], with a full review of 32 articles. RESULTS Insights included: 1) Aging in place does not have to mean living in the same house over time. 2) The uncertainty of the aging process can be traumatic and can be exacerbated by previous traumatic experiences. 3) Environmental sensitivities can result from previous traumatic experiences and cause further trauma. 4) Housing precarity is a traumatic experience. 5) Permanent supportive housing is an important resource for people in crisis. 6) Community supports are critical to aging in place. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our review revealed insights about aging in place and trauma, but did not connect the vulnerabilities specific to aging adults with personal trauma histories to aging in place. Research is needed that confirms the relationship between history of traumatic experiences and difficulties with aging in place as well as trauma-informed approaches that can mitigate housing-related stressors and foster community living environments that provide equitable access to aging in place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona A Danielson
- Department of Public Health, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Carolina, USA
| | - Susan Ray-Degges
- Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Interior Design & Hospitality Management, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Carolina, USA
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Suzuki R, Blackwood J, Webster NJ, Shah S. Functional Limitations and Perceived Neighborhood Walkability Among Urban Dwelling Older Adults. Front Public Health 2021; 9:675799. [PMID: 34277543 PMCID: PMC8277958 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.675799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Older adults with functional limitations (FLs) often experience obstacles to walking. Although health promotion programs targeting physical activity are available in lower-income areas, few studies have compared the walking experiences of older adults who have FLs with those who do not in the community. The purpose of this cross-sectional survey was to compare perceptions of neighborhood walkability among older adults living in lower-income communities with and without FLs. Participants (N = 132) were recruited in 2018 at regional health clinics in Flint, Michigan. To be eligible, participants had to be 65 years of age or older, report no cognitive decline, and be Flint residents. Of the 132 participants, the mean age was 69.74 (SD = 4.97). The majority were female (66%); African American (77%); single, divorced, or widowed (72%); educated below the General Education Development level (57%), and had a FL (67%). Older adults with FLs were significantly (p < 0.05) less likely than those without to visit many places within walking distance, to have well-lit neighborhoods at night, and to reside in neighborhoods where sidewalks were separated from the road and traffic. Multiple regression analyses revealed that having a FL was associated with poorer neighborhood perceptions of mixed-land-use (b = −0.19, p < 0.05) and more walking hazards (b = −0.26, p < 0.05). Findings suggest that a FL is associated with perceptions of walkability. It is essential to develop disability-friendly support systems and accommodations to encourage walking in lower-income communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rie Suzuki
- Department of Public Health and Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, MI, United States
| | - Jennifer Blackwood
- Physical Therapy Department, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, MI, United States
| | - Noah J Webster
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Shailee Shah
- Department of Public Health and Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, MI, United States
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Sverdrup K, Bergh S, Selbæk G, Benth JŠ, Husebø B, Røen IM, Thingstad P, Tangen GG. Exploring life-space in the nursing home. An observational longitudinal study. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:396. [PMID: 34187380 PMCID: PMC8243900 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02345-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional performance-based measurements of mobility fail to recognize the interaction between the individual and their environment. Life-space (LS) forms a central element in the broader context of mobility and has received growing attention in gerontology. Still, knowledge on LS in the nursing home (NH) remains sparse. The aim of this study was to identify LS trajectories in people with dementia from time of NH admission, and explore characteristics associated with LS over time. METHODS In total, 583 people with dementia were included at NH admission and assessed biannually for 3 years. LS was assessed using the Nursing Home Life-Space Diameter. Association with individual (age, sex, general medical health, number of medications, pain, physical performance, dementia severity, and neuropsychiatric symptoms) and environmental (staff-to-resident ratio, unit size, and quality of the physical environment) characterises was assessed. We used a growth mixture model to identify LS trajectories and linear mixed model was used to explore characteristics associated with LS over time. RESULTS We identified four groups of residents with distinct LS trajectories, labelled Group 1 (n = 19, 3.5%), Group 2 (n = 390, 72.1%), Group 3 (n = 56, 10.4%), Group 4 (n = 76, 14.0%). Being younger, having good compared to poor general medical health, less severe dementia, more agitation, less apathy, better physical performance and living in a smaller unit were associated with a wider LS throughout the study period. CONCLUSION From NH admission most NH residents' LS trajectory remained stable (Group 2), and their daily lives unfolded within their unit. Better physical performance and less apathy emerged as potentially modifiable characteristics associated with wider LS over time. Future studies are encouraged to determine whether LS trajectories in NH residents are modifiable, and we suggest that future research further explore the impact of environmental characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Sverdrup
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Ageing and Health, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Aldring og Helse, Postboks 2136, 3103, Tønsberg, Norway. .,Department of Geriatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Sverre Bergh
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Ageing and Health, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Aldring og Helse, Postboks 2136, 3103, Tønsberg, Norway.,Research Centre for Age-Related Functional Decline and Disease, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Geir Selbæk
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Ageing and Health, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Aldring og Helse, Postboks 2136, 3103, Tønsberg, Norway.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jūratė Šaltytė Benth
- Research Centre for Age-Related Functional Decline and Disease, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Bettina Husebø
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Nursing Home Medicine, Bergen, Norway
| | - Irene Mari Røen
- Centre for Development of Institutional and Home Care Services, Innlandet (Hedmark), Norway
| | - Pernille Thingstad
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Gro Gujord Tangen
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Ageing and Health, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Aldring og Helse, Postboks 2136, 3103, Tønsberg, Norway.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Pruchno R, Wilson-Genderson M, Heid AR, Cartwright FP. Effects of peri-traumatic stress experienced during Hurricane Sandy on functional limitation trajectories for older men and women. Soc Sci Med 2021; 281:114097. [PMID: 34120083 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND METHODS Although the short-term effects of disasters on the physical health of mid-life and older people have been documented, little is understood about the long-term effects that disasters have on the physical health of these people. Based on the environmental docility hypothesis and research regarding gender effects on functional limitations and disaster, our analyses examined the effects of peri-traumatic stress experienced during Hurricane Sandy using longitudinal data from 5688 people aged 50 and older collected over six waves (2006-2019). RESULTS We found that functional limitations follow three trajectories, with people in each group having a significant linear increase over time and all but the highest functioning people also having a significant quadratic effect, indicating that the linear increase peaked post-Hurricane and then slowed in later waves. CONCLUSION Consistent with the environmental docility hypothesis, peri-traumatic stress had its greatest impact on people with more functional limitations before the hurricane. Men experiencing peri-traumatic stress during Hurricane Sandy were more likely to experience an increase in functional limitations than women. These findings, which identify people most likely to experience long-term health effects following a disaster, can be used to inform health policies before, during, and after disaster strikes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Pruchno
- New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA.
| | | | | | - Francine P Cartwright
- New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging, Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA.
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15
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Stephens C, Allen J. Older people as active agents in their neighbourhood environments: Moving house can improve quality of life. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2021; 62:56-65. [PMID: 34010393 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnab065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Neighbourhood environments are an important aspect of well-being for older people. Developments of the general ecological model recognise older people as active agents who adapt their environments to fit their changing needs. We provide empirical support for a model suggested by Wahl et al., by examining interactions between neighbourhood environments, personal situations, relocation, and quality of life among older people. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Two statistical models were tested with a sample of community dwelling participants (aged 55-89) in the New Zealand Health, Work and Retirement longitudinal surveys conducted in 2016 (T1) and 2018 (T2). Multiple linear regression assessed the association of perceptions of housing and neighbourhood with quality of life (QoL) at T1 (n = 3682). RESULTS QoL was predicted by housing satisfaction, and neighbourhood satisfaction, accessibility, and trust (controlling for age, gender, marital status, home ownership, SES, physical health and mental health). Mixed ANOVA showed that those who moved house between T1-T2 reported lower housing and neighbourhood satisfaction than non-movers at T1. Over time T1-T2, movers reported less decline in housing satisfaction, and more positive change on all neighbourhood perceptions, with higher perceptions of neighbourhood accessibility than non-movers at T2. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS These findings support the theoretical model and provide impetus for more detailed study of the effects of the environment on well-being in older age. Housing and neighbourhood environments are a very practical focus for social policy change at local and national levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanne Allen
- School of Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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16
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Cao X, Hou SI. Aging in Community Mechanism: Transforming Communities to Achieving Person–Environment Fit Across Time. JOURNAL OF AGING AND ENVIRONMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/26892618.2021.1926042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xian Cao
- Doctoral Program in Public Affairs (PAF-PhD), College of Community Innovation and Education, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Su-I Hou
- Doctoral Program in Public Affairs (PAF-PhD), College of Community Innovation and Education, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
- School of Global Health Management & Informatics, College of Community Innovation and Education, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
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17
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Gan DR, Fung JC, Cho IS. Neighborhood atmosphere modifies the eudaimonic impact of cohesion and friendship among older adults: A multilevel mixed-methods study. Soc Sci Med 2021; 270:113682. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.113682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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18
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Wahl HW, Ehni HJ. Advanced old age as a developmental dilemma: An in-depth comparison of established fourth age conceptualizations. J Aging Stud 2020; 55:100896. [PMID: 33272456 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2020.100896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Distinguishing the Fourth Age (FoA) from the Third Age (ThA) has become a common practice in aging research. In this theoretical paper, we focus on four established conceptualizations of the ThA-FoA distinction, i.e., (1) Neugarten's work on the young-old vs. the old-old; (2) Laslett's concept of the innovative life period of the ThA; (3) Erikson's 9th life stage approach; and (4) Baltes' approach considering the FoA as the most radical incompleteness of the human condition. After a comparative descriptive analysis, we extract evaluative elements inherent in the four approaches according to six categories: (1) fundamental values; (2) positive evaluative elements; (3) negative evaluative elements; (4) the decline vs. growth view; (5) the continuity vs. discontinuity view; and (6) values related to practical issues. As an overarching result of our analysis, we conclude that all conceptions face - in different ways - dilemmas that seem difficult to solve. One option may be to give up all ambitions toward agency for the FoA and indeed qualify this phase as the "aging without agency" phase of life. Doing so, however, seems ethically questionable, because it would give up acknowledged values connected with a good human life such as human goal-directed autonomy and freedom. In conclusion, the ThA-FoA distinction, although arguably a needed and helpful roadmap for the recent decades of aging science, comes with enduring disadvantages and eventually even risks. Therefore, in future aging science, we recommend avoiding the ThA-FoA distinction or at least using it only in combination with a critical attitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Werner Wahl
- Heidelberg University, Network Aging Research, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Hans-Jörg Ehni
- University of Tübingen, Institute for the Ethics and History of Medicine, Tübingen, Germany
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19
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Wanka A, Oswald F. [Mapping age-Rethinking the relation between aging and space]. Z Gerontol Geriatr 2020; 53:379-381. [PMID: 32780280 DOI: 10.1007/s00391-020-01769-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wanka
- DFG-Graduiertenkolleg "Doing Transitions", Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland.
| | - Frank Oswald
- Interdisziplinäre Alternswissenschaft (IAW), Fachbereich Erziehungswissenschaften, Frankfurter Forum für interdisziplinäre Alternsforschung (FFIA), Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Theodor-W.-Adorno-Platz 6, 60323, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland.
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20
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Kricheldorff C. [Mapping age-A new perspective on age(ing) and space]. Z Gerontol Geriatr 2020; 53:405-408. [PMID: 32749516 DOI: 10.1007/s00391-020-01770-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Kricheldorff
- Soziale Gerontologie und Soziale Arbeit im Gesundheitswesen, Katholische Hochschule Freiburg, Karlstr. 63, 79104, Freiburg, Deutschland.
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21
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Altern ist Veränderung in der Zeit – Doch wo ist der Raum? Z Gerontol Geriatr 2020; 53:401-404. [DOI: 10.1007/s00391-020-01771-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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22
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de Medeiros K, Kinney JM. Writing Like a Gerontologist for The Gerontologist. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2020; 60:793-796. [PMID: 32449509 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnaa060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kate de Medeiros
- Department of Sociology and Gerontology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
| | - Jennifer M Kinney
- Department of Sociology and Gerontology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
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