Community Centers Research Articles

Perceptions and Potential of Integrating Elderly Schools and Complementary Therapy for Enhanced Basic Health Services

The aging global population necessitates tailored health services for the elderly. Complementary therapies, such as acupressure and exercise, have shown promise in addressing elderly health needs. Integrating these therapies with elderly schools, community centers offering tailored programs, presents a holistic healthcare approach. This research aims to assess elderly perceptions and potential benefits of integrating elderly schools and complementary therapies. It explores awareness levels, acceptance, implementation barriers, and perceived impacts on overall well-being. The study provides crucial evidence for policymakers and practitioners to enhance basic health services for the elderly. A descriptive survey method was employed, utilizing self-administered questionnaires. Closed-ended Likert scale questions gauged perceptions, while open-ended questions captured qualitative insights. The sample comprised individuals aged 60 and above, drawn from elderly school attendees and complementary therapy users. Survey results indicate positive perceptions toward integration, with approximately 85% of respondents expressing favorable views. Participants believe that combining educational programs with complementary therapies could enhance physical health (76%), mental health (68%), and stress management (82%). Open-ended responses provided nuanced insights, highlighting personal transformations and concerns related to cost and accessibility. The majority of respondents perceive the integration positively, supporting theoretical frameworks emphasizing benefits. Qualitative data enriches the understanding of participants' experiences. While acknowledging limitations, such as the cross-sectional nature and potential bias, this research provides valuable knowledge. It suggests that integrating elderly schools and complementary therapy holds promise in promoting holistic healthcare, contributing to healthy aging and improved quality of life for the elderly.

P157 THE USE OF PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH TO PROMOTE INCREASED CONSUMPTION OF VEGETABLES AMONG AFRICAN WOMEN WITH/AT RISK OF HYPERTENSION IN GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA

Background and objectives: Poor vegetable and fruit intake are reported in multiple studies of the South African population, especially among people with less income and lower educational status and it is a known risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension. “South Africa has one of the highest levels of hypertension globally, coupled with poor rates of diagnosis, treatment and control” Ware et al., (2019). It has been suggested that indigenous vegetables may aid in increasing vegetable intake, a recommendation of the South African Food Based Dietary Guidelines. As urbanisation and the nutrition transition increases in South Africa, the loss of indigenous knowledge and utilisation of indigenous vegetables is significant and is worse compared to countries such as Kenya and Tanzania. The aim of this study was to collaboratively promote the use of indigenous vegetables by African women in a peri-urban area with/at risk of hypertension with the goal of improving agency to increase vegetable intake. Methods: A qualitative participatory action research (PAR) methodology was utilised. African adult women with hypertension or at risk of hypertension were recruited from a local healthcare facility for a one year long project, with a total enrolment of 12-24 participants. Data collection included observations, focus groups, key informant interviews and the research journal of the researcher. Results: Participants worked collaboratively to co-construct relevant nutrition education materials, recipe development using local indigenous vegetables, clinic open day and a seminar for other community members. There was greater uptake of vegetable gardening at home and at the local community centre. Conclusions: using PAR methodologies to address inadequate vegetable intake and promote the use of indigenous vegetable crops may benefit personal agency which includes an individual's perceptions about how much control they have over themselves and their environment, in order to carry out a certain behaviour; self-confidence or efficacy; the ability to self-regulate and monitor behaviour and the ability to identify and use good coping skills.

Seminar Parenting: Mendidik Anak Dengan Keteladanan dan Cinta

The seminar "Educating Children with Exemplary Behavior and Love," held on August 11, 2024, at the Community Center RW 05, Kelurahan Sangiang Jaya, aimed to equip parents with knowledge about the importance of role modeling and affection in child education. The methods used included a presentation by a speaker and a question-and-answer session. The results of the seminar showed that consistent application of role modeling and affection can improve the parent-child relationship and enhance parenting effectiveness. The implications of these results highlight the need for parents to integrate these principles into their daily lives to support optimal child development. Participants explored the importance of being a good example in daily life and how role modeling can shape children’s character and behavior. Additionally, the seminar discussed how to create a loving environment that provides emotional support for children's psychological and social development. The seminar aimed to help parents build healthy and harmonious relationships with their children and prepare them to become empathetic and responsible individuals.

A method for defining dispersed community territories

The transition from dispersed to aggregated forms of settlement reflects a critical shift in the relative value of social and primary (food) modes of production. However, investigating trade-offs between these different forms of settlement requires estimates of the extent of community territories, including their nearby arable land. Here we demonstrate a simple algorithm to do that. Our algorithm is analogous to that used to define core-based statistical areas for the US census, though instead of central business districts, we rely on community centers (or areas of known and persistent interaction between unrelated individuals). We provide examples of our algorithm by applying it to archaeological sites in the central Mesa Verde, northern Rio Grande, and Cibola regions in the US Southwest. A sensitivity analysis is also conducted to demonstrate how each tuning parameter contributes to the algorithm.

The great equalizer? Mixed effects of social infrastructure on diverse encounters in cities

Casual encounters with diverse groups of people in urban spaces have been shown to foster social capital and trust, leading to higher quality of life, civic participation, and community resilience to hazards. To promote such diverse encounters and cultivate social ties, policymakers develop social infrastructure sites, such as community centers, parks, and plazas. However, their effects on the diversity of encounters, compared to baseline sites (e.g., grocery stores), have not been fully understood. In this study, we use a large-scale, privacy-enhanced mobility dataset of >120 K anonymized mobile phone users in the Boston area to evaluate the effects of social infrastructure sites on the observed frequencies of inter-income and inter-race encounters. Contrary to our intuition that all social infrastructure sites promote diverse encounters, we find the effects to be mixed and more nuanced. Overall, parks and social businesses promote more inter-income encounters, while community spaces promote more same-income encounters, but each produces opposite effects for inter-race encounters. Parks and community spaces located in low-income neighborhoods were shown to result in higher inter-income and inter-race encounters compared to ordinary sites, respectively, however, their associations were insignificant in high-income areas. These empirical results suggest that the type of social infrastructure and neighborhood traits may alter levels of diverse encounters.

Administrative Analysis of the Home-Based Older Persons Upstreaming Prevention Physical Therapy Program: A Pilot Observational Study.

Introduction Traditionally, physical therapist (PT) services do not commence until an injury, fall, or health issue has already occurred although there is increasing evidence that preventative programs administered by PTs may decrease the fall risk among elderly individuals.The purpose of this study was to examine billing, reimbursement, and administrative outcomes of the previously established and investigated prevention-based screening and intervention HOP-UP-PT (Home-based Older Persons Upstreaming Prevention-Physical Therapy) program delivered by a physical therapist in the home of older adults after being referred by a community partner. A randomized controlled trial of the HOP-UP-PT program demonstrated an 8-fold reduction in falls for participants at moderate and high fall risk compared to those who did not participate in the program. Methods Aprospective observational study was performed to examine administrative and payment outcomes of HOP-UP-PT participation. Participants were referred into the HOP-UP-PT program via a local community center. Physician authorization for physical therapy participation was obtained for each participant as required for payment under United States' Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)guidelines. The HOP-UP-PT program is preventative physical therapy delivered in the person's home with five in person visits (approximately one per month) followed by a monthly telehealth visit and a final in-person visit.Interventions included a balance program, home safety recommendations, health coaching, and addressing individual risks of falling or becoming homebound. A retrospective analysis was performed on the administrative andinsurance payment data from this study which was then analyzed descriptively. Results Six participants with four different insurances completed the 7-month program (mean age=77 years) in 2021. The physical therapy visits were submitted to the participants' Medicare Part B plan. One participant's physical therapy visits were not submitted for payment as the health system did not have an active agreement with that health insurer. Due to the unclear status of telehealth visits in 2021, these services were not submitted to the insurance company for payment.All other PT visits were paid by the insurance companies. The mean amount paid for the initial evaluation code was $102.83 and the mean payment for the ~15 minute treatment codes was $25.90 per unit. Initial pilot data demonstrated a potential for a4.2% positive operating margin when considering salary costs and travel.The mean delay from the initial referral into the HOP-UP-PT program until the physician provided written authorization for physical therapy was 69.7 days. Conclusion This study demonstrated initial evidence that payment for prevention-focused outpatient physical therapist services delivered in the home was feasible, however delays and costsin procuring physician authorization was a substantial barrier to prevention-focused physical therapy. A 4.2% operating margin demonstrated that, when efficiently operated, similar programs are likely to be viable. Furthermore, if telehealth services would have been paid, the operating margin was estimated to increase to 32%. Physical therapists are highly qualified to deliver efficient, effective preventative services which has the potential to reduce falls and institutionalization and subsequent healthcare cost savings.

Assessing the Veterinary Health Care Needs of Knoxville’s Latino Community Through a Community-Based Participatory Approach: A Short Report

The primary objective of the study was to better understand the interests, needs, and perceived barriers to veterinary care of Knoxville’s Latino community. Investigators adapted a national survey designed to understand access to veterinary care for distribution to the Latino population through a community-based participatory approach with an established community center. Seventy-six percent of survey respondents (n = 46) reported that they consider the pet as part of the family. Forty-eight percent said their pets were not spayed or neutered (s/n), and of these, 39% said s/n was cost-prohibitive, whereas 22% did not know where to receive services. Twenty-six percent identified an inability to obtain treatment for a sick pet, primarily due to a lack of access to affordable care. Participants expressed interest in vaccines and parasite prevention (64%), training and behavior (36%), and information on veterinary and pet care resources (29%). The survey tool (provided in English and Spanish) and community engagement approach can assist animal welfare organizations in identifying and addressing community veterinary needs and barriers to care.

How We Feel: COVID-19 Pandemic Experiences Among Intergenerational Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese Americans in San Francisco

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many social determinants of health and barriers to health care for Southeast Asian Americans. The objective of this study is to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Southeast Asian American communities’ health care utilization and need for support. This cross-sectional study administered surveys and conducted focus groups with 78 participants (>= 14 years) across generations and Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese ethnicity in partnership with the Southeast Asian Development Center in San Francisco, California between July and September 2021. We identified two themes in health care utilization: barriers to health care and fear of anti-Asian violence; two themes in COVID-19 prevention: utilization of COVID-19 services and COVID-19 safety precautions; and two themes in the role of community and community centers: intergenerational community and crucial services provided by community centers. Despite the challenges posed by the duality of the COVID-19 pandemic and fear of anti-Asian violence, Southeast Asian Americans persisted with resilience to seek health services with intergenerational support and the guidance of community centers. This highlights the significance of community-oriented health among Southeast Asian Americans and the value of community-led health interventions in advancing health for a historically underserved population.

Assessment of agricultural residue potential for electrification of off-grid communities in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of Ghana

BackgroundThere is a close link between the lack of electricity access and poverty indicators such as illiteracy, high infant mortality, lack of access to health care and malnutrition among others. Most rural farming communities in Ghana lack access to electricity due to the high cost of extending the grid to these communities. This lack of access tends to worsen the gap between urban and rural inhabitants regarding access to education, healthcare and development.MethodsThis study assessed the technical and theoretical potential of agricultural residues in providing electricity to off-grid communities. The study used crop production figures of maize, cassava, millet and groundnut in the Soma and Goyiri farming communities in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District to conduct an assessment of the theoretical and technical potential of residues from the crops. The production figures of these crops were obtained from the District Office of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Expected electricity demand of households, schools and health centers in the study communities were collected and employed for the projected load demand estimates.ResultsThe study found that 312.23 MWh/day of electricity could be generated from the combined residues of maize, cassava, millet and groundnut from the two communities. This amount of electricity is capable of providing ~ 202 to 263 times the peak electricity demand of the studied communities. Out of the total electricity demand of the two communities, only about 91 kWh/day is needed for use in a school and Community Health Promotion and Services (CHPS) compound, implying that the electricity from crop residues can also help to improve education and health provision in the rural communities.ConclusionIt is concluded that the potential of crop residues in meeting the electricity demand of off-grid communities is enormous. Hence, it must be considered in Ghana’s energy development plans to achieve universal electricity access.

Learning Abstract Chemistry Concepts with Virtual Reality: An Experimental Study Using a VR Chemistry Lab and Molecule Simulation

In this 2 × 2 between-subject experimental study, a virtual reality (VR) laboratory simulation is paired with a VR molecular world intervention to teach chemistry concepts. The independent variables are the implementation timing of the molecular world intervention (Pre-lab vs. Integrated) and the level of embodiment (Traditional vs. VR). Eighty students (N = 80), ages 11–18 years old, from a community center in New York City participated, completing a pretest, a laboratory simulation, a molecular intervention, and a post-test. The pre- and post-test measures included multiple-choice, free-response, and drawing questions. A key finding was that integrating the intervention within the lab simulation, no matter which level of embodiment, led to significantly higher gains in learning. The combination of using physical manipulatives and integrating them within the lab exercise (Integrated Traditional condition) demonstrated the greatest gains overall. On drawing measures, the Integrated VR condition showed significant improvement in three out of the four drawing categories (i.e., molecule shape, atom quantity, and relative sizes). The implications are that even though using a VR molecular world intervention can lead to significant learning of abstract chemistry content, the use of physical manipulatives is still a more effective tool.

Exploring the barriers, facilitators, and opportunities to enhance uptake of sexual and reproductive health, HIV and GBV services among adolescent girls and young women in Zambia: a qualitative study

IntroductionAdolescents and young women in low-middle-income countries face obstacles to accessing HIV, Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), and related Gender-Based Violence (GBV) services. This paper presents facilitators, opportunities, and barriers to enhance uptake of HIV, GBV, and SRH services among Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) in selected districts in Zambia.MethodsThis study was conducted in Chongwe, Mazabuka, and Mongu Districts among adolescent girls and young women in Zambia. Key informants (n = 29) and in and out-of-school adolescents and young people (n = 25) were interviewed. Purposive sampling was used to select and recruit the study participants. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and a content analysis approach was used for analysis.ResultsThe facilitators that were used to enhance the uptake of services included having access to health education information on comprehensive adolescent HIV and gender-based violence services. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were the main source of this information. The opportunities bordered on the availability of integrated approaches to service delivery and strengthened community and health center linkages with referrals for specialised services. However, the researchers noted some barriers at individual, community, and health system levels. Refusal or delay to seek the services, fear of side effects associated with contraceptives, and long distance to the health facility affected the uptake of services. Social stigma and cultural beliefs also influenced the understanding and use of the available services in the community. Health systems barriers were; inadequate infrastructure, low staffing levels, limited capacity of staff to provide all the services, age and gender of providers, and lack of commodities and specialised services.ConclusionThe researchers acknowledge facilitators and opportunities that enhance the uptake of HIV, GBV, and SRH services. However, failure to address barriers at the individual and health systems level always negatively impacts the uptake of known and effective interventions. They propose that programme managers exploit the identified opportunities to enhance uptake of these services for the young population.

Citizens’ perspectives on healthy weight approaches in low SEP neighborhoods: a qualitative study from a systems perspective

BackgroundThe physical and the social environment are important predictors of healthy weight, especially in low socioeconomic position (SEP) neighborhoods. Many Dutch municipalities have implemented a healthy weight approach (HWA). Yet, there is room for improvement. This system science study examined what influences the utilization of HWA facilities and activities, and what aspects can help to achieve a desired systems change (also called leverage point themes (LPTs)) in the HWA system as perceived by citizens living in low SEP neighborhoods.MethodAll research phases were performed with four citizens co-researchers. Forty-seven citizens living in low SEP neighborhoods were semi-structurally interviewed about the neighborhood HWA facilities and municipal HWA activities. A rapid coding qualitative analysis approach was applied per topic. The topics were citizens’ healthy living description, personal circumstances, and satisfaction with foot and cycle paths, sports facilities, playgrounds, green spaces, museums and theaters, community centers, churches, healthcare, school, food supplies, contact with neighborhood, unfamiliar and/or unused activities, familiar and used activities, unavailable but desired (lacking) activities, and reaching citizens.ResultsThe utilization of HWA facilities and activities was influenced by the overarching themes of social cohesion, familiarity, reaching citizens, maintenance, safety, physical accessibility, financial accessibility, social accessibility, fit with personal context, and fit with the neighborhood’s specific needs. Different overarching themes stood out across different facilities and activities. LPTs indicated the overarching themes needed in combination with one another for a specific activity or facility to increase utilization. For example, the LPT regarding foot and cycle paths was “accessible, safe, and maintained foot and cycle paths”. The LPTs regarding familiar and used activities were “customized activities; information provision (e.g., about possibilities to join without paying); social contact, meeting others, and everyone feels included”.ConclusionConducting inclusive qualitative research from a systems perspective among citizens living in low SEP neighborhoods has contributed valuable insights into their needs. This enables practical implementation of HWAs by providing a deeper understanding of the LPTs within the HWA system. LPTs can help HWA stakeholders to further develop current HWAs toward systems approaches. Future research could study the leverage points that may contribute to LPT implementation.

Effectiveness of a Community-Based First Aid Education Program on Choking for Laypersons in Surabaya, Indonesia: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Choking is a leading cause of accidental death, particularly among children and the elderly. Prompt first aid, especially the Heimlich maneuver, is crucial in preventing fatalities. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based first aid education program on choking in Surabaya, Indonesia. A quasi-experimental, pre-post design was implemented in Surabaya. Participants were recruited from various community settings (workplaces and community centers). The intervention group received a comprehensive first aid education program on choking, while the control group received standard health education. Knowledge and skills related to choking first aid were assessed before and after the intervention. A total of 350 participants completed the study (175 per group). The intervention group demonstrated a significant improvement in knowledge (p < 0.001) and skills (p < 0.001) related to choking first aid compared to the control group. Additionally, the intervention group reported increased confidence in their ability to respond to choking emergencies. The community-based first aid education program significantly enhanced knowledge, skills, and confidence in choking first aid among laypersons in Surabaya. Such programs should be considered as a public health strategy to reduce choking-related morbidity and mortality.

Influence of Recreational Activities on Quality of Life in Retirees in Canada

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of recreational activities on quality of life in retirees in Canada. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Recreational activities significantly enhance retirees' quality of life in Canada by improving physical health, reducing loneliness, and increasing life satisfaction. Activities like walking, gardening, and community involvement boost well-being and mental health. Structured programs offered by community centers also contribute to retirees' sense of purpose and belonging. Access to varied recreational options and social networks is essential for maintaining high life quality. Tailoring activities to individual interests and abilities is key to long-term benefits. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Activity theory, self-determination theory (SDT), socioemotional selectivity theory (SST) may be used to anchor future studies on influence of recreational activities on quality of life in retirees in Canada. Practitioners should design and implement customized recreational programs tailored to the specific needs, preferences, and health conditions of retirees. Policymakers should allocate resources and funding to support recreational programs specifically designed for retirees.

Travel Demand Models for Visitors to Pasar Baru Banggai, Banggai Laut Regency, Indonesia

Pasar Baru Banggai in Banggai Laut Regency is a crucial economic and social center for the local community. This article aims to analyze the factors influencing the travel demand of people to this market. Various aspects such as income, travel distance, travel time, product completeness, and market area were analyzed in depth. The methodology used includes field surveys, participatory observation, and secondary data analysis from relevant sources. The research sample was conducted using stratified sampling with strata based on visit frequency (daily, weekly, and monthly visitors) and potential visitors to the market. The total sample size was set at 100 visitors, which is a combination of all samples from each stratum as the final sample in this study. The research results show that income, travel distance, travel time, completeness of goods sold, and market area are the main factors attracting people to visit Pasar Baru Banggai, following the mathematical model Y = 0.858 + 0.182(X1) + 0.183(X2) + 0.112(X3) + 0.162( X7) + 0.145(X8). Additionally, this market also provides quality local products that meet the needs of the local community, further strengthening its position as the regional economic center. Based on this analysis, several recommendations are proposed to enhance the attractiveness and function of Pasar Baru Banggai, including improving supporting infrastructure, promoting local products, empowering traders through training and support, and implementing efficient market management. With these measures, it is hoped that Pasar Baru Banggai can continue to grow and provide greater benefits to the people of Banggai Laut Regency, as well as contribute to the improvement of the region's economic and social welfare.

Experiences in Recruitment for Hispanic, Non-Hispanic Black, and Other Non-White Cancer Survivors Through Community Outreach and Other Targeted Approaches

ObjectivesRecruitment of racial/ethnic underserved populations in oncology research is essential to address health disparities. This article presents strategies and lessons learned from community outreach and other approaches for recruiting non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and other non-White survivors of cancer into a pilot study that investigated biopsychosocial determinants of health behaviors. MethodsWe critically examined the participant recruitment approaches to explore challenges and successful strategies and develop recommendations for future studies. Direct recruitment strategies included engaging with research staff members’ personal community contacts/liaisons and participating in community outreach events (eg, farmers’ markets, block parties, library events, cancer awareness events). Indirect recruitment strategies included posting and distribution of study flyers in community centers (eg, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, churches, libraries), online platforms (eg, FORCE, Survivor Journey website), and invitation letters sent to individuals identified as eligible through a single state cancer registry. ResultsBetween April 2022 and May 2023, among the 64 individuals recruited, 36 were non-Hispanic Black, 25 were Hispanic, and three were American Indian/Alaska Native people. The use of a state cancer registry (64.1%), snowballing/word of mouth (7.8%), and advertisement through an established cancer support organization (ie, FORCE) website (7.8%) were the most effective strategies in this study. ConclusionRecruitment of non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and other non-White people into biobehavioral studies through community-engaged research is challenging and requires long-term commitment and engagement with partners from target communities and affiliated organizations. Implication for Nursing PracticeRegistries and community outreach events can build trust for successful enrollment. Using multiple strategies can provide the best opportunities to reach diverse populations and enroll them in cancer-related research studies.

Assessing patient satisfaction and healthcare delivery amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: insights from Jammu and Kashmir, India

IntroductionAmidst the challenges posed by Covid-19, assessing healthcare quality in India is crucial, particularly through patient satisfaction levels.MethodologyA cross-sectional survey of 277 participants in Jammu and Kashmir was conducted, utilizing a semi-structured questionnaire and PSQ-18. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (v25) including Chi-Square tests and Descriptive analysis.ResultsOut of 277 participants, 70.8% expressed high satisfaction with medical care. Majority (70%) agreed that doctors explained medical tests well. Additionally, 70% strongly agreed that their doctor’s office was well-equipped. Dissatisfaction factors were notably low. Significant associations were found between age and alcohol use (p = 0.041), gender and alcohol use (p = 0.007), gender and tobacco use (p = 0.032), and education level and vaccination (p = 0.001).ConclusionThe study highlights high patient satisfaction during the pandemic. Improving accessibility and quality of primary healthcare and community centres is essential to meet patient needs effectively.

The Effects of the Connecting All Generations Through the Gerontech (CARETech) Program on Motivating Young People to Enter the Elderly Care Sector

PurposeThis study aims to organize an intergenerational program to provide unemployed young people with operational skills related to gerontechnology and the experience required to deliver digital outreach rehabilitation services to community-dwelling older people. MethodsA quasi-experimental research design was adopted. The young participants received a 12-session training program on the management of common chronic diseases, communication with older people, the functions and use of interactive games, and techniques to teach and match interactive games with older people. The perception of elderly outcomes (i.e., knowledge and attitude toward elderly care, willingness to care for the elderly), personal outcomes (i.e., life satisfaction, self-efficacy), and desired vocational outcomes (i.e., hours worked in the nongovernmental organization’s center, hours spent with older people) were evaluated preprogram and postprogram. ResultsFifty-one young people joined the program. A statistically significant improvement was seen from preprogram to postprogram in their willingness to care for the elderly (p = .016) and life satisfaction (p = .005), as well as in the number of hours that they spent in the community center volunteering or engaged in social services for older people. DiscussionThe findings proved that the program could improve the willingness of young people to care for older people, as well as improve their own life satisfaction. Using gerontechnology can serve to bridge the intergenerational gap and bring benefits to both young adults and older people. It may provide policy makers with a way to address the manpower shortage in elderly care services and help frail older people to age in place.

A community center to mobilize public policies and human rights in mental health: “the door is always open”

PurposeThis study aims to describe the perceptions of some participants from a community mental health center in the Department of Chocó, Colombia.Design/methodology/approachA case study with a qualitative approach was carried out in 2023. Focus groups were conducted with mental health leaders and members of a community mental health center. The data were analyzed using a thematic analysis.FindingsTwo categories emerged: characterize the Community Mental Health Center of Chocó and Reaffirm human rights. In the first category, the community center is described as a place of recovery that mobilizes social services and works to increase agency capacity. In the second category, the human rights were assumed as part of community services, not only to eliminate coercive practices but also to support the increase of autonomy.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of this study are the analysis of strategies from the perspective of global politics, without delving into the structure of community actions themselves, which are not necessarily based on global recommendations.Practical implicationsDespite the design and development of public policies the study of their implementation still poses several challenges. The strategies carried out by regions that follow evidence-based practices and participation routes are not officially recognized as good practices in mental health and, therefore, independently supported to be sustained.Originality/valueA community mental health center is described that manages to be implement and deliver a service despite not being able to be financed by current national regulations. This indicates, apart from a need, the capacity of the regions to build their solutions beyond regulations.

A qualitative study of a Sporting Memories program in South Australia: belonging, participation, and social connection.

Older people can experience health and social challenges such as loneliness, depression, and lack of social connectedness. There is need for programs and approaches that address the growing incidence of social isolation and loneliness for older people. One initiative that aims to address these challenges is the Sporting Memories program. This program was developed in the United Kingdom and licensed to South Australia in 2019. The program is currently delivered across six community locations. The aim of this study was to explore participants perspectives of the Sporting Memories program in South Australia. Underpinned by qualitative research, three focus groups were conducted, led by an experienced interviewer. Focus groups occurred at three of the six locations, including a day respite center, assisted living center and a government community center. The data were analyzed thematically by the research team. There were 16 participants over 65 years old, including four women and 12 men. Three key themes were developed: "free to talk about anything," "not feeling left out" and "a chance to share and learn." Collectively, participants reflected on how they built social connections, felt safe and included and learnt more about each other. The Sporting Memories program provides a group program for older people to come together and develop new friendships. The use of sports as a means of reminiscence was considered relatable for the participants who reported social benefits and plans to keep attending. They valued learning through the program which was enhanced by having a facilitator who was knowledgeable about sport.