Interest In Older People Research Articles

Healthcare professionals’ perspectives on the key considerations for digital technology aiding the early detection of dementia-causing diseases: a qualitative approach

Abstract Introduction Digital health technologies (DHTs) can assist with the early detection of dementia-causing diseases.(1) Previous research has highlighted the benefits of involving health care professionals (HCPs) in their design and development.(2) Aim Explore HCPs’ perspectives on the key considerations when using DHTs for the early detection of dementia-causing diseases in healthcare settings. Methods HCPs in the National Health Service with a patient-facing role (independent of speciality or experience) were recruited using online clinical networks. Semi-structured interviews were conducted remotely (over Zoom) exploring their acceptance of DHTs and providing an early detection service, the optimal location for the service, and the challenges surrounding implementation. With the aid of NVivo, we applied an inductive framework approach using the ‘constant comparison’ to identify recurring themes in the data. Results Primary care (general practitioners [n=11]) and secondary care staff (mental health nurses [n=3], dementia specialist nurse [n=1], psychiatrist [n=1], community psychiatric nurse [n=1], care coordinator [n=1]) were interviewed. Three key themes were generated relating to healthcare service users, healthcare professionals, and DHTs (Table 1). HCPs stressed the importance of defining a target healthcare service user group to avoid wasting resources and avoiding contributing towards health inequities in terms of access to the service and post-detection care. Brain Health Centres, which use a combination of clinical and research methods for early detection, were favoured over traditional primary or secondary care settings, due to workload concerns. HCPs suggested training be provided to help interpret results and provide appropriate interventions post detection. Many HCPs were excited about the benefit of collecting longitudinal real-time data that could monitor patients over time but raised concerns around the accuracy of current digital tools. Conclusion Results highlighted important considerations for HCPs when developing and implementing DHTs to aid the early detection of dementia-causing diseases in clinical settings. Participants had an interest in older people’s health, dementia, mild cognitive impairment or digital health, which may have influenced their perspectives; however, our work shows DHTs should not contribute towards health inequities. Future work is needed to explore the perspectives of groups experiencing health inequities within the design, development and implementation of DHTs.

Problems of forming new types of territorial social service centres

This article presents an analysis of the different forms of social service centres in Ukraine, ranging from permanent residence to community-based institutions. The publication aims to analyze the existing typology of social architecture in Ukraine, determine its relationship with legislation, and suggest new ways for its development. It delves into the analysis of territorial centres for social services, considering the regulatory documents governing social buildings and their role in the country's infrastructure. At the same time, the paper highlights the discrepancies between the regulations governing the provision of social services and architectural considerations, which leads to problems in the design and implementation of such facilities. The article emphasizes the importance of creating facilities adapted to the specific needs of older people and proposes a broader typology that includes private ownership models. Different types of social centres that have residential, hotel, medical, public and cultural and entertainment vectors, which can be combined in one institution depending on the needs of the local community, are also highlighted in the article. The author emphasizes the importance of creating unique spaces that take into account the needs and interests of older people and promote active and quality life at different levels. Despite cultural, social and financial factors, most of older people have the same needs for housing, healthcare and leisure. The study also looks at innovative forms of social centres, such as residential communities, where older people are actively involved in creating alternative living arrangements that provide mutual support. In general, the author insists on the need to harmonize architectural design with social welfare policy to meet the diverse needs of older people in Ukraine.

Ageing and Care in Agnès Varda

Abstract This article analyses selected works of Agnès Varda as original contributions to cultural gerontology. It focuses on Varda’s pronounced interest in older people throughout her career and explores how, in experimental portraits and self-portraits, she approaches ageing by harnessing surprising devices — temporal, spatial, aesthetic, haptic, and affective — to challenge ageism and assumptions of disability, and to encourage identification. The article pays particular attention to a series of interlinked video portraits of a fourth-age female nude in 7 p., cuis., s. de b… (à saisir) (1984) and to Varda’s bold and innovative exploration and performance of her own old age in her co-directed film Visages villages (2017). The latter foregrounds consistently the physical and affective dimensions of old age and may be read not only as an extended self-portrait, but more broadly as a protracted exercise in empathy with older people. The article examines how the film cuts across thematic and aesthetic norms both by foregrounding older subjects and by validating them as fascinating and beautiful. It also reads Visages villages as a powerful appeal to an intergenerational ethics of care, established in part through Varda’s creative partnership with street photographer and artist JR.

Ubezwłasnowolnienie całkowite osoby starszej

The analysis performed in the article refers to the elderly who have been subjected to the institution of total incapacitation, in the context of selected effects of this legal institution. The article identifies some legal consequences of the institution of incapacitation, which seem to be the most important in the area of civil law, and at the same time severe for the elderly. The main one being the deprivation of the incapacitated person's full legal capacity, and the related consequences – deprivation of the incapacitated person's ability to make a will and deprivation of the possibility of marriage by an elderly person. Conclusions were formulated that the institution of total incapacitation is not an appropriate legal tool to protect the rights and interests of older people, and its consequences interfere too much in the legal sphere of these people. In addition, the existing legal system adequately protects the elderly. On the other hand, in the “operational area”, it is necessary to consider introducing an institution that will support a third party in civil law transactions, including representation and correction of defective actions performed by them.

Graduating nurse students' interest in older people nursing-A cross-sectional survey in six European countries.

BackgroundCountries vary in the number of qualified nurses employed in older adult services. Moreover, students’ views of older people nursing as a career differ internationally. Studying future nurses and their career intentions for the field is warranted to meet the increased nurse workforce expectations in terms of quantity and competence.AimTo analyse graduating nurse students’ interest in older people nursing and the factors associated with it.MethodsA cross‐sectional multicountry survey design was applied. Data were collected between May 2018 and March 2019 from several educational institutions in Finland, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Lithuania and Spain. Non‐probability convenience sampling was used to recruit graduating nurse students (n = 1796). The data were collected with a structured questionnaire comprising background factors and the Willingness sub‐scale (six items) of the Students’ Interest in Nursing Older People Scale. Data were analysed using a linear mixed model including relevant background variables.ResultsOverall, students’ interest in older people nursing was low (score 20.5, on a 0‒100 scale). Among the studied countries, Spanish students scored the highest (38.8) and German students the lowest (3.6). Students’ interest in older people nursing was associated with country (p < .001), the length of work experience (p = .006), plans for further study (p = .007), competence (p < .001) and the extent that nursing is valued by society (p < .001). The students who were most interested in older people nursing had higher self‐reported competence level (p < .001).ConclusionIn the studied sample of future nurse professionals, interest in older people nursing is low at a time when the field suffers from workforce shortage. As for quality workforce, it was promising that the students who considered working in the field also evaluated themselves as competent.Implications for practiceMultidimensional actions are required to promote interest in the field, including continued development of competence in both undergraduate education and workplaces, and investing in various career pathways to envisage potential opportunities.

Patients\u2019 and healthcare providers\u2019 perceptions and experiences of telehealth use and online health information use in chronic disease management for older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a qualitative study

BackgroundTelehealth and online health information provide patients with increased access to healthcare services and health information in chronic disease management of older patients with chronic diseases, addressing the challenge of inadequate health resources and promoting active and informed participation of older patients in chronic disease management. There are few qualitative studies on the application of telehealth and online health information to chronic disease management in older patients. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is one of the most common chronic diseases in older adults. Telehealth is widely used in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of older patients and healthcare providers in the application of telehealth and online health information to chronic disease management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.MethodsA qualitative descriptive study with data generated from 52 individual semi-structured interviews with 29 patients [Law of the People’s Republic of China on the protection of the rights and interests of older people (2018 Revised Version) = >60 years old] with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 23 healthcare providers. The inductive thematic analysis method was used for data analysis.ResultsFour themes and 16 sub-themes were identified in this study. Four themes included: faced with a vast amount of online health information, essential competencies and personality traits ensuring older patients’ participation and sustained use, user experience with the use of technology, being in a complex social context.ConclusionThe ability of patients to understand health information should be fully considered while facilitating access to online health information for older patients. The role of health responsibility and user experience in older patients’ participation and sustained use of telehealth and online health information needs to be emphasised. In addition, the complex social context is a determining factor to be considered, particularly the complex impact of a reliance on offspring and social prejudice on the behaviour of older adults using telehealth and online health information.

Registered nurses' reflections on their educational preparation to work with older people.

BackgroundNegative perceptions about working with older people within nursing contribute to the deficit of educators with expertise to teach student nurses, and nurses graduating ill‐equipped to work with the ageing population. The perceptions of nurses who have recently graduated from a nursing programme can provide insights into what they wished they knew about working with older people before they graduated.MethodsA qualitative descriptive study design examined recently graduated registered nurses’ reflections on their education preparation to work with older people. Content and thematic analysis was used to develop the themes of first impressions and preparation to work with older people.ResultsKey findings were that nurses did not recognise the importance of learning about older people until they had graduated. Only then did they realise that the ageing population was so complex and prevalent. They perceived a lack of education particularly related to working with older people with dementia and their behaviours, as well as learning how to communicate to an older population. Participants perceived that as students, it was up to them to fit in learning about working with older people without the support of faculty.ConclusionsFaculty need to be supported in learning how to best incorporate content about older people into their curriculum. This could include the development of learning activities that dispel negative stereotypes about ageing and facilitates interest in older people, as this is the population, students are most likely to work with when they graduate.Implications for practiceNurses in practice may require education on working with people with dementia as it is a deficit in nursing programmes.

Facilitating students’ interest in older people nursing: Gerontological nurse teachers under scrutiny

Having teachers who are knowledgeable and passionate about issues related to older people is crucial in enhancing nursing students' interest in older people nursing. However, whether such commitments and abilities are present among gerontological nurse teachers is unknown. This study therefore describes how undergraduate nursing students perceive their gerontological nurse teachers' abilities to facilitate students' interest in older people nursing. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of undergraduate nursing students (N = 331) in Finland. The data were collected electronically using the Gerontological Nurse Teacher Scale (GeNTS). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The students agreed that their teachers are knowledgeable and interested in gerontological nursing (M = 3.62, SD = 0.92) and demonstrate leadership in gerontology (M = 3.50, SD = 1.04). However, they were uncertain about how their teachers address students concerns about aging, promote gerontology careers, and the teachers' abilities in developing gerontological nursing practical training. Gerontological nursing teachers should make deliberate effort to promote gerontology careers by highlighting the incentives and possibilities for career advancement in older people nursing. Further studies are needed to find out if nursing students' perception of their gerontological nurse teachers is a predictor of students’ interest in older people nursing.

Gerontological nurse teachers' abilities and influence on students' willingness in older people nursing: A cross-sectional, correlational survey

BackgroundPrevious studies have focused on identifying the factors hindering nursing students' interest in gerontology careers, whereas others have suggested interventions to promote students' interest in older people nursing. However, the role of a teacher is equally vital in shaping students' career preference. ObjectiveThis study therefore explored students' perspectives of their gerontological nurse teachers' abilities and its association with students' willingness to work in older people nursing. DesignA cross-sectional correlation study. SettingFive Universities of Applied Sciences in Finland. ParticipantsUndergraduate nursing students (N = 243). MethodA self-administered survey using the Gerontological Nurse Teacher Scale (GeNTS) and the subscale (Willingness) of the Students' Interest in Nursing Older People Scale (SINOPS). Descriptive and inferential analysis were conducted using SPSS. ResultsThere was a moderate positive association (R = 0.25, N = 243, p = 0.000) between students' perspectives of their gerontological nurse teachers' abilities and students' willingness to work in older people nursing. The teachers' abilities to develop gerontological nursing course most influence students' willingness in older people nursing (r = 0.26, p = 0.001), whereas their knowledge and interest in gerontology, least influenced students' willingness in older people nursing (r = 0.14, p = 0.025). Also, the teachers abilities to address students' concerns about aging, promote gerontology careers, and demonstrate leadership skills in gerontology all had a similar statistically significant moderate positive association (r = 0.23, p = 0.001) with students' willingness to work in older people nursing. ConclusionFaculty need to ensure that there is adequate personal with expertise in gerontological nursing to advocate for resources to establish a reputable gerontological nursing profile in nursing curriculum and to develop and sustain a positive attitude towards older people nursing among students and staff. A qualitative study is needed to understand the reasons behind students' ratings.

A feminist phenomenology on the emotional labor and morality of live-in migrant care workers caring for older people in the community

BackgroundGlobal societal changes, such as increasing longevity and a shortage of family caregivers, have given rise to a popular worldwide trend of employing live-in migrant care workers (MCWs) to provide homecare for older people. However, the emotional labor and morality inherent in their interactions with older people are largely unknown. The aim of the present study is to understand the corporeal experiences of live-in migrant care workers in the delivery of emotional labor as seen in their interactions with older people by: (1) describing the ways by which they manage emotional displays with older people; and (2) exploring their morality as enacted through emotional labor.MethodsWe performed a secondary analysis drawing on feminist phenomenology to thematically analyze data from interviews with 11 female MCWs. Follow-up interviews were conducted with 10 participants. The participants had two to 15 years of experience in caring for older people in their homes in Hong Kong.ResultsPerforming emotional labor by suppressing and inducing emotions is morally demanding for live-in MCWs, who experience socio-culturally oppressive relationships. However, developing genuine emotions in their relationships with older people prompted the MCWs to protect the interests of older people. Through demonstrating both fake and genuine emotions, emotional labor was a tactic that live-in MCWs demonstrated to interact morally with older people.ConclusionsEmotional labor allowed live-in MCWs to avoid conflict with older people, and to further protect their own welfare and that of others. This study highlights the significance of empowering live-in MCWs by training them in ways that will help them to adapt to working conditions where they will encounter diverse customs and older people who will develop an increasing dependence on them. Thus, there is a need to develop culturally appropriate interventions to empower live-in MCWs to deliver emotional labor in a moral manner.

The potential of statistical matching for the analysis of wider benefits of learning in later life

It is challenging to investigate wider benefits of adult learning, especially in later life, due to limited data on educational activities and non-monetary returns in large, longitudinal surveys. Statistical matching provides an approach to exploit the potential of existing data by combining data sources with complementary features based on shared information. The paper describes the matching of two data sources (German Ageing Survey and Study of Educational Attainment and Interests of Older People) in order to examine the effects of educational participation on well-being in later life. We emphasize the matching procedure and how to identify the best-matched dataset. Based on matched data, effects of educational activities on life satisfaction are examined in later life. The discussion focuses on future demands on data and methods for investigating wider benefits of adult learning in quantitative research.

Organized Learning as a Factor of Stimulation and Satisfaction in the Life of Older Adults

The aim of this article is to point to other than the cognitive effects of older adults’ learning that is organized in courses. The number of older people in the Czech Republic grows, and this is accommodated by universities as well as by other institutions. Nonetheless, only few representative surveys are devoted to the education of older adults, and the literature places little emphasis on satisfactory and stimulating effects of participation in organized learning. In fact, education of older adults, in general, does not only expand their knowledge and skills; it also influences their mental health (supporting mental hygiene), social status and quality of life. Among those effects, the satisfaction of important psychogenic and sociogenic needs has a special position and value. The analysis of the educational provision of 22 Czech universities of the third age indicates that courses primarily focus on helping older people how to “spend their time”, realize their hobbies and satisfy their curiosity. Themes of public interest, like media literacy or first aid, are missing. On the contrary, courses organized by other institutions (like academies of the third age, older people’s clubs, community centres etc.) are more centred upon the practical needs of older people. The motivations of older adults for organized learning are dominated by needs and related interests. The most important needs are those from the categories of belonging, esteem and self-esteem, and self-actualization and understanding (in terms of A. H. Maslow’s theory). Learning and self-learning of older adults is a part of the active ageing policy proposed by the World Health Organisation in 2002. It is based on the theory of active ageing which builds on the assumption that an adult person’s needs continue to exist till old age though they partly change. These include, among others, the inclinations to activity, self-fulfilment, self-esteem (to reach a sense of competence and usefulness). Educational activities contribute to feelings of dignity, self-esteem and well-being and help consolidate mental and physical health by mobilizing intellectual, cognitive and motoric capacities and functions. Therefore, organized learning is not only a matter of growth of knowledge and skills but also a matter of social ties and their cultivation. Simultaneously, organized learning both satisfies individual needs and interests of older people and stimulates the attainment of their life values.

Learning with older people—Outcomes of a quasi-experimental study

Nursing students' interest in older people nursing needs to be enhanced, as there is a demand for competent nurses who prefer to work in older people nursing. Educational approaches involving older people are encouraging; they increase positive learning outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the Learning with Older People Programme (LOPP) in terms of nursing students' interest in older people nursing, their attitudes towards older people and their knowledge level about ageing. A quasi-experimental, pre-post-test design with non-equivalent comparison group was used. Two different Finnish nursing schools geographically apart from each other. A nonprobability, convenience sample of nursing students (n=87; n=46 in the intervention group, n=41 in the comparison group) in the middle of their 3.5 year bachelor degree studies and enrolled in compulsory theoretical older people nursing courses participated in the study. Data were collected in 2014 using a structured questionnaire that included background questions, students' interest in older people nursing as a primary outcome measure and their attitudes towards older people and knowledge level about ageing as secondary outcome measures. The data were analysed statistically. In the intervention group, students' interest in older people nursing was significantly higher and their attitudes towards older people were more positive than those of students in the comparison group. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the students' knowledge level about ageing. An educational approach involving older people resulted in encouraging outcomes. It is worth considering whether or not older people could be a valuable resource for nursing education.

People with learning disabilities and ‘active ageing’

Accessible summary People are living longer, and policymakers are talking about ‘active ageing’. Active ageing can mean older people being still physically active, still working and still being involved in their local communities. Most policy makers do not talk about people with learning disabilities and active ageing, but this paper does. We also say that people with learning disabilities should be involved in inclusive active ageing research. AbstractBackground: People (with and without learning disabilities) are living longer. Demographic ageing creates challenges and the leading policy response to these challenges is ‘active ageing’. ‘Active’ does not just refer to the ability to be physically and economically active, but also includes ongoing social and civic engagement in the communities of which older people are a part. Active ageing should apply to all citizens, including the experiences of older people with learning disabilities.Materials and Methods: This literature based paper explores the focus of active ageing discussions in relation to the general population drawing comparisons with the experiences of older people with learning disabilities.Results: It points out that older people with learning disabilities and their experiences are largely missing from broader policy discussions of active ageing.Conclusion: The paper concludes by arguing for inclusive research in active ageing which takes account of the concerns and interests of older people with learning disabilities.

The effect of flow limitation on the cardiorespiratory response to arousal from sleep under controlled conditions of chemostimulation in healthy older adults

The influence of flow limitation on the magnitude of the cardiorespiratory response to arousal from sleep is of interest in older people, because they experience considerable flow limitation and frequent arousals from sleep. We studied older flow-limiting subjects, testing the hypothesis that the cardiorespiratory activation response would be larger when arousal occurred during flow limitation, compared to no flow limitation, and chemical stimuli were controlled. In 11 older adults [mean ± standard deviation (SD) age: 68 ± 5 years] ventilation was stabilized using continuous positive airway pressure, and flow limitation was induced by dialling down the pressure. Partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PetCO(2)) was maintained by titration of the inspired CO(2) and hyperoxia was maintained using 40% O(2) balanced with nitrogen. Flow limitation at the time of arousal did not augment cardiovascular activation response (heart rate P = 0.7; systolic blood pressure P = 0.6; diastolic blood pressure P = 0.3), whereas ventilation was greater following arousals during flow limitation compared to no flow limitation (P < 0.001). The pre-post-arousal differences in ventilation reflected significant pre-arousal suppression (due to flow limitation) plus post-arousal activation. In summary, the cardiovascular response to arousal from sleep is not influenced by flow limitation at the time of arousal, when chemical stimuli are controlled in older adults. This finding may contribute to the decreased cardiovascular burden associated with sleep-disordered breathing reported in older adults, although our data do not exclude the possibility that flow limitation in the presence of mild hypoxic hypercapnia could increase the cardiovascular response to arousal.

Older People Falling Out of Bed: Restraint, Risk and Safety

Bedside rails are used for older people's safety in order to prevent them from falling out of bed and suffering injury. Bed rails can constitute restraint and the principles underpinning mental capacity legislation illustrate good practice when equipment is used in ways that may restrict people's freedom. The use of bed rails illustrates broader tensions in the care of older people: tensions between ensuring the safety of older people and maintaining independence and freedom, including older people taking risks. Person-centred care emphasises that the views of older people, their family carers and the professionals must all be taken into account when assessing older people's care needs and developing risk assessments and care plans. There needs to be further education and debate about positive practice in the use of bed rails because, all too often, the use of these devices is taken for granted. Staff need support to ensure that they put the best interests of older people at the centre of all decisions about their care.

New directions in mental health practice with older people: Canadian strategies for mental health reform

Aim and objective. The purpose of this article is to draw attention to problems in the Canadian health system that must be overcome if Canada is to ensure that older people can access the services they need. Background. Projections suggest that 20% of Canadians will be aged 65+ by 2021. If current prevalence rates for mental illness continue, this will result in a significant increase in the number of older Canadians with or at risk for mental illness and mental health problems. Design. Findings of the final report of the Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology are summarized and related to the intended role and primary strategy of the proposed Canadian Mental Health Commission. Methods. The relevance of the Interprofessional Education for Collaborative Patient-Centred Practice initiative launched by Health Canada is then considered in light of the intention that the Commission adopt collaboration with relevant stakeholders as its primary strategy for achieving mental health reform. Conclusions. Fragmentation in service delivery must be overcome if older Canadians are to receive age appropriate mental health services when and where they need them. Yet there is little evidence that the degree of interprofessional collaboration required can be achieved. Relevance to clinical practice The reforms advocated by the Senate Committee are widely embraced but evidence is needed on how mental health and other professionals can best learn to work together in the interests of older people and other mental health consumers.

A comparison of nurse teachers’ and student nurses’ attitudes toward hospitalised older adults

Studies have demonstrated that gerontological content can have a positive effect on student nurses' attitudes toward older adults. However, few studies have attempted to investigate nurse teachers' attitudes toward older people. Yet authors acknowledge the importance of both clinical nurses and teachers in the socialisation process. The aim of this study is to compare the attitudes of student nurses with those of nurse teachers toward working with hospitalised older adults. A questionnaire was developed, piloted and refined until the final outcome was a 20 item questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed to nurse teachers (n=59); first year student nurses who had completed their first term of theory (n=82); student nurses who had completed a theory and a clinical placement (n=80). Statistical analysis of the data included ANOVA with a post hoc comparison. Results indicated that nurse teachers were most positive for a number of items on the questionnaire. However, they were least positive about their role in promoting an interest in older people and keeping up to date about advances in the field of older people. It is the responsibility of both teachers and clinical staff to dispel stereotypes that student nurses bring in to nursing.

Editorial: Welcome to the International Journal of Older People Nursing

Editorial: Welcome to the <i>International Journal of Older People Nursing</i>

What Student Interviewers Learn About Survey Research, Aging, and Themselves

This study examines changes in attitudes and experiences reported by student interviewers (N= 40) who administered a two-hour research survey asking older adults about their housing, lifestyle, health, well-being, family, and friends. Students wrote about their experiences and completed a short survey upon completing their work. Most students (78%) reported changed beliefs about older people after the interviews, with students indicating more positive views or noting more diversity than they had previously realized. Students also reported developing more positive views of their own aging, being more likely to consider working with older people, and becoming more interested in elderly persons in general. Post-interview interest in older people was correlated with doing a greater number of interviews, coming to see older people as diverse, and being more likely to consider working with older people. Academic programs that feature opportunities to engage in research involving older adults will benefit students and our aging society. Training students to interview elderly persons is discussed.