Senior Citizens Research Articles

Renewable Energy and Sustainability Convergence

The change to renewable energy in the development of senior citizens homes is crucial as professionals in the built environment and organizations are getting more conscious of environmental conservation. The need to cut energy billing costs, raising energy efficiency, and emit little or no greenhouse gases known to be dangerous to human living makes this very imperative. Solar, wind, and geothermal energy sources are gaining ground. This study seeks to examine the benefits of incorporating renewable energy in housing facilities that accommodate senior citizens. The survey research design, employing qualitative and quantitative data from respondents, was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis. The study revealed that structures integrated with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, solar panels and wind power can reduce dependence on conventional power systems, having a notable positive influence on the greenhouse effect through a reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases, providing satisfactory indoor conditions to have a positive impact on elderly health. Favourable government policies and regulations in terms of subsidies, grants and regulation enforcement of regulations would help greatly. The research concluded that in addition to improving the quality of care for elderly residents, the generation of renewable energy promotes the concept of sustainability.

Factors Related to the Dementia Prevention Behavior among Community-dwelling Older Adults based on the Health Belief Model: A Cross-sectional Descriptive Study

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the relationships between perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, and dementia prevention behavior among community-dwelling older adults.Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional, correlational design using a structured questionnaire. This study participants were 218 older adults aged at least 65 years who visited a senior citizen center and lived in S City C Province. The survey was conducted in August 2022. Perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy were measured using a tool developed by Song & Park (2018). Dementia prevention behavior was measured using a tool developed by Lim, Kim, and Kim (2018).Results: The scores for perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy were 5.52±0.69, 3.04±0.85, and 4.98±0.97 points, respectively (possible range: 1~7). The score for dementia prevention behavior was 3.91±0.51 (possible range: 1~5). Dementia health behavior was significantly correlated with perceived benefits (r=.32, p<.001), perceived barriers (r=-.40, p<.001), and self-efficacy (r=.64, p<.001). Self-efficacy (β=.43, p<.001), perceived barriers (β=-.23, p<.001), and experience of using a dementia center (β=.20, p<.001) explained 48.6% of the variance in dementia prevention behavior (F=19.63, p<.001).Conclusion: Prior to developing a nursing intervention program to improve dementia health behavior in community-dwelling older adults, it is necessary to clarify perceived barriers and consider self-efficacy.

Issues under the Welfare of Senior Citizens Act and Multi-Family Housing management Act for the management of a sale-type senior housing

Issues under the Welfare of Senior Citizens Act and Multi-Family Housing management Act for the management of a sale-type senior housing

Advances in public health strategies: Addressing elderly care policies

Population aging is a significant medical and sociodemographic issue facing the world today. While the financial circumstances of older adults have seen some progress in recent decades, a significant number of senior citizens in the United States still grapple with the challenges of affording daily necessities and encounter inadequacies in their health insurance coverage. Current research has explored the challenges in elderly care, including shortages of medical staff and the need for integrating medical care with nursing care. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive policy approaches to address these issues. This article analyzes the current landscape of elderly care policies and proposes strategies to improve the independence and caregiving abilities of older people. The key findings suggest that increasing fertility rates through government policies and promoting the integration of nursing and medical care can significantly improve the quality of life for the elderly. The proposed "medical care and elderly care" model combines medical treatment with principles of elderly care, offering a more comprehensive approach to meet the health and well-being needs of older adults. The insights from this article provide valuable references for future policymaking and research in elderly care. However, further studies are needed to explore the implementation and effectiveness of these proposed strategies in various contexts. Future research should also focus on developing innovative solutions to address the growing challenges in elderly care as the global population continues to age.

Prevalence and associated factors of geriatric depression among institutionalised senior citizens: a cross-sectional study

Background: Ageing is an inevitable process. As a result of empty nest syndrome, the senior citizens of Kerala, are forced for institutionalization. Prevalence of mental morbidity among institutionalized senior citizens outnumbers those living in families. Depression is one of the most common psychiatric morbidities among senior citizens. The present study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with geriatric depression among institutionalized senior citizens of Ernakulam district. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted over a period of 3 months among 238 institutionalised senior citizens aged 60 years and above using geriatric depression scale- short form (GDS-SF). Data was entered and analysed using SPSS. Results: Among participants, 23.11% reported mild depression, 4.20% had moderate and 7.14% had severe depression. Chi-square test was used to study the association of various factors with geriatric depression. Previous employment status, source of income, frequency of visit by relatives, contact with relatives through phone, duration of leisure time activities and sleep quality showed a statistically significant association. Conclusions: The study highlights the need for regular screening activities. Further research is necessary on identification of modifiable risk factors.

Integrating Multiple Theories: A Holistic Approach to Knowledge Acquisition for Senior Citizen Teachers

The article explores key theories such as Piaget's Cognitive Development, Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory, Bruner's Constructivist Theory, Information Processing Theory, Social Cognitive Theory, Schema Theory, Experiential Learning Theory and Connectivism. Each theory's core concepts are analysed in the context of senior citizen teachers, highlighting their unique contributions to knowledge acquisition. The value of integrating multiple theories is discussed aiming to develop comprehensive framework. This integration explores the diverse learning needs of senior citizen teachers emphasizing social and cultural contexts, cognitive development stages, active learning strategies and technology integration. Through holistic approach, senior citizen teachers can enhance their teaching practices, boost student engagement and promote lifelong learning. Practical strategies for incorporating these theories include collaborative learning activities, experiential projects, reflective practices and digital resource utilization. Ultimately, the article advocates for a broad understanding of knowledge acquisition theories and their application in senior citizen education. By embracing this approach, senior citizen teachers can create enriching learning environments fostering personal and professional growth.

Integrating Multiple Theories: A Holistic Approach to Knowledge Acquisition for Senior Citizen Teachers

The article explores key theories such as Piaget's Cognitive Development, Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory, Bruner's Constructivist Theory, Information Processing Theory, Social Cognitive Theory, Schema Theory, Experiential Learning Theory and Connectivism. Each theory's core concepts are analysed in the context of senior citizen teachers, highlighting their unique contributions to knowledge acquisition. The value of integrating multiple theories is discussed aiming to develop comprehensive framework. This integration explores the diverse learning needs of senior citizen teachers emphasizing social and cultural contexts, cognitive development stages, active learning strategies and technology integration. Through holistic approach, senior citizen teachers can enhance their teaching practices, boost student engagement and promote lifelong learning. Practical strategies for incorporating these theories include collaborative learning activities, experiential projects, reflective practices and digital resource utilization. Ultimately, the article advocates for a broad understanding of knowledge acquisition theories and their application in senior citizen education. By embracing this approach, senior citizen teachers can create enriching learning environments fostering personal and professional growth.

Современная парадигма пенсионного обеспечения в Европе

Introduction. Pension systems are a key element of social protection for the elderly. They are designed to provide senior citizens with stable income not from work. However, pension systems currently being developed in Europe are increasingly exposing the working-age population to the risk of poverty in old age. The European pension paradigm strives for an adequate level of pension payments and builds financial protection against poverty, while the future evolution of wages and prices remains unknown for Europe as a whole.Methods. Scientific research is based on general and special methods of scientific cognition. In the process of forming the concept of the scientific article, modern scientific methods of studying economic and social phenomena were used, including methods of system-structural, functional, factorial and comparative analysis, as well as categorical, logical and structural analysis and synthesis, detailing and generalization, grouping and comparison, identification of cause-and-effect relationships. The authors proceed from an understanding of the scientific hypothesis of reforming the pension system, which ensures long-term investment by the working-age population with income in the future. The empirical base of the study was made up of current data from cross-country comparative studies of Europe in terms of typology of state pension systems.Results. Based on the functional method of cognition, the authors of the scientific article systematize the main types of state pension systems of the European Union, representing the complex content of the indicator value of pension payments. It is noted that in the context of reforming the pension systems of the European Union countries, the reorganization of the functional and ideological components of pension provision, aimed at protecting consumers of pension savings, makes it possible to increase the socio-economic standard of living. Although EU pension systems differ in many respects, they all have one common problem - finding ways to maintain the financial sustainability of the budgetary system while paying pensions in the long term against the backdrop of an aging population and the problem of increasing the ratio of pensioners to the working-age population.

Radar Based Secure Contactless Fall Detection Using Hybrid Optimizer with Convolution Neural Network

Introduction: senior citizens can lead to severe injuries. Existing wearable fall-alert sensors are often ineffective as seniors tend to avoid using them, highlighting the need for non-contact sensor applications in smart homes. This study proposes a CNN-based fall detection system using time-frequency analyses. A unique hybrid optimizer, GWO-ABC, combining Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) and Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), is employed to optimize CNN architectures. Radar return signals are transformed into spectrograms and binary images for training the HOCNN with fall and non-fall data.Methods: Radar signals are processed using short-time Fourier transformation to create time-frequency spectrograms, converted into binary images. These images are fed into a CNN optimized by the GWO-ABC algorithm. The CNN is trained on labelled fall and non-fall instances, focusing on high-level feature extraction.Results: The HOCNN showed superior accuracy in fall detection, successfully extracting critical high-level features from radar signals. Performance metrics, including precision, recall, and F1-score, demonstrated significant improvements over traditional methods.Conclusion: This study introduces a non-contact, automatic fall detection system for smart homes using GWO-ABC optimized CNNs, offering a promising solution for enhancing geriatric care and ensuring senior citizen safety. Index Terms—Grey Wolf Optimizer, Artificial Bee Colony algorithm, Convolutional neural network, fall detection, time-frequency analysis, ultra-wideband (UWB) radar

Examining Illiberality and Vanquishment in One Selected isiXhosa Folktale Titled “UNomadlavana” (The Ragged-Clothed Girl)

IsiXhosa folktales continue to embrace the didactic and pedagogical dimensions among young men and women through knowledge that is entrenched in senior citizens or the elderly. This does not exclude young men and women narrating the same isiXhosa folktales among themselves. In this article, the didactic and pedagogical value of an isiXhosa folktale is examined using intersectionality as a theoretical framework in light of recent and long-standing catastrophic phenomena such as HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 deaths that have left many children destitute, resulting in a string of orphans and child-headed families that are difficult to overlook. “UNomadlavana,” the folktale appearing in the appendix of this article, with its English translation, is purposively selected from a published repository and appreciated hereunder as a principal source of data to unravel the persecution and injustice experienced by an orphaned young girl called Nomadlavana. The sociological approach that merges elements of folklore studies, sociological analysis, and intersectionality, and is used as a methodology to uncover the perennial notion concerning stepmothers and orphans, is probed as an interconnected phenomenon, while illiberality and vanquishment of orphans are placed under the spotlight. Ultimately, illiberality and vanquishment are revealed as deeply rooted social problems affecting many unknown and known families, and suggest the need for awareness in a bid to abolish flawed stereotypes pertaining to orphans and stepparents.

Recovery of Muscular Strength Following Total Hip Replacement: A Narrative Review.

This narrative review analyzes muscle strength recovery following total hip replacement (THR) and looks at various factors affecting postoperative muscle function restoration. The review synthesizes evidence from various studies regarding the timing and degree of muscular strength recovery, different rehabilitation protocols, and patient-specific variables such as age, preoperative physical condition, and comorbidities, among others. Overall, it appears that THR is associated with improved hip function and quality of life, but this usually takes a long time due to individualized physical therapy interventions. In addition, postoperative rehabilitation has been found not to exist without any personal factors involved such as age or gender whereby for instance senior citizens have no alternative but to go for THR surgery, making their lower limbs weaker than those who are younger. Based on the findings in this review on muscle recovery after THR surgeries, one may conclude that this endeavor should begin as early as possible and include regular resistance training programswith performance-focused functional training after surgery. In addition, more longitudinal studies should be conducted regarding post-surgical outcomes comparing other traditional medical practices.

Environmental Governance of Forests Over Limestone in Guiuan Marine Reserve Protected Landscape and Seascape (GMRPLS), Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Philippines: A Gendered-Age Perspective

Environmental governance of the Forests Over Limestone (FOL) ecosystem is critical, considering its unique and fragile characteristics. However, there is a limited study on the role of gender and age in the perception of stakeholders' participation in forest governance. A survey was conducted in the Forests Over Limestone of Guiuan Marine Reserve Protected Landscape and Seascape (GMRPLS), Guiuan, Eastern Samar, Philippines, to determine the perception of the residents in GMRPLS as to the responsible sectors and groups in the conservation and protection of FOL. The study results showed that men and women of various age groups identified the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Local Government Units (LGUs), people organizations, non-government organizations, education, businesses and industries, and the community comprising of men and women of various age groups, e.g., children, teenagers, adults, senior citizens, as stakeholders of the FOL in GMRPLS. The study also tried to determine the relationship between age and the respondents' perception of FOL stakeholders. However, no relationship was found between age and their perception of the various groups responsible for FOL governance. Moreover, a very weak (0.096) relationship between age and their perception that adults are responsible for FOL governance was found at a 0.05 significance level. The results indicate that older people are expected to participate in the environmental governance of the FOL ecosystem. A very weak relationship between age and their perception that men (0.123) and women (0.089) are responsible for FOL governance was also found at a 0.01 and 0.05 significance level, respectively. The results suggest a need to develop and implement policies and programs that will empower women to participate in FOL governance while ensuring equal representation of men and women from various age groups in the management of FOL. The study recommends organizing developmental activities for young men and women from different age groups to promote and instill environmental values so that they continue to support the conservation and protection of FOL as they age.

Data-driven analysis of heating and cooling base temperatures for buildings: Case studies in South Korea

To investigate statistical differences in the heating (Tbh) and cooling base temperatures (Tbc) across various building types, vintages, and sizes, we conducted case studies in Seoul, South Korea, based on data from more than 10,000 buildings. To assess the relative impacts of internal and external loads on Tbh and Tbc, we used a core-to-perimeter zone ratio approximated by the average floor area, defined as the floor area per building floor. Employing the energy signature method, change-point regression, and calendarization, we determined the best-fit change-point model and the corresponding Tbh and Tbc for each building. Our findings revealed statistically significant differences in Tbhs and Tbcs, with variations of up to 6 and 4 °C, respectively, across six building types. Notably, for most building types, Tbh and Tbc decreased as the average floor area increased, possibly influenced by a higher core zone to total area ratio. This highlights the predominant impact of internal loads over external loads. The influence of the average floor area on Tbh and Tbc outweighed that of building vintage, particularly for lodging, medical, and sales facilities, where Tbh and Tbc decreased in the more recent vintage buildings. However, this influence was less pronounced for facilities for senior citizens and children and education and research facilities, possibly due to factors such as diverse building shapes and the thermal preferences of occupants. Although this study focuses on South Korea, our data-driven approach provides statistical evidence for refining base temperature and improving traditional degree-day methods. Our findings suggest the need to establish base temperatures that consider various building types, vintages, and average floor areas, especially for large metropolitan cities where these factors vary widely.

Формальные и неформальные практики социального обслуживания пожилых граждан

The formal and informal practices of social services for elderly consumers of social services in modern Russia are analyzed on the basis on the results of quantitative (questionnaire survey) and qualitative (interview) research. The article analyzes the current state of the social service system for citizens of retirement age in this country, which allowed the authors to state the impossibility of its state formalization in order to satisfy all social, living and medical needs of citizens of the third and fourth ages. The article emphasizes the need for a serious transformation of the existing system of public social services in the direction of expanding its subjects – participants in the service market. The practice of social, social, medical and psychological services for elderly citizens at home is considered. The most popular services are identified for full payment or partially paid. The ranking of demand for social services has been determined: social services: cooking, grocery shopping, cleaning; services for organizing medical events: escort to the polyclinic, purchase of medications, hygiene procedures; services of a psychological nature, performed less frequently and implemented in the process of interaction with a client. The authors come to the conclusion that despite the commercialization of social services and their contractual regulation, there is no transformation of social service practices on the part of consumers of services. It is common for social workers, in addition to their professional duty, to satisfy additional requests, outside the list of services provided to the consumer, which does not become an obstacle to the formation of favorable interactions between social service employees and senior citizens.

Enhancing Healthcare Management: Assessing User Acceptance and Usability of the 'SmartCG' Mobile Application.

In Thailand, increasing caregiving needs for senior citizens, particularly in low-income homes, may elevate the caregiver (CG) burden. This study assesses the user acceptance and usability of the 'SmartCG' mobile application in enhancing healthcare management. The app offers health evaluations, home visits, knowledge management, screening forms, and care plans. Using the Technology Acceptance Model, 402 caregivers from Mahasarakham province evaluated the app's usability on a 5-point Likert scale. Results showed a significant increase in acceptance scores after using SmartCG (11.49 ± 1.54 to 13.19 ± 2.74, p < 0.001). Users reported high satisfaction with its ease of use (mean = 4.10 ± 0.61) and found the knowledge-based menu (mean = 4.07 ± 0.63) and visiting/map menus (mean = 4.05 ± 0.63) user-friendly. This study provides empirical evidence that the SmartCG app effectively enhances healthcare management, emphasizing the importance of user-friendly interfaces in healthcare technology.

Conflict and coexistence: analysing the dynamics between traditional leadership and democratic governance in Dukuduku, KwaZulu-Natal

This paper examines the conflicts arising from the coexistence of traditional leadership and democratic local governance in Dukuduku, KwaZulu-Natal, a region marked by overlapping authority and contested land claims. Despite constitutional recognition, traditional leadership in post-apartheid South Africa remains ambiguously defined, leading to clashes with democratically elected structures over roles, responsibilities, and territory. This study uses a qualitative methodology to analyse archival materials, media sources, and meeting records and conducts semi-structured interviews with 25 stakeholders, including traditional leaders, senior citizens, and subsistence farmers. The findings reveal that introducing a local government system under the Amakhosi jurisdiction precipitates confrontations, particularly where duties intersect. In Dukuduku—proclaimed a state forest—the recognition of traditional authority creates disputes over land ownership and governance, complicating the administration of land and impacting service delivery. The analysis suggests that the institutional "invention" and subsequent "recognition" of traditional leadership in areas like Dukuduku not only challenge the perceptions of state land but also exacerbate power struggles, thereby affecting local development and governance. The study contributes to understanding the dynamic interplay between traditional and democratic governance systems in rural South Africa. It highlights the implications for policy and local administration in managing such dual governance structures effectively. This study explains how hard it is to combine traditional structures with a modern democratic framework. It also gives us a better understanding of what this means for rural governance and land management in changing societies.

Validation of Ten Osteoporosis Screening Tools in Rural Communities of Taiwan.

Patients with osteoporosis are at risk of fractures, which can lead to immobility and reduced quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing fractures, but many patients are not diagnosed until after a fracture has occurred. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of 10 osteoporosis screening tools (OSTs) in rural communities of Taiwan. In this prospective study, a total of 567 senior citizens from rural communities underwent bone mineral density (BMD) measurement using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and ten OSTs were administered. Discrimination analysis was performed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Primary outcomes included area under curve (AUC) value, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). The DXA examination revealed that 63.0% of females and 22.4% of males had osteoporosis. Among females, Osteoporosis Index of Risk (OSIRIS) and Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA) presented the best AUC value with 0.71 (0.66-0.76) and 0.70 (0.66-0.75), respectively. Among males, BWC had the best AUC value of 0.77 (0.67-0.86), followed by OSTA, Simple Calculated Osteoporosis Risk Estimation (SCORE), and OSIRIS. OSTA and OSIRIS showed acceptable performance in both genders. The specificity of Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX-H), SCORE, National Osteoporosis Foundation Score, OSIRIS, Osteoporosis Risk Assessment Instrument, Age, Bulk, One or Never Estrogen (ABONE), and Body weight criteria increased in both genders after applying the optimum cut-off. Considering it high AUC and simplicity of use, OSTA appeared to be the recommended tool for seniors of both genders among the ten OSTs. This study provides a viable reference for future development of OSTs in Taiwan. Further adjustment according to epidemiological data and risk factors is recommended while applying OSTs to different cohorts.

INTERSECTIONALITY AND THE PUBLIC POLICY PROCESS - THE COST OF BEING "IN-BETWEEN" FOR WOMEN AND OLDER PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

The aim of the article is to show, using the example of women and seniors with disabilities, how being "between" various policies/ministries/interest groups increases the risk of being omitted in the process of creating and implementing public policy. In the text, we start from the public policy process and indicate how its individual users can influence policy agendas, and then discuss the challenges of being both a person with a disability and a woman or a senior citizen. We also emphasize the importance of the weaknesses of a given environment and the issue of identity in activist efforts. Finally, we put forward the thesis that a potential solution to the problem of being overlooked may be to strengthen activities aimed at mainstreaming women's and disability issues in public policy.

Specialized Program for Senior Citizens of Selected Cities of National Capital Region- Philippines, towards a Revitalized Quality of Life and Improved Benefits and Privileges

The protection on the welfare of the senior citizens was first established in 1992. Republic Act No. 7432 of 1992 is an act to utilize the contribution of elderly to national building, grant the benefits and special privileges, and for any other purposes. The aim of the study is to assess elderly availment of Benefits and Privileges of Senior Citizens in terms of health; social; financial; education; and employment. Likewise, it also includes the problems encountered and the solution offered in the availment of benefits and privileges of the Senior Citizens. The study made used of three hundred sixty (360) respondents, which is compose of two groups of respondents, the senior citizen and barangay OSCA officials. Assessments revealed the following results: The common benefits and privileges enjoy by the elderly adult include: free health checkup and medicines, and discounts in private services. Free movie and access to recreational facilities; access to basic education and being offered with job opportunities fitted to their skills and talents. Moreover, the most serious problems encountered by the senior citizens is the limited medical services due to lack of adequate facilities. However, the highly recommended solution is centered on employment benefits particularly in making ties with companies which may offer job to the senior citizens. Finally, the specialized program maybe proposed should focus on dental services, recreational facilities, more discounts to grocery items; special training course; and employment

The Relationship between Social Support and Coping Strategies on the Quality of Life of the Elderly in North Jakarta, Indonesia

One of the developmental stages known for diminishing social, psychological, and physical abilities is the elderly. This decline in function may result in a worse quality of life for the elderly. To improve the quality of life for senior adults, social support and appropriate coping methods are necessary when confronting challenges. Investigating the level of life quality and the factors—social support and coping mechanisms, in particular—that affect the quality of life of Indonesia's older population is the aim of this study. This research employs a quantitative methodology. To determine the association between factors, correlational research, conducted in North Jakarta, Indonesia, included 136 participants at least 55 years old. Purposive sampling was used to choose the research sample. Three aspects were assessed: quality of life, social support, and coping mechanisms. To analyze the data, Pearson Product Moment was employed. Findings: More women than men made up the study's elderly responders, primarily between 55 and 69. The data analysis's findings indicate a connection between senior citizens' quality of life and social assistance. Furthermore, there is no connection between coping mechanisms and senior citizen's quality of life. The research's small sample size of 136 elderly respondents, comprising 100 women and 36 men, may limit its generalizability to the entire elderly population in North Jakarta, and its unequal gender distribution may impact its validity. This study explores the relationship between social support, coping strategies, and quality of life among older adults in North Jakarta, contributing to the literature on elderly well-being and serving as a foundation for effective interventions and future research.