MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Journal of Applied Gerontology' source. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:53:36 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5477329&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F6%2F744%3Frss%3D1 This article finds that the number of report cards has increased from 24 in 2003 to 29 in 2009. The quality information presented varies considerably; however, deficiency citations are still the most frequently reported quality indicators. The utility of report cards varies considerably. The authors present their opinions of features that seem most conducive for consumer use of these report cards. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5477329 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5477329 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5477328&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F6%2F719%3Frss%3D1 Deficiency citations for resident abuse from U.S. nursing homes from 2000 to 2007 are examined. Deficiency citations are given to nursing homes that are in violation of Medicare/Medicaid regulations and four specific deficiency citations (representing, abuse; neglect by staff; criminal screening investigating and reporting; and, abuse prevention and policy development and implementation) were examined. The data came from the Online Survey, Certification, and Reporting (OSCAR) system data (N = 173,219) and the analyses used generalized estimating equations. Abuse deficiency citation rates were relatively stable (from 2000 to 2007), with approximately 20% of facilities per year receiving any one of these citations. For the factors of interest, few significant findings were identified for sta... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5477328 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5477328 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5477327&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F6%2F700%3Frss%3D1 To investigate issues of aging and mobility in rural and small urban areas, this study analyzes the results from a survey AARP conducted of its North Dakota members. Specific objectives are to estimate the impact of age and other demographic and geographic characteristics on various measures of mobility, including ability to drive, use of public transportation, trip frequency for both discretionary and nondiscretionary travel, unmet travel demand, barriers to using public transportation, and satisfaction with available transportation options. Although most surveyed still drive, results show decreased mobility with increases in age and for people with disabilities due to decreases in driving and an increased likelihood of lack of transportation limiting the number of trips taken. People wit... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5477327 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5477327 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5477326&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F6%2F671%3Frss%3D1 This article sought to understand Appalachian residents’ perspectives on MM management and prevention. Forty-one rural Appalachian residents aged 50 and above with MM were interviewed about disease management and colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention. Transcripts were examined for overall analytic categories and coded using techniques to enhance transferability and rigor. Participants indicate facing various challenges to prevention due, in part, to conditions within their rural environment. Patients and providers spend significant time and energy on MM management, often precluding prevention activities. This article discusses implications of MM management for CRC prevention and strategies to increase disease prevention among this rural, vulnerable population burdened by MM. (Source: Jo... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5477326 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5477326 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5238940&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F5%2F655%3Frss%3D1 The present study explored knowledge about depression and the factors that predict that knowledge in a sample of Korean American older adults (N = 675). Compared with other published results, knowledge of depression in the present sample was generally low. The participants provided on average only 42.6% correct answers on the 12-item Depression in Late Life Quiz, and for 9 items, more than 50% of the participants provided incorrect answers. In a multivariate linear regression, acculturation (β = .12, p < .01) and depressive symptoms (β = –.09, p < .05) were significant predictors of knowledge. Individuals with lower levels of acculturation had less knowledge of depression. An interesting finding was that those with higher levels of depressive symptoms exhibited poorer... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5238940 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5238940 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5238939&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F5%2F643%3Frss%3D1 This article reports a preliminary investigation in India of the association between caregiver burden and quality of life (QOL) in older persons with stroke after controlling for disability, depression, and sociodemographic factors. A cross-sectional analysis was carried out with 46 stroke patients attending a community hospital in India. The primary outcome variable was patient QOL assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire–short form (WHOQOL-Bref). The primary explanatory variable was caregiver burden, assessed using the Zarit Inventory. Patient economic dissatisfaction (F = 6.12, p = .04), patient depression (F = 20.8, p < .001), and caregiver burden (F = 7.36, p = .009) were found to be associated with lower patient QOL. Caregiver burden was ind... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5238939 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5238939 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5238938&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F5%2F629%3Frss%3D1 The objective of this study is to identify health-related barriers associated with moderate PA in older adults covered by Medicaid. Data are from a survey of 490 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥65. Ordinal regression was used to determine factors associated with PA. Results indicate that limitations in activities of daily living (OR = 0.11; CI = 0.03, 0.49), using mobility equipment (OR = 0.50; CI = 0.28, 0.88), hopelessness (OR = 0.39; CI = 0.17, 0.88), and low participation in social activities (OR = 0.50; CI = 0.28, 0.89) decreased the odds of engaging in PA. Health indicators related to PA in samples of older adults from the general population, including obesity, pain, and depression were not related to PA in this sample, suggesting that it is the impact of these conditions on ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5238938 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5238938 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5238937&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F5%2F607%3Frss%3D1 A cross-sectional interview survey of 2,487 Kuwaiti individuals aged 50 and above was conducted to identify the background factors and chronic diseases that exacerbate functional disability among older Kuwaitis. Functional disability was measured as physical ability, ability for self-care, and ability to perform daily routine activities. Association of sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, depressive symptoms, and five chronic illnesses with disability was analyzed. A quarter of respondents (n = 607) reported to suffer from functional disability and 33% of them from severe disability. Logistic regression indicated that stroke, arthritis, and heart disease were positively associated with functional disability. Older age, unmarried status, non-Bedouin background, lower education, and lower in... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5238937 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5238937 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5238936&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F5%2F587%3Frss%3D1 This study documents the size of unmet needs for Older Americans Act Nutrition Program (OAANP) and characteristics of program participants and waitlisted people based on the data from the Georgia client database systems. About 60% of those who requested the OAANP service between July and early November, 2008 (n = 4,952) were on waitlists. Waitlisted people, especially those on the Home-Delivered Meals (HDM) waitlist, were more likely to report poorer sociodemographic characteristics, poorer self-reported health status, food insecurity, and nutritional risk. Requesting HDM was the foremost significant factor associated with unmet needs. Other race/not disclosing race information and living alone also increased the odds of being on the waitlists. There is a critical unmet need for the OAANP ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5238936 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5238936 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5238935&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F5%2F562%3Frss%3D1 The study was concerned with perceived risk of need for long-term care (LTC) as a factor in decisions among older married couples to purchase or retain LTC insurance policies. The study examined the relationship between expectancies of moving to a nursing home and ownership of private LTC insurance policies among married couples in which both partners were at least aged 65. Data from the 2002 and 2004 Health and Retirement Study were analyzed. Higher subjective probabilities of moving to a nursing home within the next 5 years among both primary respondents and spouses were positively associated with the primary respondent’s possession of private LTC insurance. The findings add to evidence that among married older people decisions to purchase and retain LTC insurance policies are made... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5238935 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5238935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5238934&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F5%2F539%3Frss%3D1 The association of job tenure among nursing home administrators (NHAs) and directors of nursing (DONs) with the prevalence of pressure ulcers, pain, and physical restraint use was examined. Data sources included the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey and quality measures from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Regression models examined NHA tenure (n = 787) and DON tenure (n = 703). Control variables included prior prevalence of the respective outcome, NHA/DON education, and facility characteristics among others. Increasing NHA and DON tenure were both associated with decreases in the prevalence of pressure ulcers and pain but not restraint use. DON tenure had more impact on outcomes in earlier stages of tenure than NHA tenure. Effects of NHA tenure were in later stages of tenu... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5238934 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5238934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4978157&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F4%2F524%3Frss%3D1 Studies have identified living alone as a risk factor for loneliness in later life without examining whether other living arrangements might also pose risk. The authors used data from a national sample of adults aged 57 and older to estimate associations between a variety of living arrangements and loneliness. In contrast to respondents living with a spouse/partner, respondents who were living alone, living with children without a spouse/partner, and living with other relatives or friends without a spouse/partner reported more loneliness. Living alone was associated with greater loneliness among men than women, but living with children without a spouse/partner was associated with greater loneliness among women. Results suggest the importance for interventions aimed at reducing loneliness t... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4978157 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4978157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4978156&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F4%2F513%3Frss%3D1 This study suggests that such a resource would be well received and utilized by physicians. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4978156 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4978156 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4978155&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F4%2F505%3Frss%3D1 This article documents a service-learning project to enhance older adults’ safe and independent performance of daily occupations in the home environment while enriching the learning of occupational therapy students. Thirteen rural individuals aged 65 to 89 years participated in the project whereby students identified occupational performance issues, modified occupations and context, and advocated for change to promote safety and independence. The model merits consideration as a replicable service-learning project for other disciplines in higher education to strengthen community relationships, enhance student learning, and support aging in place. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4978155 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4978155 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4978154&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F4%2F485%3Frss%3D1 Older persons are typically classified as "users" or "nonusers" of walking devices. Little is known about their experience of maintaining proximity to the walking device or the consistency with which they use it. The authors addressed those gaps in this longitudinal, phenomenological study with 40 women (aged 85-98). With regard to maintaining proximity to the device, the experience was structured by "keeping track of my cane," "keeping the cane handy," "transitioning between keeping track of the cane and keeping it handy," and "keeping the walker handy so I can use it." Despite stated intentions to the contrary, few women consistently walked with a device. The experience was characterized by "walking with it unless . . . " and "judging whether I need it to walk in this situation." Rather ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4978154 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4978154 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4978153&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F4%2F463%3Frss%3D1 This study explores corridor walking behaviors and perceptions of corridor walkability in assisted living residents. Focus groups were conducted with 50 residents in six assisted living facilities in Texas. The data were analyzed by the constant comparative method. The findings revealed three types of corridor walking: walking to destination, walking for exercise, and walking for interaction. Residents’ perception of corridor walkability was related to the themes of safety, comfort/convenience, and aesthetics. Qualities of design elements that residents used to judge corridor walkability included continuity and graspability of handrails, coverage of carpeted floor, availability of seating, appropriate size of the corridor (i.e., width and length) and the elevator, appropriate locatio... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4978153 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4978153 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4978152&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F4%2F443%3Frss%3D1 Day care centers are one of the core community-based services for frail older persons. The purpose of the study is to examine differences in characteristics of users and nonusers of day care centers among frail older people and factors that explain service utilization. Personal interviews are conducted with 333 respondents, of whom 81 were users. Based on the behavioral model of Andersen, the results show that both groups significantly differed in most predisposing (age, marital status), enabling (having a homecare worker), and need (IADL [instrumental activities of daily living]) factors. The findings lend support to Andersen’s behavioral model and suggest that further research is needed to assess underutilization of day care centers. Implications for research, policy, and practice ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4978152 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4978152 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4978151&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F4%2F422%3Frss%3D1 We examine rural–urban differences in reliance on secondary caregivers for African American female primary caregivers (250 rural, 242 urban) and their care recipients. Logistic regression was used to identify caregiver and care recipient characteristics significantly associated with the likelihood of having a secondary caregiver within rural and urban samples. Post hoc Wald chi-square tests were used to identify significant between-sample differences in regression coefficients. Secondary caregivers were more common in urban than rural contexts. Having a secondary caregiver was more strongly related to primary caregivers’ poorer physical health and nonresidence with care recipients in rural than urban contexts. Findings suggest that policy initiatives, such as the National Famil... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4978151 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4978151 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4978150&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F4%2F407%3Frss%3D1 Many rural residents require care as they age, but the stress associated with providing care to dependent elders may be exacerbated in nonmetropolitan areas due to the lack of formal services. To better understand residential variation in caregiver outcomes, a random-digit telephone survey was conducted in 2004 with 219 metropolitan, 77 micropolitan, and 104 nonmetropolitan West Virginia caregivers. Residential differences were not detected for caregiver well-being outcomes of burden and depressive symptomatology. However, nonmetropolitan caregivers reported more medical conditions than caregivers in other residential categories. Taken together, findings of this study do not support the notion that rural residence always places caregivers at risk for negative outcomes. (Source: Journal of ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4978150 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4978150 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4772067&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F3%2F390%3Frss%3D1 In older adults, impaired performance in instrumental activities of daily living (ADL) is associated with vulnerability to harm and diminished capability for safe and independent living. Self-reported measures, despite their limitations, are increasingly used to identify vulnerability in community-living older adults and may not provide accurate evidence of an older adults ability to live safely an independently. A cross-sectional study of 100 older adults with adult protective service substanitated self-neglecting behavior(s), and 100 matched community-living comparisons was conducted to evalaute the association between ADL self-efficacy (ADL-SE) and performance on standardized testing. The Kohlman Evaluation of Living Skills (KELS) and a validated self-report measure of efficacy to perfo... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4772067 Sun, 01 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4772067 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4772066&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F3%2F370%3Frss%3D1 The lesbian and gay population is largely invisible in the gerontological literature and in planning and provision of aging services. A recent survey of providers of aging services in a large midwestern metropolitan area provides insight into providers’ beliefs, preparation, and experience with serving old lesbian and gay people. Few agencies that participated in the study provided services targeted to this population, and some agencies were unwilling to consider their unique needs. Participating agencies generally recognized a need for greater knowledge and specific training in working with aging lesbian and gay people. Providers diverged over whether separate services should be established for the old lesbian and gay population. Providers consistently expressed values of care, incl... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4772066 Sun, 01 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4772066 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4772065&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F3%2F353%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of the present study was to begin to understand/conceptualize how older adults in three different levels of care think about death. Based on the recommendations of facility administrators, participants were chosen and 17 face-to-face semistructured interviews were conducted with older adults residing in independent, assisted and long-term care settings. Utilizing a qualitative method, this study allowed the respondents to tell their own stories about death. Analysis of the data yielded the following themes that were presented: acceptance of death, talk of the afterlife, impact of living situation and talk of suicide. Respondents talked of acceptance and little fear, mixed notions of the afterlife, the importance of place of residence, and the salience of suicide as an issue. Pr... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4772065 Sun, 01 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4772065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4772064&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F3%2F332%3Frss%3D1 The study examined the grandparent–grandchild relationship when the grandparent has dementia. Grandchildren living in Barcelona, Spain, participated in the study (n = 145). These participants completed a questionnaire that included questions on: (a) the frequency of 15 emotions they may have experienced in this relationship, (b) their current relationship with a grandparent who has dementia (frequency of contact, emotional closeness, and satisfaction with the relationship), and (c) perception of changes in the relationship. Results showed that the dementia process has a negative impact on the relationship between grandparent and grandchildren. However, in some cases, there was also potential for positive changes, which are mainly related to the ability to keep emotional contact and e... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4772064 Sun, 01 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4772064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4772063&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F3%2F304%3Frss%3D1 Using data from a sample of 169 patients, this study evaluates the acceptability and feasibility of telehealth videoconferencing for preclinic assessment and follow-up in an interprofessional memory clinic for rural and remote seniors. Patients and caregivers are seen via telehealth prior to the in-person clinic and followed up at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and yearly. Patients are randomly assigned to in-person (standard care) or telehealth for the first follow-up, then alternating between the two modes of treatment, prior to 1-year follow-up. On average, telehealth appointments reduce participants’ travel by 426 km per round trip. Findings show that telehealth coordinators rated 85% of patients and 92% of caregivers as comfortable or very comfortable during telehealth. Sa... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4772063 Sun, 01 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4772063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4772062&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F3%2F275%3Frss%3D1 This study examines the experiences of 150 residents of two types of community-based supportive housing—assisted living (AL) and residential care homes (RCHs)—and one institutional category—nursing homes (NHs). Examining a wide range of both quantitative and qualitative outcomes, overall results show that AL residents have the best experiences and NH residents report the worst outcomes, with RCHs residents varying in the middle. However, other factors such as age, perceived health, involvement in the decision to move to the residence, and length of time in the residence, eliminate the independent effect of housing type, per se. Efforts to provide high-quality supportive housing should focus on these key factors. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4772062 Sun, 01 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4772062 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4772061&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F30%2F3%2F273%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4772061 Sun, 01 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4772061 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4772060&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F30%2F3%2F271%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4772060 Sun, 01 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4772060 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4654716&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F2%2F254%3Frss%3D1 The Trumbull Advocacy and Protective Network (TAPN) in Ohio is a county network of agencies in social services, government, medicine, law enforcement, and housing that coordinates and integrates services and programs for seniors with extraordinary needs. The purpose of this study was to assess the strengths and weaknesses of TAPN and make recommendations for improving its effectiveness. Seventeen TAPN member agencies participated in this formative evaluation in Phase 1, whereas 19 participated in Phase 2. The fact that mean scale scores for the TAPN Accomplishment Scale increased significantly over time was revealed by t tests. The most important changes were in addressing the special needs of older adults being served by more than one agency, advocating for the efficient and effective all... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4654716 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4654716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4654715&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F2%2F241%3Frss%3D1 This article sought to determine the extent to which the number of self-reported mentally unhealthy days (MUDs) in the past 30 days estimates depressive symptoms in older adults. The sample of 4,321 community-dwelling residents aged 65 and above originated from an ongoing population-based study of older Blacks and Whites. Participants’ data from 1993 through 2005 included the single MUD question and questions from the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Short Depression Scale (CES-D). Fourteen percent of participants had four or more depressive symptoms at baseline; of these, only 52% reported one or more MUD. Thirty-eight percent of those with one or more MUDs had four or more depressive symptoms. The results illustrate an interesting association regarding the measurements of two disti... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4654715 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4654715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4654714&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F2%2F226%3Frss%3D1 Alcohol use among older adults (65+) is thought to be one of the fastest growing health problems in the country. Although proper assessment and diagnosis is crucial in addressing problem drinking in this population, research suggests that physicians are not adequately screening their older adult patients for alcohol use. The present study examined the relationship between family physicians’ attitudes and perceptions and their screening prevalence with their new and existing older adult patients collected and analyzed in 2007. Results indicated that physicians in the study reported screening 73% of their new patients on intake and 44% of their existing patients. Family physicians with more positive perceptions of their alcohol-management skills with older adults performed more screeni... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4654714 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4654714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4654713&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F2%2F199%3Frss%3D1 The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) in the older rural and urban Chinese populations in Zhejiang province. An analysis of the association between potential factors and QoL for these two groups was conducted. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2007. The total sample consisted of 2,441 rural and 2,554 urban participants. A Chinese version of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used to quantify the QoL of participants. A comparison between the QoL of rural and urban participants was made. The association between potential factors and QoL was performed using a multiple linear regression model. The study revealed all scale scores of SF-36 in the rural population were significantly lower than those in the urban population excep... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4654713 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4654713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4654712&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F2%2F185%3Frss%3D1 This article illustrates the approach with findings in two areas: how people make careers in changing work structures, and age and generational stratification issues. The article is dedicated to the memory of Chuck Longino, dear friend and colleague on the study research team, whose untimely death prevented him from seeing the project through to completion. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4654712 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4654712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4654711&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F2%2F173%3Frss%3D1 Chuck Longino and this author began writing together about the benefits and risks of a postmodern perspective on the aging experience more than 9 years ago. Chuck Longino and this author contrasted a progressive strand of postmodernism based on the blended values of individual empowerment and collective responsibility for economic security with a neoliberal strand based on individualism and the free market as the ultimate arbiter of value, arguing that neoliberal postmodernism threatened the economic and psychological security of older people. Here the author summarizes the previous arguments by Chuck Longino and himself, then comment on events that have occurred since their last published collaboration, especially the collapse of the neoliberal economic model. (Source: Journal of Applied ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4654711 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4654711 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4654710&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F2%2F159%3Frss%3D1 The later life migration literature includes analyses of migration streams, examination of later life migration precursors, the economic impact of migration, and meta-analyses advocating methodological refinement. Missing are studies of later life migrants post relocation, including their social integration in receiving communities. The small area analysis presented here evolved in consultation with a local Planning Committee including older adults and service providers that guided development of an aging services plan for Dare County on the North Carolina Outer Banks. Multiple methods were applied, including secondary historical and contextual data, in-depth interviews, and a brief survey of older adults using services. Findings suggest difference among communities in the integration of l... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4654710 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4654710 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4654709&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F2%2F141%3Frss%3D1 The present study revisits Litwak and Longino’s seminal article, "Migration Patterns among the Elderly: A Developmental Perspective." Data from the American Community Survey, 2005—2007 are exploited to partially replicate and build on the original study. Findings indicate that Florida later-life migrant exchanges with selected states in the Northeast and Midwest appear to be characterized by positively selected in-bound streams and negatively selected out-bound streams, consistent with the results reported by Litwak and Longino. The "amenity in-migrant, assistance out-migrant" pattern is also evident in the exchange of older migrants between Florida and other regions, excepting the West. Older in-migrants to Arizona from the Midwest and West similarly appear to be positively se... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4654709 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4654709 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4654708&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F30%2F2%2F139%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4654708 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4654708 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4339407&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F1%2F123%3Frss%3D1 This study examined the retirement financial planning of gay and bisexual men. Unlike heterosexual adults, gay and bisexual men must consider the costs and benefits of disclosing sexual identity in the workplace. Concealing sexual identity tends to diminish the appeal of the workplace and thus may increase motivation to plan for life beyond work. Analyses showed that the more participants concealed sexual orientation, the more they engaged in retirement financial planning. The results suggest that the retirement planning of gay and bisexual men is shaped by some of the typical factors established in previous research and also by their unique experience regarding sexual identity disclosure. The potential impact of concealing sexual identity on the motivation to plan for retirement is discus... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4339407 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4339407 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4339406&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F1%2F113%3Frss%3D1 Researchers have documented the powerful influence of the physical and social environment on persons with dementia; however, most intervention studies fail to include contextual assessments when exploring outcomes. As part of a larger study assessing a horticultural therapy (HT) intervention, the authors explored the contextual and procedural factors that impacted results. Guided by the theory of environmental press, interviews were conducted with five of the study’s activity facilitators who worked in seven dementia care programs possessing varied social and physical environments. Findings indicated that the theory of environmental press should be expanded beyond the person with dementia and applied to program facilitators. A hierarchical relationship became evident; for program par... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4339406 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4339406 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4339405&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F1%2F104%3Frss%3D1 This article uses qualitative methods to report on critical themes generated from an initial evaluation of an NNORC using individual interviews with community partners that developed the program and Resident Council members living in the NNORC community. Findings reveal the need to support older adults aging in place, the importance of informal systems of care, access to trustworthy concrete service providers, and improved models of collaboration. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4339405 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4339405 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4339404&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F1%2F85%3Frss%3D1 This study finds four factors that make Social Security beneficial to older Latinos: (a) lower lifetime incomes, (b) longer life expectancies, (c) higher disability incidence, and (d) higher marriage rates. Because of these factors, older Latinos receive a higher average rate of return on their Social Security contributions. The study also provides policy implications for economic security of older Latinos. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4339404 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4339404 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4339403&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F1%2F67%3Frss%3D1 This study assesses three hypotheses regarding a long-term care facility’s ethics environment and the relationships between ethics environment, employees’ work features, and residents’ outcomes. Validated questionnaires measure ethics environment, work satisfaction, managing disagreement, goal attainment, care and work opinion including retention, and mental health status among full-time employees (N = 110; 53%) and residents (N = 139; 57%) who volunteered for this cross-sectional cohort analysis. Ethics environment is rated above average (> 3.0, 1-5 scale) by employees and residents, with statistically significant (p = .001) Spearman correlations between ethics environment and employees’ attainment of goals, opinion of care, and work satisfaction; between reside... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4339403 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4339403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4339402&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F1%2F44%3Frss%3D1 This study tests a model that examines the effects of ethical climates and perceived organizational support on licensed nurses’ intent to leave through job satisfaction and organizational commitment. A cross-sectional survey design was implemented. Three hundred and fifty nine skilled nursing facilities were selected in the midwestern United States. While a total of 110 facilities (31%) agreed to participate, responses were received from nurses representing 100 of those facilities (28%). A total of 656 usable questionnaires were returned of the 3,060 distributed—a 21.4% response rate. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical regression analyses were used.The explained variance of intent to leave was 53%, with six major determinants: commitment, job satisfac... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4339402 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4339402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4339401&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F1%2F22%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this study was to compare the patient safety culture between nationally representative samples of hospitals and nursing homes.This research is important in expanding our understanding of safety culture, to better understand the differences and similarities between healthcare settings, and to promote shared learning of best practices between settings. Findings from the Nursing Home Survey on Patient Safety Culture (NHSPSC) were compared with findings from the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC). Of the 26 highly similar items in these questionnaires, 9 of the NHSPSC scores were lower than the HSOPSC scores (indicating poorer perceptions of safety culture), 1 score was identical, and 16 of the NHSPSC scores were higher than the HSOPSC scores (indicating better p... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4339401 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4339401 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4339400&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F30%2F1%2F3%3Frss%3D1 This study is designed to address the estimated Medicaid cost-savings of selected home- and community-based service (HCBS) programs in the State of Florida. Utilizing Medicaid claim data for SFY 2000-2005, a propensity score matching procedure is used to simulate random assignment of seniors into matched treatment (HCBS users) and comparison (waitlist) groups. We then produce an algorithm that determines the differences in Medicaid expenditures between the two groups, producing an estimate of cost-savings. Some HCBS programs in Florida show evidence of Medicaid cost-savings. Median Medicaid cost-savings varied widely, ranging from a cost overage of US$277 per member per month (PMPM) to a cost-savings of US$229 PMPM. Cost-savings appears most consistently when analyzing nursing home costs. ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4339400 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4339400 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4209422&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F6%2F772%3Frss%3D1 The aim of this article is to describe and analyze how professional gerontological workers (PGWs) from northern Israel experienced a shared reality during the Second Lebanon War: how they perceived clients’ needs and their own needs, how they and their older clients functioned during this crisis, and what could be learned about the experience by exploring the PGWs’ perspective. Data were based on materials collected from four PGW focus groups held simultaneously after the war, using a phenomenological perspective to analyze content expressed by individuals, not group dynamics. Findings presented three identified themes: being caught between personal life and professional obligations, acting out of resilience and growth versus vulnerability and despair, and integrating past and ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4209422 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4209422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4209421&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F6%2F762%3Frss%3D1 This article analyzes the operation of an RC in an Irish facility, drawing on direct observation of council meetings and interviews with resident participants and staff members. Though some participants benefited from having the opportunity to discuss their views during council meetings, few changes were introduced that affected nonparticipants. The article identified several barriers to the successful operation of the council, including the lack of independence of the council, inadequate skills in group facilitation, staffing shortages, lack of training, and management structures. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4209421 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4209421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4209420&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F6%2F740%3Frss%3D1 Clinicians are frequently called upon to determine whether an older adult is at undue risk of exploitation and, in particular, financial exploitation. However, there is currently no widely accepted clinical model for describing or explaining who will fall victim to exploitation in later life, and identification of vulnerable older people has been a somewhat onerous process. In this article, an overarching theoretical framework for conceptualizing such forms of vulnerability and its assessment in older adults is presented. Central to this framework are various personal competence factors (i.e., intelligence, cognitive functioning, social intelligence, social skill, personality traits, physical functioning) that purportedly contribute to, or protect against, exploitation. Recommendations and... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4209420 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4209420 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4209419&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F6%2F720%3Frss%3D1 This study aimed to examine gender differences in social support and risk of elder mistreatment (EM) in a community-dwelling Chinese population. The authors conducted a cross-sectional study of 141 women and 270 men aged 60 years or above. EM was assessed using the modified Vulnerability to Abuse Screening Scale (VASS), and social support was measured using the Social Support Index (SSI). After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, socioeconomic status, depression, loneliness, and medical conditions, lower levels of social support were associated with an increased odds of EM in men (odds ratio [OR] = 5.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.18-13.15, p < .001) and in women (OR = 5.39, 95% CI = 1.95-14.85, p < .001). Perceived social support, but not instrumental social support, was a... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4209419 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4209419 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4209418&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F6%2F697%3Frss%3D1 Following cumulative advantage/disadvantage theory and drawing longitudinal data from the 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, and 2006 Health and Retirement Studies, this article examined the relationship between immigration experience and health transitions in late life among non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Mexicans in the United States. The results revealed that the timing of migration in the life course helped determine the ways in which individual health transitions would be associated with their aging process, and the pathways would be complex and vary based on the health outcomes and gender of the immigrants. For example, among women, the later-life immigrants would face most disadvantageous health trajectories as they aged with respect to activities of daily living limitations... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4209418 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4209418 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4209417&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F6%2F667%3Frss%3D1 Aging literature often links social ties to lower depression for older adults; however, research shows inconsistent findings by race and gender. Drawing from an "intersectionality" framework, this article explores whether the relationship between social ties and depression is moderated by race and gender for a nationally representative sample of diverse, community-dwelling older adults (aged 60 and older). Analysis of the most recent wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) indicates that White men, Black men, White women, and Black women differ in terms of the relationship between social ties and depression. Main findings include (a) the overwhelming benefit of marriage and partnership, (b) pronounced differences between Black women’s and White women’s friend and kin ties... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4209417 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4209417 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3999788&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F5%2F640%3Frss%3D1 The increasing prevalence of dementia in older adults will increase the demands for care from families and the health care system. Caring for a relative with dementia is often viewed as burdensome and stressful in nature; however, of late, attention has been given to the positive aspects of the caregiving journey. The purpose of this article is to discuss the qualitative findings related to the positive aspects of family caregiving from a mixed methods study. A strengths-based perspective was used in the secondary analysis of six focus groups (N = 36) and three personal interview transcripts of family caregivers to persons with dementia. Findings reveal that family caregivers can view their role as an opportunity to give back, to discover personal strengths, and to become closer to the car... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3999788 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 23:16:03 +0100 3999788 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3999787&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F5%2F622%3Frss%3D1 We aimed to explore older people’s attitudes toward aging and to further examine associations of such attitudes with their well-being in a Chinese society— Taiwan. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect data using structured questionnaires from a random sample of community older people (N = 316). We found that (a) older people possessed positive attitudes toward aging in general, but there were some group attitudinal differences associated with education attainment and urban residence; (b) older age, fewer social support, and less positive attitudes toward aging were related to more depressive symptoms; (c) younger age, greater social support, greater community participation, and more positive attitudes were related to higher happiness. The associations of positive a... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3999787 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 23:16:03 +0100 3999787 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3999786&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F5%2F603%3Frss%3D1 Many older adults do not identify depression or the need for professional treatment. Late-life depression frequently occurs without dysphoria (i.e., depressed mood or sadness); in such cases, older adults may have particular difficulty identifying depression, leading to poor health outcomes. The aims were to examine the hypotheses that older adults would be more likely to identify depression and need for professional help in a vignette of a depressed older adult with sadness versus without sadness. In a randomized experiment, 244 community-dwelling older adults (60+) read one of two vignettes and answered questions about their perceptions of the problem, solutions, and their own background. Less than half (40.98%) identified the person as depressed (sad vignette: 48.33%; vignette without s... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3999786 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 23:16:03 +0100 3999786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3999785&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F5%2F579%3Frss%3D1 Reasons were sought for low-vision service nonuse in a group of Canadian seniors with self-reported low vision. Audio-recorded semistructured interviews were completed with 34 seniors with low vision: age range (70 to 94 years; mean: 82 years); 16 urban dwellers (12 women); 18 rural dwellers (14 women). Qualitative content analysis and template analytic techniques were applied to transcriptions. Informant nonuse of low-vision services involved: insufficient knowledge, managing for now, and practitioner behavior (inadequate rehabilitation education and management). Underlying seniors’ attitudes that shaped their self-presentation and service nonuse included a strong need for independence, a contextualization of vision loss relative to other losses, and an acceptance of vision loss in ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3999785 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 23:16:03 +0100 3999785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3999784&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F5%2F554%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this article is to determine whether middle-aged and older adults would identify community support services (CSSs) as a source of assistance for difficulties with the instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Furthermore, we determine factors related to the identification of home health and CSSs.Telephone interviews were conducted with 768 adults aged 50 and older. Respondents were presented with a vignette describing a situation where loss of independence is threatened. They were asked what they would do in that situation. Although less than 20% mentioned CSSs, nearly 50% mentioned either a home health or CSS. Findings suggest those less likely to mention a home health or CSS include men, older adults, and the foreign born. In addition, those with less education, fun... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3999784 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 23:16:03 +0100 3999784 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3999783&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F5%2F531%3Frss%3D1 This cross-sectional single case study of older residents (N = 197, mean age = 71.5 years) of a Midwestern rural naturally occurring retirement community (NORC) investigates patterns of active living and how they relate to sociophysical NORC characteristics and individual factors. The study uses a self-administered questionnaire (mailed to participants), which includes the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), and the study findings reveal that most respondents engaged in at least one leisure (93.9%) or household (94.4%) activity in the preceding 7 days and walking was the most prevalent activity; respondents who walked, as part of their routine activities (during the 7 days prior to study), had higher self-efficacy scores than nonparticipants (U = 563.5, p < .05); and self-ef... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3999783 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 23:16:02 +0100 3999783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3796516&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F29%2F4%2F525%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3796516 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:34:23 +0100 3796516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3796515&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F29%2F4%2F518%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3796515 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:34:23 +0100 3796515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3796514&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F4%2F507%3Frss%3D1 Using the theory of planned behavior as the theoretical framework, the purpose of this study was to elicit the salient modal physical activity (PA) beliefs and to examine changes in the modal PA beliefs before and after a 16-week pilot PA intervention in culturally diverse older adults. Participants were 48 adults between the ages of 50 and 93 years (71% Black, 56% ≤ high school education, 65% ≤ US$20,000 annual income) who were recruited for a pilot PA intervention. Beliefs were elicited before and after the intervention, and changes in the beliefs were analyzed qualitatively. Changes were detected in the modal beliefs. Future research should focus on interventions that target salient modal beliefs in this population to determine quantitative changes in ratings of beliefs and behavi... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3796514 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:34:23 +0100 3796514 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3796513&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F4%2F494%3Frss%3D1 Occupational therapists need to routinely assess driving ability in hospital and/or rehabilitation settings. The purpose of this study is to determine if the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS), an observational tool of instrumental activities of daily living, could discriminate between older adult drivers who pass, pass with restrictions, or fail a behind-the-wheel (BTW) evaluation. Forty-six participants were evaluated with a BTW driving assessment and the AMPS. Two one-way ANOVAs found significant differences for both the motor and process scores suggesting the AMPS can be used as a screening tool for driving. Results also showed no significant difference in age between those participants who passed, failed, or needed restrictions supporting the concept that driving abilities ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3796513 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:34:23 +0100 3796513 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3796512&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F4%2F475%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this study was to explore the longitudinal structural and measurement invariance of the 17-item Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGCMS) using a multidimensional item response model and the unidimensional Rasch model in contrast to prior work employing classical test theory. Participants (n = 177) were assigned to three interventions and assessed at three time points. The structural analyses found that a 3-factor model fit better than a 1-factor or a 2-factor model using the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Schwartz’s Bayesian information criterion (BIC) though not with the AICPC or the BIC PC. With respect to item fit, differential item functioning (DIF) and correlation of item logit positions, the PGCMS was quite stable. However, Items 4 and 5 were pr... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3796512 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:34:23 +0100 3796512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3796511&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F4%2F455%3Frss%3D1 Intergenerational shared-site (IGSS) organizations have expanded in number and scope over the past few decades. These organizations are based on a human service model that simultaneously provides services to children and older adults, many times under the same roof. Although there has been increased research on the psychological and social effects that intergenerational interactions have on participants, little is known about the organizational processes that occur within these organizations. Utilizing a triangulation of traditional field methods, this study attempts to expand existing knowledge of intergenerational organizations by examining the grant and contract management experiences of a large IGSS agency. The findings indicate that public funding sources for human services are segreg... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3796511 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:34:22 +0100 3796511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3796510&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F4%2F434%3Frss%3D1 This study presents how older Tibetan refugees have adapted to changing social and economic conditions in India. Participant observation and open-ended interview questions were used to explore life experiences of 14 older Tibetans living in India who participated in this study. Findings revealed that, after having to abandon familiar environments, these participants underwent harsh times in India but have adapted well. They have secured meaningful lives for themselves. Availability of children and institutional resources has proved beneficial at old age. Participants with children perceived that they were well cared for, which added to their satisfaction with present circumstances. However, those without children did not have any source of support and were dissatisfied. Religious activity ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3796510 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:34:22 +0100 3796510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3796509&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F4%2F415%3Frss%3D1 This article describes an online conference and supporting Web site designed to help communities become better places in which to age. The "Creating Aging-Friendly Communities" online conference was designed to capture the emerging knowledge being accumulated by researchers, advocacy groups, grassroots organizations, and local governments across the country, and make it available to others who were interested in learning what they could do to make their communities more aging friendly. The article begins with a brief overview of the concept of "aging-friendliness," followed by evidence regarding the effectiveness of online modalities as mechanisms for knowledge dissemination. It then describes the innovative conference format, examining the extent to which the conference goals were achieve... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3796509 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:34:22 +0100 3796509 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3796508&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F4%2F395%3Frss%3D1 Few studies have examined the effects of physical activity on sleep in older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the short- and long-term effects of an 8-week, low-to-moderate-intensity physical activity program on improvements in sleep and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a sample of community-based older adults with arthritis (N = 346). Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group or control group that received the intervention on a delayed basis. Sleep and HROQL were assessed with self-report instruments at baseline and 8 weeks using intention-to-treat (ITT) and as-treated (AT) analyses. The intervention group was also assessed at 3 and 6 months. At 8 weeks, the intervention group reported fewer days waking up tired (ITT and AT results) and fewer da... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3796508 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:34:22 +0100 3796508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3561831&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F3%2F381%3Frss%3D1 This study acquired quantitative measurements of light levels in two independent living facilities (ILF) as well as measured the perceptions of the residents regarding their visual environment in these facilities. The results indicate that the quantitative light levels in the ILF were low and inadequate for proper function by the residents in the space when compared to the suggested recommended lighting practice for senior living (Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, 2007). However, the residents rated the lighting as average to good or comfortable. The study raises several questions about the positive responses of the seniors as well as provides tips to facilities management on improving the interior lighting quality of their facilities. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontolo... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3561831 Thu, 13 May 2010 23:05:12 +0100 3561831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3561830&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F3%2F371%3Frss%3D1 In this study, the authors investigated the relationships and helping behaviors of stylists with one particular group of clients— older adults. Forty (N = 40) stylists from 31 randomly selected salons completed mail-based surveys. Stylists reported that their relationships with older clients were generally very close. When these older clients raised problems and concerns, stylists employed several different helping techniques, including showing sympathy and support. Stylists also reported that they were able to recognize symptoms of depression, dementia, and self-neglect. Finally, a number of stylists indicated that they would be interested in receiving formal training in mental health. These findings point toward the potential inclusion of stylists in community gatekeeper programs t... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3561830 Thu, 13 May 2010 23:05:12 +0100 3561830 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3561829&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F3%2F352%3Frss%3D1 This article discusses the No One Is Immune initiative that planned, implemented, and coordinated evidence-based HIV/ AIDS prevention and education programs specifically tailored for middle-aged and older adults. Guided by the health belief model, an educational conference entitled "Sexuality, Medication, and HIV/AIDS in Middle and Later Adulthood" was conducted along with research activities that assessed HIV/AIDS knowledge gained using both qualitative and quantitative measures. This project can be replicated by other providers within the aging network. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3561829 Thu, 13 May 2010 23:05:12 +0100 3561829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3561828&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F3%2F333%3Frss%3D1 This study evaluates perceptions on the quality of life of older adults and the extent to which they practiced self-determination in an institution. Participant observation, in-depth interviews, and life histories are used to study 16 older adults and 4 officials who are purposively selected and studied over 2.5 months between July and September 2002. Data are analyzed using the Miles and Huberman approach. Findings reveal that the ability to affect decisions pertaining to one’s care positively affects that individual’s perception of institutional life. The typical life course of an older male is also discussed. Older adults perceive their quality of life as negative and decreasing because they have little choice on their care and quality of life. The institution is affected by... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3561828 Thu, 13 May 2010 23:05:12 +0100 3561828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3561827&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F3%2F308%3Frss%3D1 This paper investigates the relationship between longevity of parents and exceptional longevity (survival to age 80 or older) of offspring, using data from the first three waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. We apply the Fixed-Attributes Dynamics method and logistic regression models to the data. Results of both methods show that the familial transmission of longevity exists at very old ages, and the transmission is same-sex linked between parents and offspring; that is, there is a strong father-son resemblance of longevity and a strong mother-daughter resemblance of longevity, but a non-significant or weak association of longevity between father and daughter or between mother and son. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3561827 Thu, 13 May 2010 23:05:12 +0100 3561827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3561826&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F3%2F290%3Frss%3D1 This study explores whether religiosity explains racial differences in caregiving burden for a rural sample of dementia family caregivers. Data are from a probability sample of 74 non-Hispanic White and 67 African American dementia caregivers in rural Alabama. SPSS macros for estimating indirect effects in multiple mediator models are used to test the mediation effects of religiosity. White caregivers report higher burden, are less likely to use religious coping, and less likely to engage in organized religion than do African American caregivers. Church attendance is found to significantly (B = —.57, p < .05) mediate the racial differences on caregiving burden (R 2 = .07). Religious involvement in general, and church attendance in particular, seem to provide both spiritual ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3561826 Thu, 13 May 2010 23:05:12 +0100 3561826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3561825&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F3%2F267%3Frss%3D1 This study examines the relationship between work interferences and caregiver burden, well-being, and self-esteem within a modified stress process model. Regression models are employed using a population-based random sample of caregivers. Employment status effects on outcomes for the total sample are estimated, followed by estimations of the effects of work interferences on the same outcomes for the employed subsample. Employment status is unrelated to outcomes in the total sample. In the employed subsample, a 13-item work interferences scale is related to burden but unrelated to well-being and self-esteem. Of the 13 items, only "performance at work was affected because of caring for a care recipient" is associated with all three caregiver outcomes. These findings suggest that subjective a... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3561825 Thu, 13 May 2010 23:05:12 +0100 3561825 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3360839&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F2%2F251%3Frss%3D1 Although the anxiolytic effect of acute exercise is well established, there is little understanding regarding whether this effect differs across age. The purpose of this investigation was to compare anxiolytic effects of acute exercise in older versus younger volunteers. Older (n = 32, aged 59-75 years) and younger (n = 45, aged 18-30 years), aerobically fit volunteers were assessed. On 3 consecutive days, participants ran/walked for 60 min at 65% to 75% of heart-rate reserve. The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Form Y1) was administered 5 min before and 20 min after each exercise bout. Mean state anxiety before and after exercise was analyzed by repeated measures age-by-gender-by-time ANOVA. A significantly greater anxiolytic effect of exercise in the older versus younger parti... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3360839 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:19:36 +0100 3360839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3360838&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F2%2F231%3Frss%3D1 The relationship between the occurrence of falls and the expectations older adults have about making future residential moves is examined in this research. Data from the 2002 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) are used to analyze self-reported probabilities of moving among a nationally representative sample of noninstitutionalized adults aged 65 and older. The results show that falls were predictive of anticipation of housing relocation as indicated by more than 50% reported probability of moving within the next 2 years. The results suggest that consideration of housing relocation is greater among older adults who experience tangible events indicative of a trajectory of deteriorating health. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3360838 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:19:36 +0100 3360838 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3360837&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F2%2F215%3Frss%3D1 Nursing home administrators’ retention rate continues to be a serious problem. One factor potentially affecting administrator turnover that has received minimal research attention is the nursing home regulatory process. Using a random start systematic sample of 135 nursing home administrators, this study explores whether regulatory process perceptions, survey performance (number of deficiency citations on last survey), and demographic or facility variables are associated with job satisfaction and job seeking. Multivariate analyses revealed three main findings: (a) an overall positive perception of the survey process was a significant predictor of administrator job satisfaction and job seeking, (b) survey performance outcomes were not related to administrator job satisfaction, and (c)... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3360837 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:19:36 +0100 3360837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3360836&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F2%2F196%3Frss%3D1 In this study, the authors examine the impact of a workforce intervention program (Workforce Improvement for Nursing Assistants: Supporting Training, Education, and Payment for Upgrading Performance [WIN A STEP UP]) on turnover rates of direct care workers in nursing homes. Using data collected yearly between 2002 and 2006 from 405 nursing homes in North Carolina, the authors employ random effects modeling to predict a dichotomous outcome of "above-average" versus "below-average" turnover. Results indicate that nursing homes participating in the WIN A STEP UP program are 15% more likely to have below-average turnover than are nonparticipating nursing homes. Organizational factors such as ownership type and Medicaid participation also influenced turnover, whereas labor market factors had no... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3360836 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:19:35 +0100 3360836 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3360835&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F2%2F180%3Frss%3D1 The study explored determinants of depressive symptoms among 297 Hispanic older adults living in public housing (Mage = 76.0, SD = 7.74). Following a basic stress model, the focus was on the effects of demographic variables, risk factors (functional disability, self-perceived health, and acculturation), and social resources (network of relatives and network of friends). Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that financial status, which was a significant predictor in the initial model, became non-significant when risk factors were taken into consideration. All three risk factors were found to be significant; depressive symptoms were predicted by greater levels of functional disability, more negative self-perceived health, and lower levels of acculturation. In the final model, networks o... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3360835 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:19:35 +0100 3360835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3360834&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F2%2F155%3Frss%3D1 India is experiencing accelerated demographic transition. The country will face the challenge of dealing with problem of population aging in the coming decades. Amidst socioeconomic consequences, health risks among older adults are rising rapidly especially on account of noncommunicable diseases. Given such background, this study assesses the pattern of disease burden, health care utilization, and their covariates for older adults in two selected states based on the 60th round of National Sample Survey (NSSO) data. The states in focus are Maharashtra, the state ahead in demographic transition, and Uttar Pradesh, the state lagging in this process. Correspondingly, the overall prevalence of noncommunicable diseases is higher in Maharashtra compared with Uttar Pradesh. Multivariate logistic r... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3360834 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:19:35 +0100 3360834 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3360833&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F2%2F143%3Frss%3D1 The idea of "public social science" has emerged in recent academic literature. Advocates describe it as a renewed scholar activism aimed at reigniting academia’s social consciousness and direct engagement with pressing social issues and causes. While the authors acknowledge that gerontology already possesses an applied focus that includes concerted and practical efforts for welfare and justice, they add that any "public gerontology" would have to go one step further by engaging with issues on the international stage, and that impact significantly on the world’s least advantaged peoples and places. As an illustration, they focus on the crisis of African grandmothers raising AIDS orphans. They describe the severity of the situation, the work of agencies, and some possible approac... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3360833 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:19:35 +0100 3360833 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3195375&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F1%2F129%3Frss%3D1 Despite known adverse effects, sedative-hypnotic drugs (SHDs) are widely used in institutional settings serving the elderly. Using a 2 (Intervention, Control) x 3 (Baseline, Intervention, Withdrawal) mixed design with random assignment to the intervention (n = 15) or control (n = 13) group, the authors sought to determine if a nonpharmacological sleep intervention (massage at bedtime) could reduce "as-needed" SHD (PRN-SHD) usage. Each phase of this pilot lasted 7 days and PRN-SHD usage was monitored via chart review. Results, indicating a 13% greater reduction in requests for PRN-SHD for the intervention group when it received massage, approached statistical significance for the quadratic planned comparisons (p = .17) despite limited power (.28) for the observed effect size of .07. While p... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3195375 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:23:54 +0100 3195375 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3195374&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F1%2F107%3Frss%3D1 This study builds on the current body of knowledge about turnover among RN supervisors in nursing homes. The article discusses a survey of RN nurse supervisors administered in more than 1,000 nursing homes that was merged with the 2003 Texas Medicaid cost report and the area resource file. Two 2-stage models are developed to predict RN turnover rates. RNs’ intent to leave predicts RN turnover through job satisfaction, perceived empowerment, and education level. High LVN and CNA turnover and high Medicare census are associated with higher turnover. Implications are that participation in management decisions and perceived wage competitiveness are an important determinant of RN retention in nursing homes. Future research should focus why RN supervisors with higher levels of education le... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3195374 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:23:54 +0100 3195374 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3195373&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F1%2F89%3Frss%3D1 The goals of this study are to provide national estimates of turnover and retention for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants in nursing homes, and to examine the associations between management tenure, organizational characteristics, local economic conditions, turnover, and retention. The 2004 National Nursing Home Survey is used as the primary source of data. The annualized turnover rate is found to be the highest among certified nursing assistants at 74.5%, followed by registered nurses at 56.1%, and licensed practical nurses at 51.0%. National retention rates reveal that between 62.5% and 67.3% of nurses have been employed at the same organization for more than one year. Director of nursing tenure, registered nurse hours per patient day, and cer... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3195373 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:23:54 +0100 3195373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3195372&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F1%2F70%3Frss%3D1 This study explores self-reported transportation difficulty among rural older adults, using data from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging for community-dwelling participants (255 Black and 259 White) residing in rural areas. The authors examine the relationship of predisposing characteristics, enabling resources, and measures of need for care with self-reports of transportation difficulty. Blacks report having more transportation difficulty than Whites (24.7% vs. 11.6%; p < .05). When the authors introduce other variables, race differences disappear, but there is a race-by-income interaction with transportation difficulty. Whites with lower incomes are more likely to have transportation difficulty than Whites with higher incomes. When data from Blacks and Whites are a... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3195372 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:23:54 +0100 3195372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3195371&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F1%2F48%3Frss%3D1 Using the stress and coping model, this article explores how older adults prepared for and coped with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Interviews with a sample of 122 displaced adults, 60 years of age or older, provided insights regarding the daily hassles they faced that included securing basic resources, facing communication difficulties, and finding transportation. Positive thinking, modified thinking, staying busy, and spirituality were categories that emerged from the qualitative analysis of 119 participants and explained coping by displaced older adults. Our findings reflect what and how older adults coped with a disaster and have implications for disaster preparedness. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3195371 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:23:54 +0100 3195371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3195370&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F1%2F21%3Frss%3D1 There have been many tests of Karasek’s demand—control model of work stress. However, no studies have examined how the model may differentially apply to older versus younger workers. Due to age changes in cognitive processing, the psychological demands of jobs may interact differently with controls for younger versus older workers. Therefore, the study uses data from the Eurobarometer to examine how the demand—control model of work stress may function differently for older versus younger workers. The results indicate that different controls may in fact buffer different types of job demands for younger versus older workers. The findings reveal that only the interaction between problem solving and time to complete tasks was significant for younger workers. For older workers... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3195370 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:23:54 +0100 3195370 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3195369&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F29%2F1%2F3%3Frss%3D1 This article aims at providing an overview of patterns, potentials, and limitations of formal volunteering among older Europeans. Based on data from the 2004 Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), we first describe cross-national variations in formal voluntary engagement and report on recent research investigating societal determinants of volunteering. We then discuss general issues related to policies and programs promoting older people’s voluntary engagement. This is complemented by some critical remarks on the current "productive aging" debate in Europe. Pointing out limitations of volunteering in the older population, we conclude by suggesting a broad concept of aging, which encompasses both productive and consumptive elements, as an appropriate model for our ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3195369 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:23:54 +0100 3195369 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3127656&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F6%2F768%3Frss%3D1 Due to a production error, this article was published online and listed in the printed journal’s table of contents but did not appear in the issue. To remedy this, the article has been removed from the December 2009 online issue and will now appear in the February 2010 print and online issues. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3127656 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:34:56 +0100 3127656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2990647&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F6%2F768%3Frss%3D1 Despite known adverse effects, sedative-hypnotic drugs (SHDs) are widely used in institutional settings serving the elderly. Using a 2 (Intervention, Control) x 3 (Baseline, Intervention, Withdrawal) mixed design with random assignment to the intervention (n = 15) or control (n = 13) group, the authors sought to determine if a nonpharmacological sleep intervention (massage at bedtime) could reduce "as-needed" SHD (PRN-SHD) usage. Each phase of this pilot lasted 7 days and PRN-SHD usage was monitored via chart review. Results, indicating a 13% greater reduction in requests for PRN-SHD for the intervention group when it received massage, approached statistical significance for the quadratic planned comparisons (p = .17) despite limited power (.28) for the observed effect size of .07. While p... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2990647 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:34:56 +0100 2990647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2990646&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F6%2F743%3Frss%3D1 This study examines how working memory ability in older women is related to wayfinding performance in the presence of salient (distinctive, prominent) or nonsalient cues. The degree of salient cue complexity is also examined, thus leading to the hypothesis that salient, complex cues are important in wayfinding and that working memory capacity is related to wayfinding performance. The virtual computer-generated arena is used to test this hypothesis in 20 healthy older women in three different environmental cue conditions varying in salience and complexity. Data analyses indicate that older women perform best in salient cue conditions. A greater working memory capacity is related to improved performance in the nonsalient cue condition. These findings offer preliminary evidence that cue salie... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2990646 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:34:56 +0100 2990646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2990645&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F6%2F723%3Frss%3D1 This article explores how registered nurses (RNs) in long-term care (LTC) understand their role as charge nurses. Data are derived from 16 charge nurses employed in 8 facilities in Ontario, Canada. Qualitative methods are used to analyze audiotapings of interviews. The findings reveal a range of dimensions and subdimensions. Charge nurses experience their work as highly complex and unpredictable. Themes that captured the following dimensions of the supervisor role in LTC include (a) against all odds, getting through the day; (b) stepping in work; and (c) leading and supporting unregulated care workers. In addition, analysis within each category reveals a complex intersection between the nurses’ perceptions of the context and their consequent work strategies. The emerging demands plac... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2990645 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:34:56 +0100 2990645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2990644&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F6%2F702%3Frss%3D1 This study fleshes out a more thorough critique of the sociopolitical contexts surrounding the successful aging paradigm so that it can help renew and expand existing critiques. The authors conclude that researchers need to be wary of adopting successful aging terminology without considering and expanding their understanding of the political motivations and results that accompanies it. New, expanded conceptualizations of successful aging are needed so that socially minded researchers and practitioners of gerontology do not contribute to ageism and discrimination against older adults. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2990644 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:34:56 +0100 2990644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2990643&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F28%2F6%2F697%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2990643 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:34:56 +0100 2990643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2990642&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F28%2F6%2F690%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2990642 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:34:56 +0100 2990642 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2990641&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F6%2F685%3Frss%3D1 Gerontology and theory have long been intellectually separate, with empirical studies dominant. Marrying Foucauldian theory, as Powell proposes, with gerontology is clever, timely and potentially fruitful for policy, practice and research. Although Foucault had little to say about age, his insights on power and on bodies are profoundly relevant to the process of ageing. Powell’s proposed application of a Foucauldian toolkit to caring for older people, enables the opening of insights into both the cared for and the carers, the latter of whom are differentially disadvantaged as well by gender, ethnicity, class and often immigration status. Viewed through Foucault’s concept of power, ageing population is observed as a fiction, justifying all manner of policy panics and woes that m... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2990641 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:34:56 +0100 2990641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2990640&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F28%2F6%2F683%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2990640 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:34:56 +0100 2990640 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2990639&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F6%2F669%3Frss%3D1 Health and welfare have emerged as pivotal drivers used to position the identities that older people adopt in contemporary Western societies. Both contain continually changing technologies that function to mediate relations between older people and care professionals. However, they also represent an increase in professional control that can be exerted on lifestyles in old age, and thus, the wider social meanings associated with that part of the life course. The article presents a theoretical analysis of gerontology based on a critical reading of the work of Michel Foucault. It identifies the interrelationship between managerialism and older people in terms of a conceptual toolkit of (a) "medical power," and (b) "assessment," "surveillance," and "resistance"; the key point is that they are ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2990639 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:34:56 +0100 2990639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2990638&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F28%2F6%2F667%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2990638 Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:34:56 +0100 2990638 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2783819&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F5%2F649%3Frss%3D1 This study described the alcohol use risk levels of a large convenience sample of patients 65 years and older visiting two large California hospital emergency departments (EDs). A personal interview, administered in the ED by a trained health educator, collected sociodemographic information and alcohol use using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test instrument. A total of 476 older patients provided complete interviews. This group equally comprised of men and women. Fifty-four percent were White non-Hispanic, 28% were Hispanic, 11% were African American, and 6% Other/Unknown. About 14% were at risk or above for alcohol misuse. No differences in risk-level distribution were found for young-old (65-74 years of age) and old-old (75+) groups. Higher alcohol risk was associated with mal... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2783819 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2783819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2783818&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F5%2F638%3Frss%3D1 Although televisions are commonplace in many long-term care facilities for people with dementia, little research has been done on the possible effects of television viewing on residents’ behaviors. The authors’ study aims were to document observable behaviors and activities of residents before, during, and after viewing television programs and to determine whether programs had an observable effect on behaviors. The authors enrolled 22 residents in a residential dementia care facility (4 to 5 people in each of the five residential wings). Two raters completed systematic observations for 5 consecutive days at baseline, during the presentation of eight television programs, and for 30 minutes following the program. The authors found that "dozing" was the most common activity during... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2783818 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2783818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2783817&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F5%2F621%3Frss%3D1 The aim of this article is to examine the use of the Self-Discovery Tapestry (SDT) tool, a life history review instrument, and its application to an Australian qualitative study of community-dwelling older people aged 80 years and more. The researchers set out to engage with older people through an innovative research approach that acknowledged their experiences and recognized their skills and capacities across the course of their lives. The article reports and assesses this research instrument as a tool for gathering data in narrative studies involving older people. It proposes that the instrument, with some modifications might be used to further develop specific knowledge of aging to benefit research, education, and practice in gerontology. By undertaking to critique the research process... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2783817 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2783817 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2783816&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F5%2F600%3Frss%3D1 Various factors including social isolation and financial worries put older adults at risk for addictions. Indeed, older adults are the largest consumers of medication, and alcohol consumption is rising. Yet interventions are limited and problems often go unreported. Unearthing "problem" stories in people’s lives (i.e., "the addiction story") and retelling them in more empowering ways, narrative therapy offers a viable therapeutic alternative, and research on narrative therapy has proven encouraging. However, little is known about narrative therapy with older adults and with addictions. Seeking to address these gaps, an ethnographic study was conducted in Toronto, Canada, with a group of older adults receiving narrative therapy for addictions. Findings suggest that the therapy was "he... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2783816 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2783816 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2783815&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F5%2F582%3Frss%3D1 Memory is a salient area of functioning in adulthood known to be influenced by beliefs about performance. To date, individual variations in memory beliefs have not been systematically examined. The present study used hierarchical linear regressions to examine the relationship between Memory Controllability Index (MCI) subscales and identity processes in 250 adults (M = 58.01, 40 to 91 years), controlling for age, gender, and self-rated health. The ability to integrate age-related changes into identity was positively related to MCI scales measuring assessment of ability, potential to improve memory, and belief in the value of using memory strategies. The identity scale measuring negative age-related changes was related to lower memory self-assessment, ability to improve, and the belief that... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2783815 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2783815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2783814&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F5%2F560%3Frss%3D1 This study examines the accuracy of younger-old and older-old adults’ self-reported adherence over a 3-month period and the potential interactive relationship between self-report accuracy and cognitive abilities. For 3 months, 71 younger-old (M = 68.10, range = 57 to 74) and 62 older-old (M = 80.31, range = 75 to 89) adults had their actual and self-reported adherence monitored. Cognitive tests assessing episodic and prospective memory were given at the beginning of the study. Multilevel models indicate that 32% of the variability in objective adherence was from between-person differences whereas 68% was from within-person fluctuations. There were age differences in the coupling of actual and self-reported adherence over time, such that younger-old adults’ self-reports less acc... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2783814 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2783814 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2783813&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F5%2F539%3Frss%3D1 This study investigated the effects of a policy change in California that decreased annual state inspections of residential care facilities for the elderly to once every 5 years. Data collection involved a 5-year retrospective review of public facility files. Files were obtained from a probability sample of 340 licensed facilities, stratified by facility size and district office. Generalized estimating equations were used for multivariate analyses of size, office, and period effects of types of visits made and citations relative to quality of care. Routine survey visits were replaced with increases in the number of complaint- or problem-driven visits. Rates of quality of care citations arising from complaints or problems increased. Practice patterns among offices and variations by facility... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2783813 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2783813 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2599696&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F4%2F524%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this study was to examine the longitudinal relationship between volunteering engagement and trajectories of physical health. Using three-wave panel data from the Americans' Changing Lives survey, the author tested the association between volunteering engagement and physical health after controlling for health variables from previous waves. Volunteering engagement was measured through volunteer status and hours. Physical health was measured through self-rated health, functional dependency, and chronic conditions. Findings indicated that volunteering engagement was associated with improved self-rated health and decreased functional dependency but not with the number of chronic conditions. Volunteering is a social approach to health maintenance in the older population, and the ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2599696 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2599696 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2599695&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F4%2F504%3Frss%3D1 Because of population aging, many governments are placing greater responsibility on older persons to fund their retirement. Within this context, older persons' financial self-sufficiency during times of stress is important to understand. Using data from the 2002 Australian General Social Survey, this article reports on the prevalence of older persons drawing on financial resources to meet the cost of everyday living expenses when current income is insufficient, identifies the kinds of resources older persons draw on to meet the costs of everyday necessities, and estimates the effects of demographic factors on different necessary dissaving strategies. Results indicate that about 11% of older persons find it necessary to employ some type of dissaving strategy and that the factors associated ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2599695 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2599695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2599694&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F4%2F482%3Frss%3D1 This study describes informal caregivers of the homebound who remain caregivers at a 9-month follow-up and examines the impact of a home-based primary care (HBPC) program on caregiver burden and unmet needs using a prospective design with a pre—post intervention assessment. Informal caregivers of the urban homebound are similar to caregivers of other populations and have a broad range of unmet needs. The intervention described is the regular provision of multidisciplinary HBPC. Hundred fourteen caregivers of newly admitted patients complete a baseline interview. For the 56 caregivers who complete a 9-month follow-up interview, participation in HBPC is associated with a statistically significant decrease in overall caregiver burden. At 9 months, caregivers demonstrate an overall decre... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2599694 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2599694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2599693&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F4%2F461%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this study is to explore social engagement and its relationship to the psychological well-being of older adults residing in assisted living facilities (ALFs). Drawing on activity theory, the study focuses on the salience of social relationships on residents' life satisfaction and depressive symptoms. A total of 82 residents were interviewed face-to-face in eight ALFs in a southern state of the United States. The data were analyzed using hierarchical regression models in that demographic and health variables, site characteristics, and social engagement variables were entered into the model in successive steps. Results indicate that perceived friendliness of residents and staff was significantly associated with life satisfaction and depressive symptoms controlling for other va... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2599693 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2599693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2599692&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F4%2F436%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between informal caregiver life satisfaction and receipt of outpatient medical care in persons with dementia. We obtained data from the National Longitudinal Caregiver Survey (NLCS), a survey of 1,269 veterans with dementia and their primary informal caregivers. NLCS data were merged with 12 months of Veteran Administration outpatient claims. Outpatient visits were classified as (a) primary, (b) specialty, or (c) mental health care. Greater levels of caregiver-reported life dissatisfaction were associated with decreased likelihood of care-recipient outpatient visits for both primary and mental health care. In addition, we found that care-recipients with African American caregivers were less likely to receive a mental health visit, a... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2599692 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2599692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2599691&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F4%2F419%3Frss%3D1 This study evaluated an existing education and support program specifically designed for early stage Alzheimer's disease (AD). The "Taking Control of Alzheimer's Disease" series is an Alzheimer's Association-sponsored, four-session program that combines didactic and interactive activities for both persons with early-stage dementia and their care-partners. Seventy-four participants across nine series (37 persons with dementia, 37 care-partners) provided data. Participants expressed a high degree of satisfaction with the program (e.g., 71% gave it a letter grade of "A," 99% found it helpful). No significant changes from baseline were observed in AD knowledge, coping self-efficacy, or psychosocial adjustment to illness. At 3-month follow-up, participants were more likely than at baseline to b... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2599691 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2599691 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2599690&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F4%2F411%3Frss%3D1 For the elderly mobility is a constitutive and essential element of their quality of life. Due to their aging population modern societies intend to intervene and enhance the mobility of the elderly on the basis of research findings. Indeed, numerous research projects pointed out existing barriers to mobility in old age: personal barriers (e.g., achievement deficits, diseases or handicaps), and environmental barriers (e.g., physical obstacles, technical complications). Simply overcoming these barriers does not guarantee mobility without problems and an increase of the quality of life. Beyond a "transportation perspective" of mobility more emphasis is needed with respect to emotional, motivational and social aspects of being mobile. In doing so, decision makers as well as scientists will be ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2599690 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2599690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2371201&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F3%2F395%3Frss%3D1 This study aimed to investigate GPs' perceptions and understanding of a palliative approach. A convenience sample of rural GPs (n = 13) participated in a series of three focus groups undertaken in August, 2005. These focus groups were all audio-taped, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Four key themes emerged: uncertainty about a palliative approach, a need to reorientate providers, the challenges of managing third parties, and making it work and moving forward. These preliminary findings suggest that integrating a palliative approach in aged care requires GPs to have a greater awareness of this paradigm and to be more effectively engaged in multidisciplinary care planning. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2371201 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2371201 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2371199&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F3%2F369%3Frss%3D1 The authors used the meta-analytic approach to examine the effects of physical activity on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older community-dwelling adults. A random-effects model was used for all primary analyses. Of the 257 studies screened, 11 randomized controlled trials representing 13 groups and 617 men and women (324 physical activity, 293 control), all older than 50, were included. Overall, a significant (small to moderate) standardized effect size improvement was found for physical function as a result of physical activity (Hedges's g = 0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.19, 0.64, p < .001). This was equivalent to a common language effect size of 62% and an odds ratio of 2.14 (95% CI = 1.42, 3.24). No significant differences were found for the other nine HRQOL outc... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2371199 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2371199 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2371198&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F3%2F342%3Frss%3D1 This study explores how age and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) may be related to the identification and appraisal of cognitive impairment symptoms as well as associated prevention beliefs. Participants were 140 community-dwelling adults ranging in age from 49 to 90 years who completed a survey containing a vignette about an adult with cognitive impairment symptoms and questions about the illness symptoms, prevention beliefs, and HRQoL. Identification of symptoms as Alzheimer's disease or dementia was reported by 83% of respondents. Correlational analyses suggested age and education to be associated with perceived significance of symptoms as well as the recommendation to seek medical care. Multiple regression modeling indicated interactive effects that suggest advancing age and poor... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2371198 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2371198 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2371196&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F3%2F320%3Frss%3D1 Older single women are disproportionately vulnerable to poverty. Using data from the 2002 and 2004 waves of the Health and Retirement Study of 5,799 women age 65 or older, this study investigated the effect of change in income sources by recent spousal loss on poverty transition. The focus is on (a) the effect of widowhood on income source change and (b) how such change affects poverty transition of recently widowed older women. Findings indicate that widowhood greatly decreases income from every source. Specifically, a $10 increase in social security benefits decreased the probability of poverty transition for recently widowed older women by 67.2%. These findings call for reconsidering social security survivor benefit rules and women's education with regard to financial security in retire... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2371196 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2371196 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2371195&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F28%2F3%2F314%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2371195 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2371195 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2371194&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F28%2F3%2F308%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2371194 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2371194 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2371193&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F28%2F3%2F304%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2371193 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2371193 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2371192&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F28%2F3%2F298%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2371192 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2371192 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2371191&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F3%2F283%3Frss%3D1 This article describes the boomer cohort, provides a brief summary of an empowerment paradigm, offers six examples of movements that are beginning to empower boomers, and ends with a call to action. According to the author, there is a need to educate our colleagues and the general public about the innovations that are emerging, evaluate them in a broader and more coordinated way, and help promote them by partnering with the coming cohort of gerontology boomers. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2371191 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2371191 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2251858&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F2%2F256%3Frss%3D1 The authors describe the principles of Perfecting Patient Care (PPC) and provide case examples of work redesign and measurable outcomes at one nursing home. The impact of PPC was evaluated by examining employee, family, and resident satisfaction scores. PPC helped with process redesign to eliminate linen shortages and to decrease the resident fall rate. For the employee job satisfaction survey, improved scores resulted for nine questions; six scores were similar to baseline; and four scores were lower than at baseline. For the family satisfaction survey improved scores resulted for 17 questions; five scores were similar to those at baseline; and no scores were lower than baseline. For the resident satisfaction survey scores on 13 questions improved compared to baseline; eight scores were s... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2251858 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2251858 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2251856&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F2%2F235%3Frss%3D1 Using data from the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients (NSHAPC), predictors of current alcohol and drug misuse problems among homeless, previously homeless, and marginally housed older adults are identified. Childhood sexual assault, victimization, and neglect, being male, being younger, being homeless or previously homeless, being a minority, and having income below US$499 per month increased the odds of reporting a drug problem. Being male, being younger, being homeless, having mental illness increased the odds of reporting an alcohol problem. Reporting any type of substance use problem increased the odds of reporting the other. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2251856 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2251856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2251855&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F2%2F218%3Frss%3D1 This study demonstrates that the Research-to-Practice Consensus Workshop model can be used successfully to identify priority areas for research that have implications for community practice, construct an evidence base more relevant for community application, strengthen existing community—researcher partnerships, and build agency and practitioner capacity to take part in community-based participatory research. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2251855 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2251855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2251854&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F2%2F195%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this study was to gauge the impact of social embarrassment on caregivers of Alzheimer's patients. Two hypotheses were tested: First, social embarrassment adds a unique component of distress to caregivers of Alzheimer's patients, controlling for other factors known to cause depression; second, the negativity of the embarrassment varies according to the caregiver's race/ethnicity. Using data from the Alzheimer's Disease Demonstration Grants to States program ( N = 1,183), the caregiver's perceived depression was regressed on culturally situated variables and a set of covariates that included characteristics of both caregiver and care receiver. Results indicate that social embarrassment exerts a substantial effect on caregiver depression, but the effect does not vary meaningful... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2251854 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2251854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2251853&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F2%2F171%3Frss%3D1 This study reports outcomes of a telephone-based exercise intervention designed for women caring for a spouse with dementia. Caregivers (N = 137) were randomized to intervention or control conditions. Participants with at- or below-median exercise scores at baseline had a significantly greater increase in exercise at 6-month follow-up compared with their control counterparts. At 6 months, participants had greater reductions in perceived stress relative to controls. Participants also reported significantly greater increases in exercise self-efficacy than caregivers in the control group at both follow-up points. Results indicate that spouse caregivers are able to increase their physical activity and that a focus on exercise in multicomponent interventions may be beneficial. Debate and discus... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2251853 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2251853 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2251852&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F2%2F139%3Frss%3D1 The goals of this article are to present a systematic review of rural caregiving research and provide suggestions for future research efforts. The review, conducted through a search of databases, was limited to original research articles published between 1990 and 2007. The articles focused on informal caregiving of dependent older adults in rural settings. Thirty-one articles met the inclusion criteria, with 11 being rural/urban comparative studies and 20 being rural only studies. The majority of the studies were quantitative and cross-sectional. Areas for improvement in future research include incorporating theory, defining key terms, using probability sampling, examining data longitudinally, including objective measures, recruiting more racially/ethnically diverse samples, and using a m... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2251852 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2251852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2096993&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F28%2F1%2F132%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2096993 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2096993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2096992&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F1%2F109%3Frss%3D1 Research on respite services for caregivers has been extensive over the past 25 years; however, findings regarding the effectiveness for improving their well-being have shown only moderate or mixed support. Missing from this research has been an examination of what caregivers do during their respite time. We studied 52 family caregivers who used adult day services and examined the consistency between their desired and actual respite activities and its relation to well-being outcomes. We concluded that (a) caregivers pursued a wide range of respite activities; (b) 46% were only somewhat or not very satisfied with how they spent their time; (c) those who were inconsistent in their desired versus actual respite activities and also dissatisfied with their use of time were more depressed, more ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2096992 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2096992 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2096991&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F1%2F81%3Frss%3D1 This article examines how race and class influence decisions to move to assisted living facilities. Qualitative methods were used to study moving decisions of residents in 10 assisted living facilities varying in size and location, as well as race and socioeconomic status of residents. Data were derived from in-depth interviews with 60 residents, 43 family members and friends, and 12 administrators. Grounded theory analysis identified three types of residents based on their decision-making control: proactive, compliant, and passive/resistant. Only proactive residents (less than a quarter of residents) had primary control. Findings show that control of decision making for elders who are moving to assisted living is influenced by class, though not directly by race. The impact of class primar... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2096991 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2096991 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2096990&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F1%2F59%3Frss%3D1 To present a reduced version of the Housing Enabler, useful as a screening tool in practice contexts and in research, this study identifies the core items of the environmental component of the instrument, that is, the items most important in terms of the instrument's overall validity to measure accessibility problems. Utilizing cross-national data and interdisciplinary knowledge through an iterative process, a set of core items was identified. The environmental component of the reduced version comprises 61 items, compared to 188 in the original instrument. The rank correlation between the accessibility scores generated by the original and reduced versions was r ≥ .97 (p < .001). Based on comprehensive empirical research in three countries, the reduced version of the Housing Enabler i... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2096990 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2096990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2096989&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F1%2F38%3Frss%3D1 This study describes nursing homes' use of Minimum Data Set (MDS) software and identifies features that are available in the most commonly used software packages. Data came from the On-line Survey, Certification and Reporting system and a national survey of nursing home administrators (N = 2,899) conducted in 2005. Results show that 2,397 (82.7%) of nursing homes used third-party MDS software, and more than 85% of those facilities purchased the software from one of five vendors. Advanced features in the software were available to most (87% to 98%) of the facilities; however, most features were not being used all the time. Findings are instructive in showing the use of health information technology in nursing homes. Nursing homes are often viewed as technologically impaired. With respect to... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2096989 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2096989 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2096988&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F28%2F1%2F5%3Frss%3D1 The aim of this article is to present the findings of a review of studies that focused on technology supporting people with dementia and their caregivers. A literature search was carried out in eight scientific literature databases covering literature published between January 1992 and February 2007. A total of 46 studies providing original data and one review were included in this review. Analyses covered the aims of the studies, the technology used, study design, methods, outcome variables, and results. Most studies were carried out in residential care and focused on the needs of formal caregivers. Only a few studies involved people with dementia actively using the technology. The studies are difficult to compare because of the large variety of aims, technologies, design, and outcome mea... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2096988 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2096988 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2096987&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Freprint%2F28%2F1%2F3%3Frss%3D1 (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2096987 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2096987 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1861449&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F5%2F641%3Frss%3D1 This study presents vignettes in which facility caregivers played roles from the resident's past, briefly and without rehearsal or deliberation. During these episodes, residents were able to experience a continuity of identity, a sense of belonging, and a recognition for past accomplishment. This article argues that these brief episodes of mistaken identity were spontaneous opportunities to preserve the personhood of persons with dementia. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1861449 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1861449 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1861448&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F5%2F631%3Frss%3D1 This report describes the outcomes of an epidemiological study that examined the association among physical activity participation, household income, and the prevalence of chronic diseases among 875 older persons living in southern Brazil. At least one disease or chronic condition was reported by 71.1% of the older adults. The survey identified 59.3% of the older adults as more active. Physical activity levels were found to be independent predictors of disease status. Less active seniors were more than twice as likely to report the presence of disease than were their more active counterparts. In addition, socioeconomic status was found to be significantly related to physical activity participation, with lower income seniors less likely to be physically active. These findings underscore the... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1861448 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1861448 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1861447&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F5%2F609%3Frss%3D1 The author uses data from 8,023 nursing homes to examine state differences in turnover and vacancy rates and organizational characteristics associated with turnover rates. The analyses focus on nurse aides, licensed practical nurses, and registered nurses as caregivers. Findings show that the 2004 turnover and vacancy rates for these caregivers were high and that there were differences across states for turnover and vacancy rates. The author shows that staffing levels of caregivers, quality of care, and top management turnover are associated with caregiver turnover. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1861447 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1861447 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1861446&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F5%2F588%3Frss%3D1 Using data from 69 in-depth interviews, the authors examine how men define financial planning and preretirement planning. The analyses show that younger men are less likely than older men to actively plan for retirement, and a clearer distinction is made between financial planning and preretirement planning. The results also show that the meanings of the two phrases overlap as one ages and that financial habits change over the life course. Understanding the changes over the life course would ensure that successful programs aim at securing financial security at older ages. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1861446 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1861446 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1861445&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F5%2F568%3Frss%3D1 This study examines satisfaction with care for African-American and White family caregivers of assisted living (adult care and family care homes) residents. Demographic factors, particularly race, caregiving experiences, and structural characteristics, were analyzed. A regression model correcting for design effects was analyzed. Because of the number of significant interactions, separate analyses for each race were completed. Results support the conceptualization of satisfaction with long-term care as a multidimensional process, incorporating demographic characteristics of family caregivers, the caregiving experience, and structural characteristics of the facility. Findings also suggest that predictors of satisfaction with care differ by race. A focus by long-term care administrators and s... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1861445 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1861445 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1861444&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F5%2F539%3Frss%3D1 This study examines the impact of a self-management intervention for housebound adults with arthritis and presence of moderating variables. A total of 113 adults with a mean age of 77.7 years and diagnosed with osteoarthritis (62%) or rheumatoid arthritis (38%) were randomized to intervention (n = 65) and control groups (n = 48). Information on health, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and health behaviors was collected (a) at baseline, (b) 2 months later, and (c) following the intervention. Multilevel analysis reveals that experimental group participants reported significantly fewer functional limitations and less helplessness than control participants postintervention. A trend for improved coping effectiveness was observed (p = .06). Greater improvements in outcome expectations and ph... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1861444 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1861444 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1636657&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F4%2F523%3Frss%3D1 The present study is an initial exploration of the psychological well-being of residents of an assisted-living facility (ALF) designed and managed for elders of an American Indian tribe. A total of 56 tribal member elders, including 13 facility residents and 43 nonresidents, completed scales measuring happiness, quality of life, perceived social support, and loneliness. In addition, 5 residents participated in one-on-one interviews. Compared to nonresidents, facility residents reported significantly greater happiness and perceived social support and significantly less loneliness. Furthermore, loneliness was found to mediate the relationship between ALF residence and happiness. Interviews with the residents revealed four themes related to the ALF that contribute to the residents' well-being... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1636657 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1636657 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1636656&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F4%2F511%3Frss%3D1 This study assesses whether physical activity, depression, fatigue, or perceived health are affected by use of a walking aid in residents of an assisted-living facility. From an assisted-living facility, 21 participants who were independent ambulators (n = 8) or who used a cane or walker (n = 13) participated. Physical activity was measured with accelerometers, and depression, fatigue, and perceived heath status were assessed with questionnaires. There were no differences in physical activity, depression, fatigue, or perceived health status between those using and those not using assistive devices. However, 15% of the participants reported moderate to severe depression, and 40% of participants reported at least mild depression. Depression was strongly correlated to fatigue. Thus, physical ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1636656 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1636656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1636655&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F4%2F486%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this systematic review of health science literature was to examine the current state of science regarding advance directive decision making (ADDM) among independent community-dwelling older adults. Seventeen studies fitting study inclusion criteria established for the purpose of this systematic review were examined. Findings revealed that ADDM has predominantly been explored among widowed, divorced, or never married female Caucasian independent community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and older possessing a high school level of education. Numerous older adult/health care provider barriers to advance directive discussion and completion were found to exist. There is a lack of research regarding ADDM among independent community-dwelling male older adults, older adults from... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1636655 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1636655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1636654&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F4%2F466%3Frss%3D1 This study examines plans for future caregiving made by family members of younger (n = 59) and older adults (n = 16) with serious mental illness (SMI). An online survey was advertised through a newsletter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Qualitative analyses yielded four areas of caregiver concern: health of the care recipient over time, ability of caregivers to sustain support, social support available for the care recipient, and financial burden of care. Despite these concerns, few caregivers reported completed plans for future caregiving. One fourth of the caregivers had made no plans, nor had they discussed future caregiving with others. Although most would prefer other relatives to assume care in the event they could not sustain support, these expectations may not be commun... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1636654 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1636654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1636653&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F4%2F446%3Frss%3D1 Popular stereotypes of aging affect the performance of seniors in a number of different domains, from memory performance to physiological response. The authors undertook a review of this area, in which they examined 17 studies that looked at the impact of stereotype primes on older individuals' cognitive, physical, physiological and psychological performance. Analyses included investigating the effects of both positive and negative age stereotypes, and implicit and explicit priming methodologies. The authors utilized a meta-analytic technique on a subset of studies that examined the impact of priming on memory performance. This yielded an effect size of 0.38. The results suggest that popular stereotypes of aging (and the corresponding subtle changes in the testing environment) are importan... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1636653 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1636653 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1636652&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F4%2F424%3Frss%3D1 This study examines older Chinese Internet users' participation in voluntary associations, communities, and politics, focusing on members of a senior-oriented computer training organization based in Shanghai, China. The results show that the Internet can facilitate the civic engagement of these older Chinese, as illustrated by their active participation in Internet-promoting activities, devotion to starting new computer clubs in local communities, and efforts in persuading government officials to provide necessary resources for establishing and maintaining local computer clubs. The findings suggest the following: The Internet can be a useful concept (in contrast to its online informative and communicative functions per se) to facilitate civic engagement in the offline world, computer clubs... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1636652 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1636652 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1636651&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F4%2F406%3Frss%3D1 The purpose of this study was to examine independent and interactive roles of self-reported vision status and upper and lower limb disability as predictors of falls in people 65 and older. Data from the 2002 and 2004 panels of the Health and Retirement Study were analyzed using binary logistic regression. Results indicated a reduced or eliminated role of vision status after upper and lower limb disabilities were controlled. Gender differences were found with respect to health conditions that predicted falls; however, vision status was not found to have a moderating influence on upper and lower limb disability in predicting falls for men or women. Implications for exercise programs designed for older people with visual impairments are discussed. (Source: Journal of Applied Gerontology) Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1636651 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1636651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1636650&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F4%2F375%3Frss%3D1 In this research, the author reviewed 70 studies that had examined the relationship between staffing levels and quality in nursing homes (covering the years 1991 to 2006). The results of the review including all of this literature show that approximately 40% of the quality indicators examined show an association with nursing home staffing levels. Nevertheless, this finding is further interpreted in the context of the limitations of many of these prior studies. The author discusses the limitations of poor quality staffing data, small sample size, quality indicators used, methodological concerns, and underspecified models inherent to many prior studies. The author finds no study representing a "gold standard" exists in this area. Still, the few studies that seem methodologically most robust ... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1636650 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1636650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1424800&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F3%2F350%3Frss%3D1 The authors examined exercise behaviors among family caregivers and the degree to which aspects of the caregiving role influenced exercise behaviors. Understanding factors associated with caregiver physical activity provides practitioners the means to design and tailor interventions to be effective for caregivers. Caregivers (N = 208) participating in a self-care intervention to promote caregiving skills were surveyed at baseline, prior to training. Measures included caregiver characteristics, care recipient characteristics, attitudes and intentions toward exercise, and levels of physical activity. Mental health variables and self-efficacy for exercise were significantly related to exercise levels in bivariate analyses. Regression analyses revealed that caregiver and care recipient charact... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1424800 Tue, 06 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1424800 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1424799&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F3%2F331%3Frss%3D1 This article examines the relationship between daily physical activity and everyday memory using an 8-day diary design with young, middle-aged, and older adults. Contrary to expectations, age differences were not reported in the frequency of memory failures and daily physical activity at the between-person level. Multilevel modeling, however, indicated that on days when adults engaged in leisure exercise (physical activity performed during leisure or free time), they reported fewer memory failures, and this was most apparent for older adults. Lagged analyses indicated that when leisure activity was reported on one day, fewer memory failures were reported the next day, and this was especially true for older adults. Thus, findings demonstrate that the benefits of physical activity for memory... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1424799 Tue, 06 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1424799 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1424798&cid=s_28402_18_f&fid=28402&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjag.sagepub.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fabstract%2F27%2F3%2F309%3Frss%3D1 Caregiving burden was found to be affected by a multiplicity of factors and to affect the quality of life of family caregivers. The present study is aimed at examining the extent to which various supportive services help to alleviate caregivers' burden and the extent to which caregivers' burden affects various domains of the quality of life of primary caregivers and also to investigate the factors that best explain quality of life. The sample includes 114 primary caregivers who provided care to physically disabled elderly family members. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. The findings show that various domains of the quality of life of primary caregivers were affected by the level of the caregivers' burden and the types of services provided to the elderly person, by careg... Journal of Applied Gerontology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1424798 Tue, 06 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1424798