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Intergenerational programs that bring the young and old together are known to facilitate social connections. However, benefits of intergenerational programs cannot be achieved by simply bringing the two generations together. We need to understand the factors which enhance intergenerational engagement. This paper specifically explores barriers and enablers for improving engagement of older people in an intergenerational program conducted within four research sites in South East Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. Video ethnography was used to examine the intergenerational environment and observe patterns of engagement between older people and children. Findings reveal the type of activity, group structure and length of activity to increase engagement of older people in an intergenerational program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Though several studies have focused on risk factors associated with excess weight gain, little is known about the extent to which socio-cultural beliefs about body sizes may contribute to risk of excess weight gain, especially in non-Western migrant communities. Drawing on socio-cultural and attribution theories, this study mainly explored socio-cultural beliefs about an ideal body size among Australian residents who were born in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Implications of body size beliefs for risk of excess weight gain after immigration have also been discussed. Design: Employing a qualitative design, 24 in-depth interviews were conducted with Australian residents who were born in SSA. Thematic content analysis was undertaken to ensure that participants' experiences and views were clearly captured. Results: According to the participants, a moderately large body size is idealised in the SSA community and post-migration weight gain is commonly regarded as evidence of well-being. While desirability of a moderately large body size was noted by some participants, others were concerned about health risks (e.g. high blood pressure) associated with excess weight gain. Moreover, body size ideals seemed to be different for men and women in the SSA community and these ideals were mainly promoted by family and friends. Participants reported that women with very slim (skinny) body sizes are often regarded as persons suffering from health problems, whereas those with 'plumpy' body types are often considered beautiful. Participants also noted that men are expected to look well-built and muscular while those with big bellies are often seen as financially rich. Conclusions: Participants' interpretation of post-migration weight gain as evidence of well-being calls for urgent intervention as risk of excess weight gain appear to be high in this immigrant group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:The problems associated with alcohol consumption in or around licensed premises in the nighttime economy are extensive. One intervention designed to address these problems is drink restrictions. The aim of the current study is to gain different key stakeholder perspectives on drink restriction interventions, including their ability to reduce alcohol-related harms. Method:This study involves an analysis of key stakeholder perspectives on the introduction of drink restrictions. Interviews were conducted with 23 key stakeholders, including venue licencees, security, and police from Newcastle, Australia. Drink restrictions, including limits on shots and number of drinks, were part of a mandatory set of interventions, which were implemented as a result of legislative change in New South Wales. As such, key stakeholders were able to provide insight into the implementation and practicality of the restrictions. All interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results:Overall, key stakeholders were mixed in their support for drink restrictions, particularly because of the issues associated with customer preloading and practicality of enforcement. Stakeholders remained unconvinced of the impact of the restrictions on reducing harm. Conclusions:Key stakeholders believe that drink restrictions would almost certainly be more likely to reduce alcohol-related harm in the nighttime economy as part of a larger intervention. However, it is unclear how much impact they have as a standalone harm reduction measure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose:The Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will provide people with individual funding with which to purchase services such as therapy from private providers. This study developed a framework to support rural private therapists to meet the anticipated increase in demand. Method:The study consisted of three stages utilizing focus groups, interviews and an online expert panel. Participants included private therapists delivering services in rural New South Wales (n = 28), disability service users (n = 9) and key representatives from a range of relevant consumer and service organizations (n = 16). We conducted a thematic analysis of focus groups and interview data and developed a draft framework which was subsequently refined based on feedback from stakeholders. Results:The framework highlights the need for a ‘rural-proofed’ policy context in which service users, therapists and communities engage collaboratively in a therapy pathway. This collaborative engagement is supported by enablers, including networks, resources and processes which are influenced by the drivers of time, cost, opportunity and motivation. Conclusions:The framework identifies factors that will facilitate delivery of high-quality, sustainable, individualized private therapy services for people with a disability in rural Australia under the NDIS and emphasizes the need to reconceptualize the nature of private therapy service delivery.Implications for RehabilitationRural private therapists need upskilling to work with individuals with disability who have individual funding such as that provided by the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme.Therapists working in rural communities need to consider alternative ways of delivering therapy to individuals with disability beyond the traditional one-on-one therapy models.Rural private therapists need support to work collaboratively with individuals with disability and the local community.Rural private therapists should harness locally available and broader networks, resources and processes to meet the needs and goals of individuals with disability. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]