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Objective: to discuss the social representations of people aged >65 years about being elderly or aged. Method: research outlined in the Theory of Social Representations. Elderly people from Minas Gerais Basic Health Unit participated. Sociodemographic characterization data were collected and evocation technique and recorded interviews were applied in 2015, with prototypical and content analyzes, supported by softwares. Results: 93 elderly people participated, mostly women (62.4%), aged 72 years on average and with <8 years of education (88.15%). Nuclear contents were identified - common: "evaluates-being-old" and distinct: "age-arrives" and "experience" (being elderly) and "difficult-bad" (being aged). In the procedural approach, engagement to deal with new demands was identified, despite the recognition of secondary limitations to the aging process. Conclusion: there was an absence of objective nuclear contents, with behaviors and thoughts anchored in one's experiences and in other people's, linked to the level of (in)dependency, living conditions and support networks, carrying similarities and distinctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of disability in activities of daily livings is higher among Indian elderly as compared to other ageing countries in Asia. This study provides an overview of the prevalence of disability by gender and region (rural and urban) among the tribal elderly in West Bengal, India. Cross-tabulation method was employed to examine the pattern of tribal ageing disability in all 19 districts of West Bengal. Based on Census 2011 data, the study showed that prevalence of disability among tribal elderly was significantly higher than general elderly population. The study also validated the low socio-economic and vulnerable condition of the ethnic groups in different districts of the State. The governments should implement the public health policies to reduce the burden of disability by providing healthcare services, education and social and economic security particularly to the rural tribal elderly disabled people for their better quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This present study aims to estimate the structural validity, internal consistency reliability of the LSNS-6 and examine the associations between the LSNS-6 and suicidal outcomes among mainland Chinese older adults. Methods: This validation study used a big representative sample (N = 2819) of older adults in Beijing from the Sample Survey on Aged Population in Urban/Rural China. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were applied to examine the factor structures of the Chinese version of LSNS-6. Internal consistency reliability of the LSNS-6 was examined by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and the corrected item-total correlation. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the associations between the LSNS-6 and late-life death wishes, suicidal ideation in mainland Chinese. Findings: This present study showed good internal consistency and consistent factor structure of the LSNS-6 as well as its subscales. The present data demonstrated the LSNS-6 could be a useful tool for assessing social networks among older mainland Chinese. Interestingly, among the mainland Chinese, late-life suicidality was highly associated with the LSNS-6 family subscale, rather than the friends subscale. Conclusion: The LSNS-6 could be a useful tool for assessing social networks among older mainland Chinese. In addition, suggestion is made to improve social networks, especially in family bonds and support, as a promising strategy in reducing late-life suicide risks in mainland China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multimorbidity is among the most disabling geriatric conditions. In this study, we explored whether a rapid development of multimorbidity potentiates its impact on the functional independence of older adults, and whether different sociodemographic factors play a role beyond the rate of chronic disease accumulation.Methods: A random sample of persons aged ≥60 years (n = 2387) from the Swedish National study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K) was followed over 6 years. The speed of multimorbidity development was estimated as the rate of chronic disease accumulation (linear mixed models) and further dichotomized into the upper versus the three lower rate quartiles. Binomial negative mixed models were used to analyse the association between speed of multimorbidity development and disability (impaired basic and instrumental activities of daily living), expressed as the incidence rate ratio (IRR). The effect of sociodemographic factors, including sex, education, occupation and social network, was investigated.Results: The risk of new activity impairment was higher among participants who developed multimorbidity faster (IRR 2.4, 95% CI 1.9-3.1) compared with those who accumulated diseases more slowly overtime, even after considering the baseline number of chronic conditions. Only female sex (IRR for women vs. men 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.0) and social network (IRR for poor vs. rich social network 1.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.2) showed an effect on disability beyond the rate of chronic disease accumulation.Conclusions: Rapidly developing multimorbidity is a negative prognostic factor for disability. However, sociodemographic factors such as sex and social network may determine older adults' reserves of functional ability, helping them to live independently despite the rapid accumulation of chronic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population is aging because lifespans have continued to increase due to developments in modern medical science. The economic activity and health of the elderly are very important factors with reference to the problems of the aged. This cross-sectional study examined the association between the economic activity and health of the elderly. Subjects included 4226 elderly aged over 65 years among the adults who participated in the Fifth Korean National Longitudinal Study on Aging (KLoSA). Basic analysis, cross-analysis, binary logistic regression analysis, and multiple regression analysis were performed to fulfill each research purpose. Male subjects were influenced more by the factors that affect the subjective health of the elderly than females were. Further, subjective health influenced economic activity more than socio-demographic characteristics and health behavior did. Specifically, among the male subjects, the health condition of salaried, self-employed, and unpaid family workers was better as compared to recipients of national health insurance and private health insurance, and unemployed subjects. Preparing for a super-aged society is a worldwide issue. The elderly represent a social participation class that should not be neglected. Therefore, it is necessary to support health promotion policies and increase institutional improvement by reflecting the level of economic activity of the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Subtrochanteric fractures are more difficult to treat than other proximal femoral fractures. The aim of this study was to report the outcomes for patients with subtrochanteric fractures treated using a cephalomedullary nail following open reduction and cerclage wiring versus closed reduction alone, regarding health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and social function.Materials and Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study including patients aged 60 years or older suffering fragility subtrochanteric fractures of the femur treated with cephalomedullary nails, with a minimum 2-year follow-up. We defined two treatment groups: one treated with closed reduction manoeuvres (60 patients), and another treated with open reduction and cerclage wiring (30 patients). The outcomes were mortality, orthopaedic complications (reoperation and no-union), social function (Jensen Index), and HRQoL (EQ-5D index score).Results: There were no differences regarding sex, age, side affected, type of implant, anaesthetic risk, 1-year mortality, and orthopaedic complications. Surgical time was longer in the cerclage wire group, but length of stay was 2 days shorter for the cerclage group and reduction was better. Patients treated with cerclage wiring had significantly better EQ-ED at 12 months (0.66 ± 0.22 points vs. 0.78 ± 0.15 points); and social status at 12 and 18 months (2.77 ± 1.00 points vs. 2.10 ± 1.22 points).Conclusions: Better reduction is achieved when using cerclage wires for fragility subtrochanteric fractures. These fractures had a negative effect on quality of life and social function, but better outcomes were observed in the cerclage group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to investigate the predicting factors for the quality of life of the elderly in the rural areas of Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand, including gender, age, educational level, occupation, income, ability to perform daily routine activities, caretaker, and congenital disease. The samples were 400 elderly people in the study areas, selected by using the multi-stage cluster sampling method. The data collection tool was the Thai abbreviated version of the World Health Organization quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF-THAI). The data were analyzed for frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The stepwise multiple regression analysis was also used. The study results indicated that the quality of life of most elderly was at the 'good' level (60.2 percent). Among the study factors, the environmental and the psychological factors were at the 'good' levels (67.5 and 61.2 percent, respectively), while the social relationship and the physical health factors were at the 'moderate' level (70.5 and 54.8 percent, respectively). The factors which could significantly predict the quality of life of the elderly included the ability to perform daily routine activities, the income, the congenital disease, the educational level, and the gender, which jointly contributed 20.6 percent of variance in quality of life of the elderly (p < .05). Of these predictors, the ability to perform daily routine activities was the strongest predictor. The study results suggested that related organizations should have a long-term plan for the elderly's healthcare. The most urgent issues were on promoting the elderly's health, providing job opportunities for the elderly to earn some income based on their capability, as well as allowing the elderly to contribute to the production workforce for the community and the society, as to promote the elderly for their better quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We seek to determine what the elderly in Portugal perceive as necessary to live a dignified life in today's world. We adopt a consensual approach complementing a quantitative method, using the microdata from Eurobarometer surveys, with a qualitative method, using the data from three focus groups held under the research project Rendimento Adequado em Portugal (rap). The results reveal the advantages of this combination of methods, and suggest that the human needs considered as being fundamental for an elderly person to lead a dignified life in Portugal go beyond subsistence, also identifying the needs of protection, identity, affection, leisure, understanding, and freedom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residents of neighborhoods with limited access to grocery stores may face barriers to obtaining adequate food for a healthy diet. Low-income elderly may be uniquely affected by these so-called "food deserts" due to limited transportation options, strong attachments to local neighborhoods, fixed incomes, and physical limitations for food shopping. Using 2006 and 2010 Health and Retirement Study data linked to census tract-level measures of food deserts, this study measures whether living in a food desert affects food and material hardship, participation in food assistance programs, and the food spending of elderly adults. In both cross-sectional and fixed effects regressions of elderly residents of urban counties, we find little evidence that living in a food desert affects these outcomes. We find, however, that individuals residing in a food desert without a vehicle are 12 percentage points more likely to report food insufficiency. Those SNAP recipients living in food deserts are 11 percentage points more likely to receive subsidized meals, while nonparticipants in food deserts and SNAP recipients outside of food deserts are less likely to receive subsidized meals. Our findings suggest that seniors without vehicles and SNAP recipients in food deserts may be the most vulnerable to limited food store access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Quality of life (QOL) of elderly often deteriorates due to many factors. This study was planned to find out the different domains of QOL of elderly people affected by socio-demographic factors. Materials and Methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Kolkata and Sonarpur area of West Bengal, India from January to December, 2013. The qQOL questionnaire developed by World Health Organization was used (BREF). The scores of QOL were assessed in the light of different socio-demographic characteristics. Results and Analysis: The QOL was significantly lower among people having more age, female, illiterate, financially fully dependent and those having lower socio-economic status. Conclusion: QOL is an important determinant of the living status of elderly and socio-demographic factors determine the QOL in this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study explores the factors concerning the out-migration decision of the Korean elderly. It utilizes a multilevel model that explores the effects of the interaction between individual attributes and regional characteristics on elderly migration. The findings indicate that probable events in the later stages of the life cycle, such as retirement, loss of spouse, and physical disability, are positively associated with the migration decision. The migration propensity of the elderly varies with the characteristics of their current residence. As expected, the high cost of housing and change in a community may influence the elderly to migrate to other locations. In other words, location-specific attributes of their current residence are related to the migration decision of the elderly. The results indicate that housing prices, relevant welfare facilities, and change in community members play important roles in their out-migration decision. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of this study was to review the autopsy characteristics and causes of death in the unclaimed bodies with age 60 years and above. The autopsy records of the unclaimed corpses from the year 2006 to 2012, were retrospectively analysed. Among the 226 cases majority (86%) of them were males. Natural deaths were seen in 87 per cent cases, accidental deaths in 12 per cent and suicidal deaths in 1 per cent cases were recorded. Acute/chronic lung diseases as well as road traffic accidents are greatly aggravated due to homelessness. It is therefore important to provide affordable shelters, better job opportunities and access to better health care facilities to homeless elderly people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Elderly people may suffer from the multiple health disorders due to the vulnerability for many physical and mental disturbances. Quality of life in elderly population can be affected by many environmental factors. The aim of this study was aimed to examine the quality of life in elderly people in Tabriz, Iran in 2012. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 184 elderly people (male=97; female=87) with age = 60 years. The participants surveyed in this study were elderly people who were living in the community and come voluntarily to the daily care centers. Validated Persian self-reported version of World Health Organization Quality of Life-BRIEF (WHOQOL-BRIEF) questionnaire including 26 broad and comprehensive questions were used to determine the quality of life in elderly people. Independent t-test and Pearson correlation were used to compare differences and correlation between the total score of quality of life and influential factors. Results: Total score the quality of life in both genders was 90.75 (13.37) (range between 26-130). Male elderly had slightly high score in the quality of life; however, these differences were not significant. A significant difference was observed between having cardiovascular diseases, respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, hearing and visual impairments with total score in the quality of life. Also, there was no significant difference between gender and age variables with total score in the quality of life. Conclusion: Policies and programs should be considered for improving the quality of life. Future studies are needed for assessing other influential factors on the quality of life in elderly population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the subjects that constantly need a higher importance on European level, but also nationally, is the demographic evolution and its effects. The increase in the percentage of elderly amid the population also determines an increase of their needs. Also, the types of problems are somehow multiple: poverty, loneliness, disease, depression, abuse (physical, emotional, sexual), addiction, and social exclusion, lack of adapt services. Hence, measures that will lead to the satisfaction of such needs are necessary. This thesis is based on research dates collected at the Caring and Assistance Center in Cluj-Napoca. Its purpose is to identify the beneficiaries' needs, in order to assure the best quality of life. With the unstructured interview methods and participated observation, there have been obtained relevant opinions regarding the modus of thinking of the hospitalized elderly and the ideas to improve activities in the center. The fact that the institution where the research has been done is representative in its field, and that I currently do my activity here, this results in a better identification and understanding of the problems of the category under research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper calls for an increase in multi-disciplinary research on the issue of alcohol and ageing, to ensure public health interventions reflect the complex and diverse needs of older drinkers. Older people (65+ years) represent a unique segment of the population; compared to adolescents and younger people, they are more likely to have a range of co-morbid conditions and be taking prescribed medication, and are more physiologically vulnerable to the effects of alcohol. This suggests that from a public health perspective, alcohol use by older people is problematic. However, as with younger people, alcohol use is closely associated with socialisation and social engagement. While social engagement is important at all stages of life, it is particularly critical as people age, when many of the formal social roles which provide a catalyst for social integration shift or are lost. Currently, however, there is little evidence of an integrated public health response to the complex issue of alcohol and ageing. That is, what is needed is a concurrent acknowledgement of the health problems that may be associated with contraindicated alcohol use, versus the potential health benefits that can accrue from social drinking. This will require a holistic rather than reductionist approach that integrates biomedical and social science insights to develop a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the implications of alcohol use amongst diverse populations of older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the "anatomy" of exercise in a cohort of older adults. First, the characteristics of those able to meet an exercise benchmark (i.e., five exercise events per week or more) at baseline or follow-up were also identified. Second, the exercise profile of compliers (those able to meet the exercise benchmark at baseline and follow-up) was dissected to address the question, How is compliance with an exercise standard achieved by older adults? The implications of cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of the data were designed to provide insight into community-based exercise and physical activity programming for older adults. Subjects were derived from an archived, longitudinal data set of 2,592 adults in the United States, including an over-sampling of those aged 60 and older. This study was restricted to 1,103 subjects 60 and older at baseline and 614 subjects available at follow-up. "Regular" exercisers (those able to meet the exercise benchmark at baseline or follow-up) were compared to non-exercisers at baseline and follow-up to identify factors that discriminated between the two groups. Longitudinal analysis involved tracking those subjects who were regular exercisers at baseline and follow-up and then examining the structure of their exercise. The results suggested that older adults who regularly exercised in this cohort were clearly advantaged with respect to health-related and demographic characteristics: a little younger, better educated, less functionally limited, fewer chronic conditions, less likely to be employed, and more apt to have the support that comes with marriage or having a partner. Compliers and regular exercisers were best represented as avid walkers, with compliers characterized notably by either of two "cross-trainer" typologies; they were prone to practice more than one of physical activity option rather than persist with only one mode of exercise. Practical implications urge programs for older adult physical activity that support a variety of walking options-outdoor trails, mall walking, city circuits around neighborhoods, walking groups, walking in the water, and treadmill walking. The frequency of cross-training among compliers underscores the need for a greater diversity of physical activity choices and more varied exercise venues for seniors, such as resistance training, aquatic exercise, dancing, yoga, tai chi, balance exercises, even adapted physical education classes for older adults in pools, recreation centers, and parks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fall injuries are responsible for physical dysfunction, significant disability, and loss of independence among elderly. Poor postural control is one of the major risk factors for falling but can be trained in fall prevention programs. These however suffer from low therapy adherence, particularly if prevention is the goal. To provide a fun and motivating training environment for elderly, exercise games, or exergames, have been studied as balance training tools in the past years. The present paper reviews the effects of exergame training programs on postural control of elderly reported so far. Additionally we aim to provide an in-depth discussion of technologies and outcome measures utilized in exergame studies. Thirteen papers were included in the analysis. Most of the reviewed studies reported positive results with respect to improvements in balance ability after a training period, yet few reached significant levels. Outcome measures for quantification of postural control are under continuous dispute and no gold standard is present. Clinical measures used in the studies reviewed are well validated yet only give a global indication of balance ability. Instrumented measures were unable to detect small changes in balance ability as they are mainly based on calculating summary statistics, thereby ignoring the time-varying structure of the signals. Both methods only allow for measuring balance after the exergame intervention program. Current developments in sensor technology allow for accurate registration of movements and rapid analysis of signals. We propose to quantify the time-varying structure of postural control during gameplay using low-cost sensor systems. Continuous monitoring of balance ability leaves the user unaware of the measurements and allows for generating user-specific exergame training programs and feedback, both during one game and in timeframes of weeks or months. This approach is unique and unlocks the as of yet untapped potential of exergames as balance training tools for community dwelling elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyses the development of single-person living arrangements amongst unmarried people aged between 65 and 84 years old who did not live with a partner between 1991 and 2001 in seven European countries (Spain, France, Greece, Hungary, Portugal, Romania and Switzerland). To do so, census micro data provided by IPUMS (Integrated Public Use Microdata Series) were used. The role of fi ve variables with regard to the probability of living alone versus living with others was examined. It was investigated whether the observed development was due to changes in the population composition. Logistic regression was used as a standardisation technique with the census data. Results showed that, after controlling for all the variables, the observed regional patterns remain the same, and that the proportion of elderly living alone increased in 2001 in all countries but Romania where, if the population composition had not changed, this proportion would have diminished. The demographic structure (by gender, age and marital status) did not significantly modify the observed proportions either over time or at a regional level. In contrast, the variations of the structure regarding the socio-economic variables (educational level and employment status) were key to explain part of the observed change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study attempts to identify areas with a high level of discrepancy in the probability for an individual to exceed the threshold of walking time for grocery shopping. It is based on an assumption that a higher discrepancy is associated with more relative disadvantages for socially excluded people, the elderly, with no car and unemployed. A geographically weighted logistic model that incorporates individual constraints and spatial accessibility is developed to yield a probability, capturing the spatial variation of relations of factors. In the city of Tokyo, the north-eastern area shows a significant discrepancy for the socially excluded group. The distribution of high level of discrepancy differs compared to that of the area with low accessibility. This study's methodology and results provide convincing evidence that in determining food desert areas, relative accessibility estimated with personal attributes should be taken into account. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Saúde e Sociedade is the property of Universidade de Sao Paulo, Faculdade de Saude Publica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper provides an overview of aging in the Iranian population. Because of fluctuations of fertility and mortality rates in different time periods, Iran has had a unique demographic profile. The Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988), one of the primary factors that affected the population demographics, has contributed to the baby boom. As a result, the senior population is expected to increase three-fold in the next four decades. Women's rights, illiteracy, and elder abuse are the most important social problems that Iranians face. In addition, the rapid graying of the population is presenting important health, social, cultural, and economic challenges to the society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the effect of e-learning on the sociological condition of the elderly in Tehran, Iran. It informs that the study based on interviews of 400 elderly people aimed at finding out how modern electronic communications such as the Internet and mobile phones can affect the elderly in Iran. The article also enunciates how e-contacts by the elderly will break their solitude as social technology enhances contacts with grandchildren and children.

Patterns of old age adjustments in three different life settings of elderly (staying with family, visiting day care centers and staying in old age homes) were studied regarding the health, home, social, emotional and financial issues by using a standardized old age adjustment inventory, which was developed by Shamshad-Jasbir. Satisfaction of the elderly was measured by life satisfaction index that was developed by Wood at el. The majority accepted 'Ill health' as a part and parcel of life, and most were lonely and insecure. Getting medicines, meals and daily requirements on time were major concerns. At home, they were thought of as a burden, and felt they were cared for because of their money; they did not get to watch TV, listen to the radio or celebrate occasions with others. Their suggestions were not taken positively nor were problems shared. Socially, their interest in persons and events declined with age, and most were not inclined to do social work. Emotionally, the majority felt like weeping alone; dependence on others made them depressed and sad. Financially, all expressed the desire to be engaged in some work, and most believed that without independent income, there was no prestige. Elders visiting day care centers were most satisfied with life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population aging, in conjunction with social and cultural transformations of the life course, has profound implications for social systems-from large-scale structures to micro-level processes. However, much of sociology remains fairly quiet on issues of age and aging, including the subfield of social psychology that could illuminate the impact of these broader social forces on individual lives. This study examines the scope of research on age, aging, and the life course in the leading social psychological journal in sociology ( Social Psychology Quarterly) and compares it with coverage in the primary social psychology journal in psychology ( Journal of Personality and Social Psychology) and two sociology journals ( American Sociological Review and Journal of Health and Social Behavior). An analysis of articles published between 1977 and 2006 shows that approximately 7 percent in Social Psychology Quarterly or Journal of Personality and Social Psychology seriously considered age. In contrast, 11 % of articles in American Sociological Review and 25 % in Journal of Health and Social Behavior did so. Across the journals, examinations of age increased over time. However, studies reflect a limited range of methodological and theoretical approaches with few employing qualitative methods or a symbolic interactionist perspective. We discuss several under-explored sites for research on age, aging, and the life course that would enrich social psychological and sociological scholarship more broadly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research is a pioneer description and analysis of telephone welfare needs services in Spain for children and the elderly. The results show different level of services among different regions: non-existent, often this attention is subcontracted and in other occasions it is delegated explicitly in private non-profit entities. Furthermore, the study has brought to light some overlapping and lack of coverage, both in the services and in the time of attention that are offered by these telephones of public and private initiative. Finally, the telephone is stated as a consolidated suitable technology and of full force for the social attention to the elderly and children, for whom one of the main motives for resorting to these services constituted is loneliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last half of the nineteenth century, Victorians grappled with welfare issues regarding the aged poor as social investigators sought to explain their dependency and poverty. Elderly men and women who were unable to care for themselves, and without a family or community to attend to their needs, had few alternatives outside the workhouse in nineteenth-century England and Wales. Catholic homes for the elderly managed by communities of women religious such as the Sisters of Nazareth provided an important option to the aged poor who often needed both accommodation and medical care. These homes provided a unique form of social welfare which attracted the attention of Protestants as well as Catholics as benefactors. Protestant reformers, looking for different approaches to maintaining the aged poor, inspected these Catholic homes in order to develop their own institutional solutions. Perhaps more pointedly, this interaction between Protestants and Catholics offers a counter narrative to the usual histories that emphasise anti-Catholicism, sectarianism and conflict. Despite the anti-Catholic tenor of the times, the homes for the aged of the Sisters of Nazareth were recognized and funded by both Catholics and Protestants as they were seen as providing a much needed form of charitable aid for the aged poor. As an alternative to poor law workhouses, the institutions created and managed by Catholic women religious formed an integral part of the mixed economy of welfare in the nineteenth century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Scientific Annals of the 'Al. I. Cuza' University, Iasi. Sociology & Social Work / Analele Stiintifice ale Universitatii 'Al. I. Cuza' Iasi Sociologie si Asistenta Sociala is the property of Alexandru Ioan Cuza University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the recent years, the entire world has seen a tremendous increase in the elderly population. Even though countries differ in the numerical criterion for defining the old age, the UN has agreed that the cutoff of 60+ years refers to the older population. When the percentage of older population increases in a country, the country faces new challenges in the form of economical as well as social impacts. The economic impacts are felt in the form of a shortfall in labor supply, income, household savings while an increase in the payment of retirement benefits and healthcare expenditures. On the social side, the elderly population feels continuously isolated due to the changes in the value system. The United Nations has identified five quality of life characteristics for the elderly in its 1991 resolution named the United Nations Principles for Older Persons. In this paper the authors initially look at the trends in the increase of aged population in Asia in general and Sri Lanka in particular. Then they discuss how the quality of life characteristics can be achieved in a cost effective way through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The authors take an in depth look at the recent developments in field of ICT and its penetration in developing countries especially Sri Lanka with special emphasis to constraints and challenges in adopting ICT for the improving the quality of life of elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the integration of elderly people who migrated to Israel during their lifetimes. Subjective well-being, as measured by the immigrants’ perception of quality of life, satisfaction with life and emotional state, served as a general indicator of integration. The integration of elderly immigrants has not received adequate attention in the literature. A unique database (SHARE-Israel) that was recently released has made study of this topic possible. The current study sample was composed of former migrants aged 50 and older ( n = 930). The analytic model examined ethnic origin and migration variables in relation to the respective subjective outcomes, controlling for sociodemographic background, human and social capital and health. The findings show that in general, ethnic origin seems to matter less for the evaluation of immigrants’ subjective well-being than other socio economic factors such as economic status, social capital and health status. However, recent arrivals from the Former Soviet Union do differ from all other immigrant groups in their lower levels of well-being. In addition, the study points to the importance of language proficiency as a central means for integration in the destination country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on research findings on the quality of life (QOL) of the elderly outpatients who were served by traditional oriental medicine (TOM). It mentions that it is possible to develop strategies on their aging process, as greater effort is committed to understanding science into practice. It notes that the study proposes that TOM increases the level of the QOL.

Summary: Background: Serum albumin is considered a key nutrient that is significantly related to general health among elderly persons. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between masticatory ability and serum albumin levels in the elderly. Methods: A total of 768 persons were enrolled in the study. Data on background factors and the self-assessed masticatory ability were collected by means of questionnaires. An intraoral examination was performed to examine the pattern of occluding pairs of natural teeth, and blood samples were collected from the cutaneous vein to measure serum albumin levels. A forward stepwise multivariate logistic model was constructed with serum albumin levels as the dependent variable and the self-assessed masticatory ability as the principal independent variable, to adjust for potential confounding variables. Results: Sex, current employment status, social interaction, and self-assessed masticatory ability were retained in the final model, and they were significantly associated with serum albumin levels. The odds ratios for lower levels of serum albumin (≤ 40 g/L) were 1.88 for males, 1.70 for non-working status, 1.55 for low social activity status, and 1.43 for the self-assessed impairment of masticatory ability. Conclusion: A weak, statistically significant relationship may exist between self-assessed impairment of masticatory ability and lower levels of serum albumin in the elderly living independently. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The text analyses the link between theory-practice-values, related to the social work on the field of elderly people. New methodological proposals retain two statements as transverse elements: personalizing relations and valuing citizenship. Respect for human dignity and personal identity is one of the historical ethical bulwarks of knowledge in the sphere of social intervention, one of its postulates and operational principles. This ethical principle has been a benchmark for professional practice as a whole for many years. Respect for difference is fundamental to the establishment of compensating and rehabilitating measures, and it fosters the humanization of the structures, especially where residential care is involved. Accepting the elderly as citizens implies giving them rights founded on values such as respect for difference and human dignity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional study was designed to investigate the status of social support, health service use and mental health among caregivers for the elderly in a Chinese rural community. With randomized stratified sampling method, 199 caregivers providing long-term care for the elderly recruited from a Chinese rural community responded to the survey and were administered the questionnaire, measuring the caregiving outcome for the elderly. The social support was assessed with the social support scale (SSS) and social network scale (SNS). Health service utilization was assessed with the questionnaire on health service use (HSU). Depression was evaluated with the Center for Epidemiological Studies—Depression Scale (CES-D). Most caregivers are elder’s spouse (39.7%), son (26.1%) and daughter-in-law (18.1%). Three common health service used by the caregivers are visiting physician (68.0%), help from relatives or friends (43.9%) and seeking help of herbal doctors or traditional healers (34.0%). Between caregivers for healthy and non-healthy elders, there was significant difference of depression scale score ( t = 3.195, p < 0.01), not of SSS and SNS scale scores ( p > 0.05). The score of depression scale are associated with caregivers’ age (β = 0.260) and income (β = −0.231), care-recipients’ gender (β = 0.187) and age (β = 0.800), caring time (β = 0.138) and the total SNS score (β = −0.194) (all p < 0.05). The findings suggest, in Chinese rural area, family provides main source for caregiving to the elderly, with spouse and sons playing central roles. Most often elderly caregivers utilize medical resources. Depression during the process of caregiving is associated with caregivers and care-recipients’ background characteristics, with potential mediator effect of social support. It is implied that social support may be important when providing mental health service to the elderly caregivers in Chinese rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study to determine social intelligence among older people in a residential society of Ghaziabad, India. The study utilized the Social Intelligence Scale (SIS) created by N. K. Chadha and Usha Ganesan. It found that social intelligence seems to diminish with increasing age and that older women have lower scores in social intelligence than men.

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We identify determinants of elderly poverty in Vietnam using household survey data from 2004. The elderly living in urban and rural areas face significantly different conditions. Some factors impact poverty in both urban and rural areas (e.g. age, marital status, region and remittance receipts), some factors are insignificant in both areas (e.g. living arrangements and household head characteristics) and some factors have a differing impact in the two areas (e.g. gender, ethnicity, and household composition and size). With these findings, we formulate policy priorities, including reducing regional disparities, promoting the rural economy and reforming social security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the prevalence of obesity in older people in Jodhpur, India. It is stated in the study that the high morbidity and mortality rates among elderly in India are caused by central obesity. It notes that socio-demographic data were obtained through interviews and nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements. It also mentions that control of obesity must be prioritized as it is the mother of important degenerative diseases.

Research has shown that aging lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals (LGBs) often experience feelings of loneliness. The main aim of this study was to examine whether older LGB adults in the Netherlands are lonelier than their heterosexual counterparts and, if so, whether the higher levels of loneliness can be attributed to a lower degree of social embeddedness. Using data from the Gay Autumn project and the NESTOR survey on Living Arrangements and Social Networks of Older Adults, we found that LGB elders were significantly lonelier and less socially embedded than heterosexual elders. Compared with their heterosexual peers, older LGBs were more likely to have experienced divorce, to be childless or to have less intensive contact with their children. They also had less intensive contact with other members of their families and they were less frequent churchgoers. Their weaker level of social embeddedness, however, only partially explained the stronger feelings of loneliness among older LGB adults. Nor could their higher levels of loneliness be attributed to other, non-social embeddedness factors (health, living conditions, self-esteem, and socioeconomic status). Emphasis on other aspects of social embeddedness, such as the quality of social relationships in the private domain and minority stress, is an important challenge for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of European Review of Applied Psychology is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: The massive press attentions attracted by the plight of pensioners in Nigeria appear to provide the extrinsic nudge and popular support for the 2004 pension reform. In some sense, these sets of exposés offered a new peephole into the yawning care and support gap for the elderly in the country. Against the background of counteracting processes of population ageing and receding formal and informal social protection and support mechanisms, the country appears ill-prepared to tackle the unfolding old age bulge and its myriad challenges. The paper addresses one of the most basic needs and choices confronting older people after retirement: the resolve to cope or dispense with city (or urban) accommodation. Such decisions have become increasingly critical not only because they are principal determinants of urban–rural drift but also because of the changing circumstances (of weakening support systems and increased vulnerability) under which they are made. The paper explores these important ageing issue and their implications for policy in Nigeria. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study examines the probability that an older adult—from one of six Asian societies sampled—lives in the same household or proximate to an adult child and how this probability fluctuates by the number of children, rural/urban residence, and several other covariates. Proximate residence is defined as living either with or near a child. Results show positive and linear associations between number of children and proximate residence, that is, each additional child increases the chances of proximate residence in a relatively consistent way. But, results with co-residence vary more across countries. Virtually no association with co-residence is found in China; each additional child increases the probability of co-residence in Singapore; and there is a positive but non-linear association in other countries. In spite of the different findings, rates of co-residence and proximate residence remain high, particularly in the rural areas. The findings indicate the importance of considering both near and co-residence when examining proximate living. Conclusions regarding a potential decline in support due to changes in living arrangements are somewhat ambiguous—more children increase chances of living proximate to an adult child, but probabilities of living proximate to a child remain high overall, with the possible exception of those with only one living child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This ethnographic study aims to identify and describe how a group of elderly African people in South Africa experience their daily life and related concerns and interests. Data were collected through group interviews involving 16 elderly persons and complementary field observations. The data were analysed using a qualitative content analysis. From the analysis following sub-themes emerged: 1. Lack of basic resources; 2. Routines in daily life; 3. Experience of unsafe conditions; 4. “The disease”—HIV/AIDS. The results have been discussed according to the following themes: keeping normality and changing society. The study illuminates the varied experiences in daily life, including lack of basic resources, experience of unsafe conditions, and the HIV/AIDS pandemic and its consequences for the elderly as contributors to the extended family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the social status of Indian elderly. The study showed that their social status reveals an uninterrupted pattern until the colonial period. Moreover, it found that their societal function corresponds with the British and American elders during the 19th century up to the 20th century where they all experienced identical changes due to the effect of industry development, urbanization and alteration in the family practice.

The article presents a research study which investigates the association of electronic culture with loneliness and life satisfaction among the elderly in India. The subjects of the study were composed of 120 elderly people with 60 females and 60 males. The study used the purposive sampling technique and adopted the research tools e-culture inventory, loneliness scale, and life satisfaction scale. The results indicated that e-culture is hugely related to life-satisfaction and loneliness.

The article presents the efforts in establishing frameworks for inter-generational activities to change the negative views of the youth and the Western society towards the elderly. It notes that the Western society viewed the aged people as a person who lacks creativeness and can no longer contribute to the society. It adds that these negative images are brought by how the elderly are presented in the media. It suggests an intervention program that will investigate the attitudes of the young.

Copyright of Kakovostna Starost is the property of Anton Trstenjak Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Socio-demographic, behavioral, functional and anthropometric data for groups of elderly Quechua Indians of Peru were used to investigate the effects of gender and lifestyle patterns on nutritional status. Two community-dwelling samples were selected for study, representative of divergent lifestyles in terms of their combination of socio-economic, demographic and cultural contexts, plus an ad-hoc sample of institutionalized individuals with controlled food intake and reduced physical activity. Results suggest that differences in socio-demographic, behavioral and functional characteristics exist between the sexes and across settings (low- vs. highland) and lifestyles (institutionalized vs. community-dwelling; semi-urban vs. rural). These factors are likely to be related to diverging dietary and physical activity patterns, and have considerable effects on the nutritional status of the respondents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Switzerland, like in most European countries, population ageing and its consequences have recently led to a rising debate on the need to address the issue of financing social security and social welfare. In fact, with increasing age, the population living at home is more and more likely to require home care and at risk of inappropriate hospitalization. The traditional service offer concerns facilities where the elderly people are institutionalized and professionals fully care about their health and personal needs. Alternatively, home care is provided to allow elderly to remain in their own homes. However, several innovations have been developed or are developing to value all the aspects of wellbeing (including mental and spiritual conditions) and foster independent living for elderly people. The Swiss long-term care system is renowned for its quality and accessibility (Gerritzen & Kirchgässner, 2012) and provides empirical evidence on people-centered approach supporting healthy aging. For the purposes of this study, we focus on the Canton Tessin. Here interesting initiatives foster care continuity by providing seniors with a variety of logistic solutions combined with different services, thus addressing their needs according to their social, health and functional conditions. For instance: experimental day-centers guiding the elderly through the service network and taking advantage of community resources, "Alzheimer café" and therapeutic day-centers (targeting Alzheimer patients and their relatives), protected apartments with social keepers and enhanced services. We aim to identify the areas of needs addressed by the long-term care existing home and community-based care initiatives supporting independent and/or healthy living of elderly people. In addition, we intend to test to what extent these needs are satisfied. Second, we will classify the existing solutions starting with the classification by Lawler (2001). We expect to show whether some areas of needs are uncovered because appropriate solutions are missing or because existing solutions do not work. In both cases we will explore the main barriers and facilitators. The data collection will be based on: (a) mission statements of the different services; (b) registries of clients' satisfaction assessment; (c) perceived quality of life (through the QOLSV[1] instrument administered to a sample of clients); (d) semi-structured interviews with targeted stakeholders. Results of the analysis of "a" will be compared with those of "b" and "c" to assess the extent of needs satisfaction. Interviews will target the Elderly Council (an advocacy body with an institutional consulting role in the Cantonal policy-making) and the ATTE (Association of Tessin for the Third Age, coordinating the volunteers supporting existing services). We expect tofind that a variety of needs underlie independent living for elderly. Keeping older people in community should foster their independence and self-management capacity, maintain their social capital and maximize their wellbeing. Home and community based care is a challenging policy area. Innovations in this field could play a complimentary role in integrated care programs, as a way of overcoming existing obstacles threatening complete success. Therefore, it might be useful to learn from existing home and community-based experiences and build on this knowledge to orient welfare systems toward a holistic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]