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We examined older men's body image, with a focus on the role of interpersonal relationships in shaping their psychological adaptation to age-related body changes to appearance, function, and health. Qualitative narrative constructionist study. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 29 men aged 65–83. Data were analysed using thematic narrative analysis; we identified and interpreted patterns in and across the men's stories about their aging bodies. Narratives of purpose through meaningful engagement and belonging through connection permeated the men's accounts. Participants mitigated body-related changes and challenges through pleasurable physical, leisure, and community activities. They derived purpose from these activities as they kept them physically, cognitively, and socially engaged and thus relevant with advancing age, particularly post retirement. The men derived a sense of belonging through social connections. Relationships with family, friends, and community members shaped their capacity for meaningful engagement and associated psychological adjustment to age-related body changes. The findings point to the imperative need to consider how men negotiate their constantly changing, aging bodies within the context of interpersonal relationships, and highlight the role that later life belonging and purpose play in shaping how men experience their bodies as they grow older. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family violence has been highlighted by the World Health Organization as a major public health concern. Although family violence occurs to all genders, a higher prevalence of victims are female. Estimates report around 30% of all women experience intimate partner violence worldwide. Experiencing assault in the family violence context can lead to an acquired brain injury (ABI); however, the connection between these two phenomena has not been well established. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the extent of, and factors contributing to, ABI and family violence. We conducted 22 semi‐structured interviews and one focus group (n = 4) with practitioners working with family violence victims and/or perpetrators. Thematic data analysis utilised inductive and deductive coding approaches. The Social Determinants of Health Framework was used to guide analysis. Practitioners estimated 30%–40% of the clients on their caseloads had a suspected or diagnosed ABI. They identified that contributing factors were extremely complex. These included acquiring an ABI through assault (past family violence or other criminal act), and transport crashes. Complicating factors of ABI were identified as mental health conditions, alcohol and drug use, and post‐traumatic stress disorder. Additional factors contributing to family violence were recognised as biological (age of parent, twin births, pregnancy, premature births, and children with congenital abnormalities), relationships (intimate partner, father, boyfriend, mother and siblings), previous trauma (family violence), and life stressors (unemployment, financial, and lack of housing). Social determinants of health included cultural (ethnicity, societal attitudes, values, and beliefs) and organisational (legislation and policy) factors which influenced behaviours and outcomes across all sectors. A model of Brain injury Family violence Nexus (BFN) was created to understand the interaction between these phenomena. Utilising the BFN model to understand the interaction can enhance the methods used within health and social services for a more efficacious approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study explored the impact of a person-centered activity program for sub-acute inpatients with Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD). Method: A prospective observational study was conducted in a 15-bed secure wing of a sub-acute metropolitan hospital ward in Australia. Using convenience sampling, patients presenting with delirium or dementia exhibiting BPSD were considered for inclusion. Activity programs were implemented with data collected through observation of behavioral incidences, pre- and post-implementation. Results: Participants were observed over two stages of five weeks (n = 30 pre-intervention, n = 29 post-intervention). The mean age of participants pre-intervention was 80.3 years (SD 15.01) and post-intervention was 85.5 (SD 6.99). There was a 26% decrease of 'overall' behaviors with a statistically significant reduction in 'physical' behaviors (i.e. agitation, restlessness) post-intervention reported as 54% (p =.01). Conclusion: A person-centered activity program can be successfully implemented on a dementia/delirium specific inpatient ward with the reduction of BPSD incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To explore factors that support or inhibit participation in daily activities amongst older adults who have returned home following hospitalization. Design and Methods: An exploratory qualitative design was used to gather information from a sample of older adults. Participants were recruited during their hospital stay from acute and rehabilitation wards in Victoria, Australia. Semistructured interviews were carried out in the participants' home within 6 weeks of discharge. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Results: Participants (n = 21) were aged >65 years (mean 82 years [SD 8.5]), 57% were female (n = 11) and 76% with English as their first language (n = 16). Thematic analysis identified one primary theme (personal life approach) moderated by spirituality and two subthemes; interpretation of physical and mental abilities, and social interactions. The life approach acted as a filter through which participants interpreted their abilities and social interactions that either supported or inhibited their return to participation after a stay in hospital. Implications: The findings suggest that clinicians need to consider the individual's approach to life in their recovery following hospitalization. This approach can influence their return to participation in activities and potentially be supported (towards higher levels of optimism) by health professionals to enhance participation in activities postdischarge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]