Volunteerism and Older Adults

Abstract

This study was designed to examine differences in care-giver and care recipient characteristics, caregiving and work demands and resources, and role strain among Black, Hispanic, Asian, and White employed family caregivers. Significant differences were found with respect to caregiver and care recipient characteristics, types of assistance provided, and workplace support. Minority caregivers were economically disadvantaged and provided higher levels of care. Whites reported higher levels of role strain than Black and Hispanic caregivers, after controlling for caregiver and care recipient characteristics, demands, and resources. The findings indicate that care giving policies and programs must be broadened to incorporate the strengths and needs of ethnically diverse caregivers. Family practitioners need to be able to assess the applicability and differential impact of particular interventions, policies, and benefits, and to design relevant programs for ethnically diverse care-givers and their families.     

Depression in Older Adults: Psychological and Psychosocial Approaches

Correspondence to Margaret A. Fielden, Burton District Hospital Centre, Belvedere Annexe, Lower Outwoods Road, Burton-on-Trent, S.E. Staffs. Summary Depression is a commonly experienced psychiatric disorder inthe adult population. The elderly require special considerationsince they show higher prevalence rates than younger adults,high levels of re-occurrence, and a different presentation ofsymptoms. This suggests a need to understand depression in theelderly within a psychological frame and within a psychosocialsetting, where symptoms and themes express the physical, social,and emotional losses of ageing and age-associated developmentaltasks of role change, accepting dependence, and preparing fordeath. An effective therapeutic approach must encompass physical, social,and psychological care. Psychological and psychosocial responsesto depression in the elderly are reviewed here in terms of theirsensitivity to issues of ageing and their preventative valuein minimizing vulnerability to depression.     

Home-Based Practice with Older Adults

Abstract

Social work with older adults frequently occurs in the client's home. Although practitioners and the professional literature acknowledge the existence of differences between agency-based and home-based practice, little attention has been given to the way the home environment impacts on the intervention process. This exploratory study examined practitioner-identified events that impact on the intervention process in home-based practice. The events elicited two general categories, the context and the process of interventions. Factors subsumed under intervention context are situational and geographic factors, such as practitioner and client comfort, and differences in urban and rural environments. Examples of intervention process categories include setting up home visits, assessment, boundaries, common distractions, and termination in home-based practice.     

Attitudes Toward Younger and Older Adults: An Updated Meta-Analytic Review

This meta-analytic review of 232 effect sizes showed that, across five categories, attitudes were more negative toward older than younger adults. Perceived age differences were largest for age stereotypes and smallest for evaluations. As predicted by social role theory ( Eagly, 1987 ), effect sizes were reduced when detailed information was provided about the person being rated. The double standard of aging emerged for evaluations and behavior/behavioral intentions, but was reversed for the competence category. Perceptions depended on respondent age also. Results demonstrated both the multi-dimensionality and the complexity of attitudes toward older adults ( Hummert, 1999 ; Kite & Wagner, 2002 ).     

Network and Health Changes Among Older Dutch Adults

A negative effect of good health on the instrumental support received can be viewed as an effect of the mobilization of helpers. A positive effect of good health on the personal network size and the instrumental support given demonstrates that people in poor health have difficulty actively maintaining their relationships. Furthermore, the support received and given is positively related to the support given and received in the past. In four waves of a seven–year longitudinal study, personal interviews were conducted with 2,302 older Dutch adults (aged 60 to 85) who live on their own. The hypotheses have been confirmed. An implication is that investing in relationships by giving support might pay off in times of need.     

Hispanic Familism in Caretaking of Older Adults

The role of familism in elderly adults has been professed to be the central institution in their lives. Though, Hispanic caretakers have provided high levels of informal care, it is the purpose of this paper to give evidence that current under utilization of formal services by the Hispanic family has dysfunctional side-effects. Reliance solely upon informal familial support increases dependency upon children which has been correlatcd with depression. Reliance also perpetuates a cycle of poverty as children's economic opportunities are sacrificed due to caregiving. Ideas for how to effectively intervene in this self-destructive pattern are suggested.     

Social Insurance and Older Adults in China: Effect of Education and Household Income on Coverage Following the 2009 Health Reform

Abstract

Education and income have been considered two primary determinants to affect individuals’ health outcomes. China initiated a comprehensive health reform in 2009, with the goals to provide equal access yet sufficient healthcare to all residents. However, social disparities continue to persist following this large reform. This research hypothesized that older adults’ years of education and income are determinants of participation in each social insurance scheme following the 2009 health reform. Multilevel logistic regression models were used with a nationally representative sample (n?=?5,274) to investigate the education and income disparities in each social insurance scheme for older adults, with random effects among provinces at the national level. The analyses show that years of education was not associated with enrollment in three social insurances, with the exception of the association between 11?years of formal education or above and the rural coverage. Participants with higher levels of household income had greater odds of having urban social insurances, but had lower odds of having the rural scheme. Further research should continue to investigate the disparities of enrollment of each social insurance. Chinese policy makers should consider these social factors carefully to reach a true universal coverage.     

A Model for Community-Based Mental Health Services for Older Adults:

The mental health needs of older adults have historically been underserved by existing mental health service delivery systems. This paper presents a model for the delivery of comprehensive mental health services to older adults in their own homes, based on sound clinical practice, and incorporating a cross-cultural perspective coupled with a strong social and community support base.     

Chapter 13. Rural Older Adults at Home

SUMMARY

In this chapter, we discuss circumstances that affect rural seniors living in their own homes. The strengths perspective informs this discussion, allowing the reader to consider several alternatives to the deficit-focused mentality that often pervades those who work with elders who are, sometimes, and perhaps stereotypically, regarded as frail. Issues unique to rural areas are addressed, programs that serve rural seniors are reviewed, and suggestions are made for the service provider working with this population.     

Disaster,Vulnerability, and Older Adults: Toward a Social Work Response

No abstract available for this article.     

Replacing the Elderly With Older Adults in JGSW Publications

Summary

This article focuses on the important contributions the venerable Harriet Tubman made to the field of housing for older persons and other populations at risk. It uses an historical approach to document the importance of early housing and self-help initiatives in the African American community. It embraces Harriet Tubman and other early housers for their good works and acknowledges them as contributors to the rich legacy of community social work practice and its sage principles of empowerment and self-help. The article presents a nexus between the current housing status of older Blacks and the double jeopardy status imposed by historical discrimination.     

Well–Being Among Older Adults on Different Continents

Old age represents a new frontier. The number of older people is increasing throughout the world. This changing demography affects individuals, but also families, communities and societies. The focus of this issue is the well–being of older adults on different continents. Scientists from around the world address this issue using a wide array of research designs and methodologies to provide a broad perspective on aging. Five topics are considered: Well–Being Among Older Adults; Social Support; Functional Status, Well–Being and Successful Aging; Cross–Cultural Approaches to the Study of Aging; and Research Perspectives in Aging. This issue clearly demonstrates that scientists have much to contribute to the goal of optimizing the experience of aging and creating a society for all ages.     

Supportive Group Interventions with Caregivers of Frail Older Adults

The use of supportive group interventions with caregivers of frail older adults is discussed in this article. Four categories of group interventions are described: (1) mutual support groups, (2) psychoeducational groups, (3) social, recreational and educational groups, and (4) service and advocacy groups. Research evidence on the efficacy of group interventions with this population is also considered. Recommendations are made on when to refer caregivers to support groups and on what type of support group is most appropriate. Consideration by practitioners and program planners of a broader range of types of supportive groups is also encouraged.     

Negative Feelings and Help Seeking Among Older Adults With Chronic Conditions

Older adults with chronic conditions are at greater risk of negative affect, though few studies have focused on older adults’ perspectives on how chronic conditions affect their mental well-being. This study involved in-depth interviews that explored how older adults describe their feelings about chronic conditions, the context within which they experience these feelings, and their experiences with help-seeking for negative feelings. Participants reported that older adults experience a range of negative feelings related to their conditions and are only comfortable talking to people who understand their everyday experiences with managing chronic conditions. The findings have implications for health self-management.     

老年健康照顾需求评估与个案管理——基于昆明市实证调查

随着社会经济的发展和医疗卫生条件的改善,高龄化及慢性病的快速增长,老年多元照顾的需求使“个案管理”成为中国社会工作急需解决的课题。本文在对昆明市独居、丧偶、空巢及高血压老人做健康照顾需求评估的基础上,就“个案管理”的制度建设及运作,提出“政府主导、NGO（NPO）资源整合、强化老人（家庭、社区）支援”的建议。     

Cancer Screening Barriers for Community-based Older Hispanics and Caucasians

Despite advances in screening and early detection, ethnic minority populations, ages 65 and older, are less likely than Caucasians to participate in cancer screening services. Empirical research indicates that older ethnic minorities have cultural values that influence their behaviors. Addressing culturally relevant communication to better understand those values may increase participation in cancer screening. The study reported is a secondary analysis of qualitative data gathered from focus groups. Utilizing an interdisciplinary analytical lens, we compared older Hispanic and Caucasian's cultural values and their screening behaviors. Suggested psychosocial interventions are discussed to assist providers in their ongoing efforts to promote cancer screening.     

Cancer Screening Barriers for Community-based Older Hispanics and Caucasians

Despite advances in screening and early detection, ethnic minority populations, ages 65 and older, are less likely than Caucasians to participate in cancer screening services. Empirical research indicates that older ethnic minorities have cultural values that influence their behaviors. Addressing culturally relevant communication to better understand those values may increase participation in cancer screening. The study reported is a secondary analysis of qualitative data gathered from focus groups. Utilizing an interdisciplinary analytical lens, we compared older Hispanic and Caucasian's cultural values and their screening behaviors. Suggested psychosocial interventions are discussed to assist providers in their ongoing efforts to promote cancer screening.     

Poverty Among Korean Immigrant Older Adults: Examining the Effects of Social Exclusion

ABSTRACT

Previous studies have shown that elderly Asian immigrants face greater risks for living in poverty compared with their native contemporaries. Particularly, Korean immigrant older adults are reported to be most likely to experience poverty among many Asian immigrant groups. The purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which demographic, human capital, and social exclusion factors contribute to such economic vulnerability among Korean immigrant older adults. Adding to previous research, this study broadly conceptualizes social exclusion and tests for its additive effects on poverty using nationally representative public data of Korean immigrant older adults. From the 2008–2010 Public Use Microdata Sample of the American Community Survey, this study extracts a sample that consists of individuals aged 65 years and older whose national origin is Korean, who were not born in the United States, and thereafter immigrated to the United States (N = 3,820). The findings indicate that 3 dimensions of social exclusion—exclusion from social and civic life, exclusion from asset building, and exclusion from the labor market—contribute significantly to Korean immigrant older adults’ odds of living in poverty. The study concludes with practice implications for socially inclusive workforce development as a way to ameliorate economic afflictions among Korean immigrant older adults.     

社区特征与中国农村老人的抑郁症状

农村老年人的抑郁水平显著高于城市老人,在极端情况下,甚至表现为自杀行为.通过中国健康与养老追踪调查 (CHARLS) 2011年基线数据,运用分层线性模型 (HLM) 分析村级社区水平的经济、人口、管理、设施、生态环境五个维度的特征对农村老人抑郁症状的影响,发现中国农村老人的抑郁水平具有显著的村间差异.加入村级水平的解释变量后发现,村子的平均收入水平高,村里具有高中学历的人口比例高,村主任的任职年限长以及村里的基础设施水平高,村里老人抑郁水平显著更低;而在工业污染排放中度和严重的村子里,老人抑郁显著更高.进一步的跨水平交互作用分析则探索了村级变量对具有不同个体特征的老人群体的作用差异.研究结果对于农村社区建设的政策发展以及农村老人的抑郁干预提供了实证依据.