ABSTRACT The relationship between subjective age identity and ideal age, as measured by the Subjective Age Identity Scale (Hubley, 2004), and personality domains and facets, as measured by the NEO-PI-R (Costa & McCrae, 1992), was investigated in a sample of 210 adults ages 19 to 78. Subjective age and ideal age scores were regressed, using multiple standard regressions, on the NEO-PI-R domains and facets, respectively. Results indicated that 22% of the variance in subjective age identity scores was explained by personality domains whereas 27% was explained by personality facets. Specifically, two personality domains (Openness to Experience and Neuroticism) and one personality facet (Aesthetics) made significant unique contributions to the explained variance in subjective age scores. Very little variance in ideal age scores was explained by personality domains and facets (less than 10%). One domain (Openness to Experience) and two facets (Vulnerability to Stress and Values) made significant unique contributions to the explained variance in the ideal age scores. These findings are examined in the context of the previous research on the relationship between personality and subjective age and the importance of conducting both domain and facet level analyses when using the NEO-PI-R is discussed. Implications of the present findings for counselling and clinical work with persons facing age role transitions or other age related concerns (e.g., negative attitudes towards aging) are highlighted.

This dissertation examines the potential for professional/community planning to respond pro-actively and strategically to the impending demographic changes which will be brought about by the aging of the baby boom generation. This multi-phased investigation was designed to explore whether professional planning could uncover models and concepts which can be used to make cities and communities more age-friendly. Several conclusions can be drawn from the study. It was found that planners are not ready for demographic change nor are they prepared for helping create age-friendly cities. This is due to several reasons, including a lack of resources forcing them to concentrate on short-term, immediate issues; lack of power and credibility; and a perception that the elderly are a lower priority in society. For planners to become proactive and strategic in planning for age-friendly cities, they will need to re-examine their tendency to focus mainly on land use planning; focus on the long-term agenda; establish credibility with politicians; develop visionary skills; and become educators and facilitators, engaging key stakeholders and community groups. The data indicated that planners have a limited knowledge of gerontology. However, a high level of congruence was found between the newer planning models and key research dimensions in gerontology. If these two fields were to work closer together, each would become better equipped to produce knowledge which will help society deal with aging demographics. Evidence also showed congruence between the newer planning models, building age-friendly cities and the environmental agenda. Common factors such as urban intensification (particularly in the core), building more compact urban form and increasing multi-modal transportation options (including pedestrianism) help reduce sprawl, congestion and pollution and concomitantly help create an environment which is healthier and friendly to all ages, including seniors. Findings from this research are used to develop a hybrid “Wise Growth” planning model to encourage the development of age-friendly cities.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

Regression problems in which predictors are measured with error have been studied by statisticians and researchers for many years. Measurement error in predictors creates biases in estimated regression coefficients, and hence models that address this are extremely important. These models are especially important in perinatal research since errors in gestational age can have serious effects. / The presence of measurement error in gestational age can lead to poor estimation of fetal growth and risk of mortality and morbidity, and can compromise statistical analyses [32, 39]. Since various obstetric choices are made based on birth weight distributions by gestational age, it is important to obtain plausible birthweight-gestational-age combinations. / Berry et al. [3] propose a Bayesian approach to modeling a flexible regression function in the presence of measurement error, where the regression function is modeled using smoothing splines and regression P-splines. These methods are applied to population-based data from U.S. birth certificates, which results in realistic birthweight-gestational age combinations.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

In order to promote active aging for persons with ID, discussions on new initiatives, for example, designing age-friendly communities have begun at the international and local levels. The overall goal of this qualitative research study was to identify features of an age-friendly community from the perspective of older adults with ID, themselves, their caregivers, and service providers. A total of seven individuals aged 45+ with ID were interviewed. In addition, a total of 15 caregivers/service providers participated in focus group discussions. Many of the current features of the city of Winnipeg do not adequately address the needs of persons aging with ID. A number of recommendations were made to make Winnipeg a more age-friendly community. The study was exploratory in nature, the first step towards development of future research projects to explore issues and intervention strategies more in depth to promote healthy and active aging among persons aging with ID.