7 pp. / Preventing catastrophic stand replacing events are best accomplished through thinning. Lower tree densities result in greater tree growth. Stands with lower tree densities have greater plant diversity. Determining stand conditions will provide a baseline for formulating a plan to improve stand conditions. Thinning around individual trees can improve individual tree health reducing the likelihood of damage from bark beetles, fire or drought.

Introdução - Um ambiente favorável ao envelhecimento ativo deve promover a manutenção da autonomia, da independência e a qualidade de vida à medida que se envelhece. Na realidade brasileira o cuidado de longa duração a idosos ocorre, principalmente, no ambiente familiar. Entretanto, o cuidado institucional tem aumentado o que requer serviços de qualidade. Objetivo - Identificar as características essenciais para que uma Instituição de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI) possa ser definida como amigável à pessoa idosa. Método - Pesquisa qualitativa realizada através de observação participante, pesquisa documental e entrevista individual semi-estruturada, a 20 residentes, 10 familiares de residentes e 1 cuidador de idosos de 2 ILPI, utilizando-se uma versão adaptada do protocolo metodológico de Vancouver da OMS. Através da análise do material empírico obteve-se aspectos considerados relevantes para idosos e familiares para o estabelecimento de ILPI amiga do idoso. Resultados - As instituições necessitam fazer adaptações na estrutura física para o atendimento às normas vigentes. Para os entrevistados, o mobiliário é insuficiente para a guarda de pertences pessoais e alguns são ergonomicamente inadequados. Os residentes gostariam de ser tratados com mais afeto e respeito quanto às suas individualidades. A comunicação entre as instituições e os idosos pode ser mais eficiente. As atividades de ocupação do tempo livre ofertadas dependem das habilidades dos voluntários e envolvem poucos idosos. Reuniões da equipe técnica com residentes para discussão de assuntos relacionados ao lazer, à alimentação e à vida na instituição ocorrem apenas em uma das ILPI. O número de profissionais para a prestação do cuidado desejado pelos idosos e com o ambiente foi considerado insuficiente. Houve solicitação no sentido de que o compartilhamento do dormitório seja feito entre pessoas com quadros funcional e cognitivo semelhantes. Conclusões - Identificou-se as características essenciais para que o idoso residente em ILPI possa receber atendimento integral de boa qualidade em ambiente físico e socialmente adequado e essas características essenciais podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento de ILPI amiga da pessoa idosa / Introduction - A favorable environment for active ageing should promote the maintenance of autonomy, independence and quality of life in life course. In Brazil long-term care for the elderly is generally offered at home; however, institutional care has increased and requires excellency of services. Objective - To identify the essential features for a Long-Term Care Institution (LTCI) can be defined as friendly to the older person. Method - Qualitative research conducted through participative observation, documentary research and individual semi-structured interview to 20 residents, 10 relatives of residents and one caregiver of two LTCI, using an adapted version of World Health Organization´s methodological Protocol of Vancouver. Through the analysis of empirical material, it obtained aspects that were considered relevant to seniors and families of residents for the establishment of an Age-friendly LTCI. Results - The institutions need to make adjustments in physical structure to fit to current legislation. To the respondents, the furniture is insufficient to keep their personal belongings and some are ergonomically inadequate. The residents would like to be treated with more affection and respect to their individuality. Communication between the institutions and the elderlies can be more efficient. Leisure activities offered depend on volunteers skills and involve few seniors. Meetings between technical staff and residents to discuss issues related to leisure, meals and to day by day life in the institution occur only on one of the LTCI. The number of professionals to take care of the environment and to deliver the desired care by the elderly was considered insufficient. Sharing dormitory with people with similar cognitive and functional status was requested. Conclusions - The essential features of a friendly LTCI were identified, so that the elderly resident can receive comprehensive care in an appropriate physical and social environment and the essential features can contribute to the development of an Age-friendly LTCI

Introdução: As pessoas idosas têm preocupação com a perda da memória considerada como um sinal de alarme para declínio cognitivo. O fato é que a falta de memória compromete o cotidiano da pessoa idosa, sua auto-estima e seu relacionamento social. Baltes desenvolveu uma teoria onde preconiza que o desenvolvimento para toda a vida inclui otimização seletiva com compensação e permite que as pessoas envelheçam sem traumas. Isso prevê o engajamento em tarefas que sejam importantes. Num programa de treinamento da memória há espaço para a criação de condições de preparar e manter as pessoas idosas ativas e participantes. Objetivo: Sistematizar um programa de treinamento da memória para pessoas idosas incorporando a auto-avaliação. Método: O estudo é quase experimental - tipo antes e depois, realizado na Faculdade de Saúde Pública/USP, com a população idosa que demanda programas de atividades relacionadas à Universidade Aberta à terceira idade. Constou, na primeira fase, de um programa de treinamento da memória desenvolvido em dez sessões. Após definição do perfil da população alvo, o repertório sistematizado foi caracterizado segundo a função mental a ser estimulada. Resultados: O programa definitivo resultou de ajustes do Programa desenvolvido na primeira fase realizados a partir da análise das fichas de auto-avaliação de desempenho nas estratégias e exercícios e da análise das fichas de auto-relatos sobre a aplicação no dia-a-dia dos participantes, dos conteúdos aprendidos. As observações do pesquisador sobre vários aspectos comportamentais do grupo também foram importantes para os ajustes realizados. O tema atenção e concentração foi o mais citado nas auto-avaliações e auto-relatos. Evidenciou-se que o processo de socialização dos participantes deve merecer a atenção do monitor ao programar o elenco de atividades do grupo de participantes / Introduction: Aged persons are concerned wit loss of memory considered as an alarm sign for cognitive decline. The fact is that the loss of memory jeopardizes the aged person\'s daily life, his/her self-esteem and social relationship. Baltes developed a theory stating that the development for the whole life includes selective optimization with compensation and allows persons to age without traumas. This foresees the engagement in tasks which are important. In a memory training program there is room for the creation of conditions that prepare and maintain aged persons active and participating. Objective: To set up a memory training program for aged persons incorporating self-evaluation. Methodology: The study is almost experimental - before and after, conducted at the Public Health School/USP, with an aged population requiring activity programs related to the Open University for aged persons. The first place consisted of a memory training program developed in ten sessions. After defining the target population\'s profile the systematized repertory was broken down according to the mental function to be stimulated. Results: The final program resulted from adjustments of the program developed in the first phase from the analysis of self-evaluation cards in the performance of strategies and exercises and from the analysis of performance cards of training activities and from the analysis of self-reports on the application on a daily basis of the learned contents. The researcher\'s observations on the group\'s daily behavioral aspects were also important for the effected adjustments. Attention and concentration were the most mentioned subjects in the self-evaluations and self-reports. It was underlined that the socialization process of the participants should receive attention from the facilitator when programming the range of activities of the participants

Introdução - Um ambiente favorável ao envelhecimento ativo deve promover a manutenção da autonomia, da independência e a qualidade de vida à medida que se envelhece. Na realidade brasileira o cuidado de longa duração a idosos ocorre, principalmente, no ambiente familiar. Entretanto, o cuidado institucional tem aumentado o que requer serviços de qualidade. Objetivo - Identificar as características essenciais para que uma Instituição de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI) possa ser definida como amigável à pessoa idosa. Método - Pesquisa qualitativa realizada através de observação participante, pesquisa documental e entrevista individual semi-estruturada, a 20 residentes, 10 familiares de residentes e 1 cuidador de idosos de 2 ILPI, utilizando-se uma versão adaptada do protocolo metodológico de Vancouver da OMS. Através da análise do material empírico obteve-se aspectos considerados relevantes para idosos e familiares para o estabelecimento de ILPI amiga do idoso. Resultados - As instituições necessitam fazer adaptações na estrutura física para o atendimento às normas vigentes. Para os entrevistados, o mobiliário é insuficiente para a guarda de pertences pessoais e alguns são ergonomicamente inadequados. Os residentes gostariam de ser tratados com mais afeto e respeito quanto às suas individualidades. A comunicação entre as instituições e os idosos pode ser mais eficiente. As atividades de ocupação do tempo livre ofertadas dependem das habilidades dos voluntários e envolvem poucos idosos. Reuniões da equipe técnica com residentes para discussão de assuntos relacionados ao lazer, à alimentação e à vida na instituição ocorrem apenas em uma das ILPI. O número de profissionais para a prestação do cuidado desejado pelos idosos e com o ambiente foi considerado insuficiente. Houve solicitação no sentido de que o compartilhamento do dormitório seja feito entre pessoas com quadros funcional e cognitivo semelhantes. Conclusões - Identificou-se as características essenciais para que o idoso residente em ILPI possa receber atendimento integral de boa qualidade em ambiente físico e socialmente adequado e essas características essenciais podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento de ILPI amiga da pessoa idosa / Introduction - A favorable environment for active ageing should promote the maintenance of autonomy, independence and quality of life in life course. In Brazil long-term care for the elderly is generally offered at home; however, institutional care has increased and requires excellency of services. Objective - To identify the essential features for a Long-Term Care Institution (LTCI) can be defined as friendly to the older person. Method - Qualitative research conducted through participative observation, documentary research and individual semi-structured interview to 20 residents, 10 relatives of residents and one caregiver of two LTCI, using an adapted version of World Health Organization´s methodological Protocol of Vancouver. Through the analysis of empirical material, it obtained aspects that were considered relevant to seniors and families of residents for the establishment of an Age-friendly LTCI. Results - The institutions need to make adjustments in physical structure to fit to current legislation. To the respondents, the furniture is insufficient to keep their personal belongings and some are ergonomically inadequate. The residents would like to be treated with more affection and respect to their individuality. Communication between the institutions and the elderlies can be more efficient. Leisure activities offered depend on volunteers skills and involve few seniors. Meetings between technical staff and residents to discuss issues related to leisure, meals and to day by day life in the institution occur only on one of the LTCI. The number of professionals to take care of the environment and to deliver the desired care by the elderly was considered insufficient. Sharing dormitory with people with similar cognitive and functional status was requested. Conclusions - The essential features of a friendly LTCI were identified, so that the elderly resident can receive comprehensive care in an appropriate physical and social environment and the essential features can contribute to the development of an Age-friendly LTCI

Introdução: As pessoas idosas têm preocupação com a perda da memória considerada como um sinal de alarme para declínio cognitivo. O fato é que a falta de memória compromete o cotidiano da pessoa idosa, sua auto-estima e seu relacionamento social. Baltes desenvolveu uma teoria onde preconiza que o desenvolvimento para toda a vida inclui otimização seletiva com compensação e permite que as pessoas envelheçam sem traumas. Isso prevê o engajamento em tarefas que sejam importantes. Num programa de treinamento da memória há espaço para a criação de condições de preparar e manter as pessoas idosas ativas e participantes. Objetivo: Sistematizar um programa de treinamento da memória para pessoas idosas incorporando a auto-avaliação. Método: O estudo é quase experimental - tipo antes e depois, realizado na Faculdade de Saúde Pública/USP, com a população idosa que demanda programas de atividades relacionadas à Universidade Aberta à terceira idade. Constou, na primeira fase, de um programa de treinamento da memória desenvolvido em dez sessões. Após definição do perfil da população alvo, o repertório sistematizado foi caracterizado segundo a função mental a ser estimulada. Resultados: O programa definitivo resultou de ajustes do Programa desenvolvido na primeira fase realizados a partir da análise das fichas de auto-avaliação de desempenho nas estratégias e exercícios e da análise das fichas de auto-relatos sobre a aplicação no dia-a-dia dos participantes, dos conteúdos aprendidos. As observações do pesquisador sobre vários aspectos comportamentais do grupo também foram importantes para os ajustes realizados. O tema atenção e concentração foi o mais citado nas auto-avaliações e auto-relatos. Evidenciou-se que o processo de socialização dos participantes deve merecer a atenção do monitor ao programar o elenco de atividades do grupo de participantes / Introduction: Aged persons are concerned wit loss of memory considered as an alarm sign for cognitive decline. The fact is that the loss of memory jeopardizes the aged person\'s daily life, his/her self-esteem and social relationship. Baltes developed a theory stating that the development for the whole life includes selective optimization with compensation and allows persons to age without traumas. This foresees the engagement in tasks which are important. In a memory training program there is room for the creation of conditions that prepare and maintain aged persons active and participating. Objective: To set up a memory training program for aged persons incorporating self-evaluation. Methodology: The study is almost experimental - before and after, conducted at the Public Health School/USP, with an aged population requiring activity programs related to the Open University for aged persons. The first place consisted of a memory training program developed in ten sessions. After defining the target population\'s profile the systematized repertory was broken down according to the mental function to be stimulated. Results: The final program resulted from adjustments of the program developed in the first phase from the analysis of self-evaluation cards in the performance of strategies and exercises and from the analysis of performance cards of training activities and from the analysis of self-reports on the application on a daily basis of the learned contents. The researcher\'s observations on the group\'s daily behavioral aspects were also important for the effected adjustments. Attention and concentration were the most mentioned subjects in the self-evaluations and self-reports. It was underlined that the socialization process of the participants should receive attention from the facilitator when programming the range of activities of the participants

The current literature suggests one of the challenges of nursing today is to meet the health care needs of the growing older population, people over the age of 65. Quality of nursing is important for acutely ill older people who are the largest group of patients in terms of hospital admissions. The ageing population is a major focus for social and economic planners and policy makers. There is an increasing need for health systems to change their focus to more closely assess strategies used to manage the acutely ill older hospital population. The main aim of this study was to improve the quality of nursing care for older, acutely ill, hospitalised medical patients. The study used a mixed method triangulated approach that utilised quantitative and qualitative methods to survey perceived needs of older patients, their family members/carers and the nursing staff, in the process of developing, implementing and evaluating a new model of care using a participatory action research (PAR) process. There were three specific objectives. The first was to evaluate which aspects of nursing care were considered most important for older patients during acute hospitalisation from the perspective of older patients, their family members/carers and their nurses. The second was to develop and implement a model of care that addressed the identified nursing care needs and priorities of older patients through the PAR process. The third was to determine whether employing a PAR process, the chosen model of care addressed the identified nursing care needs and priorities and resulted in increased patient satisfaction and improved health care for older patients. This study demonstrated the implementation of a PAR process to motivate nursing staff, utilising an evidence-based model of care approach, resulted in changes to clinical nursing practice that impacted positively on older patients’ and nursing staff’s satisfaction with care provided, patient knowledge and final health outcomes. It is recommended that the findings of this study be applied to develop guidelines for acutely hospitalised medical patients, particularly for issues relating to educational sessions to increase the patient’s functional activities and knowledge levels of their medication regimes prior to discharge. / Master of Health Science (Hons)

This study was unique in that it focused on the rural elderly of both Black and White ethnicity's, explored differences between groups by comparing use and knowledge of health services, and controlled for gender, income, educational attainment, health status, age, and health beliefs - the independent variables of the study. Knowledge and use of health services were dependent factors. The Anderson behavioral model (Anderson, 1995) has been extensively used to examine health service utilization. It conceptualizes health care use as the outcome of a complex pattern of interactions between predisposing, enabling, and need-for care characteristics. The literature has supported the utility of the behavioral model for assessing the health care practices of rural older adults. Four questions were posed. These were translated into hypotheses for statistical testing purposes. Black and White elderly residents of one rural county in South Carolina comprised the target population. A sample of 150 elderly residents, 75 Black and 75 White, were randomly selected for participation. The multidimensional health locus of control scales were modified and used in the test instrument to assess health beliefs (both internal and external). Descriptive and background data were gathered from administration of the survey. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the LSD (least significant differences) test, in addition to regression analysis, were used to compute and identify differences between and among groups of data. This research concluded that there was no correlation between use of services and knowledge of facilities. There were differences in utilization by race, with Whites making greater use of health care facilities. Educational levels, health status, income, household composition, type of insurance, and age influenced health care use. It was not influenced by gender, distance from facilities, and health beliefs. There was a statistically significant difference between knowledge and race, with Blacks having higher knowledge scores. Gender, health status, income, distance from facilities, and health beliefs did not influence knowledge. However, educational attainment, type of insurance, household composition, and age did. Service use and knowledge were adequate, in contrast to findings in the literature. Recommendations for further study were formulated. / Graduation date: 1999

The purpose of this study was to determine if a 5-month progressive-resistance exercise program would affect measures of activities of daily living (ADLs) and functional stability in elderly women. All subjects were ambulatory women, 80 to 93 years old, who lived in assisted-care facilities. Eight exercise and 7 control subjects completed the 5-month study. Exercise subjects participated 3 times weekly in progressive resistance of the lower extremities and upper extremities. ADLs were assessed by the Barthel Index, and functional stability was assessed by timed measures of rising from a chair, walking, and standing, feet together, with eyes open and eyes closed. All subjects were tested at 0, 10, and 20 weeks. Using repeated measures analysis of variance, significant differences were seen only in an overall Group effect (p<.0005). The Eyes Open stance (p=.02) and Walk (p=.01) measures contributed most to this effect. The lack of significance in other analyses may have resulted from low sample size, high variation of scores, initial group differences, or perhaps an ineffective treatment program. / Graduation date: 1997

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of long-term weighted vest exercise on hip bone mass, functional ability and static balance in elderly women. This was a within subject exercise intervention study and included a 6-month control period. Twenty-three subjects (age 85 �� 6) were recruited and observed for 6-months, then debar a 9-month exercise program. Due to attrition during the control period, five subjects were recruited to add to the exercise group. Training entailed three supervised exercise sessions per week for nine-months designed to overload the lower extremity neuromuscular system. Training stimulus was one of two sets of six to twelve repetitions using weighted vests for progressive resistance. Measurements for bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (Hologic QDR-1000/W). Static balance measurements were made using the Biodex Stability System. Functional ability tests consisted of: leg strength and power (chair raises and sit to stand) and gait speed (tandem, wide and narrow gait and circular path) and was assessed monthly for six months. Comparisons were conducted using repeated measures analysis of variance. Significant improvements were observed for chair raises 13%, sit to stand 13%, tandem gait 30%, wide gait 22%, narrow gait 20% and circular path 20% following the exercise period. No significant changes were detected (p>0.05) for BMD at the femoral neck and trochanter, but BMD was maintained during the exercise period. Further, there was a trend for improved body composition in the exercise versus the control period. Static balance did not change following the observational or exercise period. In conclusion, a practical exercise program of lower extremity training using weighted vests for resistance improves functional ability in women over 75 years of age. Since improved may function transfer to improved postural stability, these results have important implications for design of exercise programs to reduce fall risk in the elderly. / Graduation date: 1997

Diss. (sammanfattning) Uppsala : Uppsala universitet, 2009. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.