Rapid aging of the majority and minority populations is occurring in the United States. Diverse aspects of aging, concerns of the aging of the baby boomer generation, and the heterogeneities among aging persons from diverse races and ethnicities have been examined in detail; however, there is a void in the literature that offers information about the aging of Chinese baby boomers. This qualitative study used a hermeneutic-phenomenological method to investigate the aging experiences of Hong Kong Chinese baby boomers who are residing in the United States. The findings of this study will possibly enhance the literature about the cultural parameters that relate to these persons' aging. The information can benefit counselors whose work involves this population. The results of this study are consistent, highlighting Hong Kong baby boomers' sensitivities to health issues, their perceived physiological changes and change in personality attributes, their desires to strengthen relationships with families and friends and to practice preventive healthcare, their concerns about losing independence, and persons that are important to their aging journeys such as children, spouses, and friends. From an existential perspective based on lived experiences (specifically corporal, temporal, spatial, and relational), the participants' subjective somatic experiences reflected some negative changes such as decline in memory and a lower level of energy. Their temporal sensibilities motivated them to do things that are desirable and meaningful. Their subjective sense of space would be the settings where they nurture their relationships and maintain their active lifestyles. Their relationships seemed to be marked by their longing to see their children often and to grow old with their spouses and friends. The findings indicate that these participants are negotiating their aging identities, autonomy, generativity, and integrity. The factors that protect these baby boomers, such as positive attitudes and sound health, are consistent with the adaptive means that relate to their aging. The importance of this investigation culminates in the cultural meanings of these findings, as they can enrich the counselor education knowledge base. Counselors must develop awareness and understanding of these meanings and integrate them into their work with baby boomer clients of Chinese descent. / School of Education / Counselor Education and Supervision (ExCES) / PhD / Dissertation

Master of Science / Department of Apparel, Textiles, and Interior Design / Kim Y. Hiller Connell / Purchasing fair trade products is a form of socially responsible consumption. Fair trade is founded on the idea of paying fair wages and providing safe working environments to marginalized producers, typically from developing countries. Baby Boomers, the generational cohort that is the focus of this study, were born between the years 1946 and 1964. The purpose of this thesis is to expand the knowledge base of fair trade consumption related to the Baby Boomer generation. This study makes a positive contribution towards this goal by furthering the understanding of Baby Boomers knowledge about and attitudes towards the fair trade movement, as well as assessing their current level of engagement in purchasing of fair trade products and their perceptions about barriers to purchasing fair trade products to a greater degree. An additional contribution made by this study is the comparison of differences in fair trade knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Early versus Late Baby Boomers—a new contribution to the body of knowledge on fair trade. Altogether, 168 Baby Boomers (63 Late Boomers and 105 Early Baby Boomers) participated in the study. Data were collected through an online questionnaire. Questions in the questionnaire focused on: 1) knowledge of the fair trade movement; 2) attitudes about the fair trade movement; 3) fair trade purchasing behaviors; and 4) perceived barriers to fair trade purchasing. Data analysis included a combination of both quantitative (descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and correlation analysis) and qualitative techniques. Guagnano, Stern, and Dietz’s (1995) ABC Model framed the study and Rogers (1983) diffusion theory and the prerequisites for adoption of an innovation guided conceptualization of the barriers to fair trade purchasing. Overall, findings of the study indicated that the participants were knowledgeable about the fair trade movement. They also exhibited positive attitudes towards fair trade but were not willing to compromise on certain product characteristics. The participants were somewhat engaged in a number of fair trade purchasing behaviors and they perceived numerous barriers to purchasing fair trade products. Finally, there were no identifiable differences between the Early and Late Baby Boomers in terms of knowledge, attitudes, or behaviors.

Magister Curationis - MCur / Nursing unit managers from different generations of nurses are expected to manage their units effectively, in order to achieve the healthcare goals for their clients. Directing a unit can be affected by the generational differences among nursing unit managers. It has been stated that generational differences are associated with different perceptions on directing a nursing unit. However, in Namibia, no similar evidence exists to support this theory; therefore, a contextual understanding of the nursing unit managers’ perceptions was necessary to inform future measures of improving the management of a nursing unit. Aim: The purpose of this study was to understand and explore the perceptions of nursing unit managers, from different generation cohorts, on directing a unit. Methods: An exploratory - descriptive qualitative research approach was employed. The data were collected from ten participants, using semi-structured interviews. The data analysis was done through thematic content analysis. Results The nursing unit managers had positive perceptions about their role of directing a nursing unit. The managers’ perceptions of communication, motivation, coaching, and leadership were similar. The differences in the managers’ perceptions were not directly related to generational differences between the nursing unit managers. In general, the nursing unit managers valued communication, and considered it the most significant skill required in directing a nursing unit. Discussion: Nursing unit managers from different generation cohorts view their role of directing a unit positively, and share similar perceptions, regardless of the differences in their generations. The little differences noted were not directly related to the nursing unit managers’ generations. Therefore, nursing unit managers need to be well skilled in communication, motivation, coaching, and leadership, to manage a nursing unit/ward.

Research Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate if neuromusculoskeletal training (i.e., weight and balance training) for older adults could reduce the likelihood of slip-induced fall accidents. The study focused on evaluating biomechanics among the elderly at pre- and post-training stages during processes associated with slip-induced fall accidents. Motivations: Older adults are at a higher risk of falls due to deficient gait characteristics and postural control, especially when facing unexpected external perturbations such as slippery surfaces. The literature (Alexander et al., 1992; Englander 1996; Hausdorff, 2001; Rizzo 1998) indicates that falls among the elderly over 65 result in enormous economic and personal losses, therefore, the losses must be diminished. The results from this study can provide intervention strategies for researchers, health care individuals, and the elderly and their families in reducing the likelihood of slip-induced falls. Background: More than 25% of older adults fall every year (Sattin, 1992), and older adults and their family members fear their falls and fall-related injuries due to the associated high mortality rate (Jensen, 2003). The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported in 2003 that emergency departments treated more than 1.6 million seniors due to fall-related injuries and, among them, 373,000 were admitted to the hospital. In 2002, The National Safety Council reported that 14,500 people died due to fall-related accidents, and 60 percent of them were 65 years of age and older. To minimize economic and personal losses, tribometric techniques for assessing shoe/floor interactions, the biomechanical responses in walking on slippery floor surfaces, and postural control were studied. Still, the elderly population is at a high risk of falling, severe enough that it is a major cause of hospitalization (CDC, 2003). Yet reasons for slip-induced fall accidents are not clear. Therefore, mechanisms involving fall accidents must be explored and, further, interventions to minimize fall accidents must be discovered and implemented. The occurrence of falls among the elderly are postulated to result from neuromusculoskeletal aging. The changes in neuromusculoskeletal components with advancing age are commonly accompanied with mobility problems and poor health status contributing to a decreased physical capability such as a reduction in lower extremity strength (Larsson et al., 1979; Lord et al., 1991 and 1994; Murray et al. 1985; Stalberg et al., 1989; Whipple et al. 1987) and insecure and unconfident balance (Manchester et al. 1989; Stelmach and Sirica, 1987; Teasdale et al. 1991; Thelen et al., 1998; Woolacott, 1986) leading to unstable dynamic postural control and poor gait dynamics (Alexander, 1994; Judge, 2003; Lockhart et al., 2003; Wolfson, 2001). Unstable dynamic postural control and poor gait dynamics influence the likelihood of falls among older adults (Guralnik et al.1994; Judge et al.1996; Lockhart et al., 2003; Tinetti et al. 1988). Therefore, in an effort to improve unstable dynamic postural control and poor gait dynamics, strength and balance training have been proposed and implemented. (Campbell et al., 1999; Day et al., 2002; Fiatarone et al., 1994; Neil, 1994; Shepard et al., 1993; Tinetti et al, 1994; Wolfson et al, 1993). Problem Statement: Although the significance of muscle strengthening and balance training in reducing falls for older adults has been addressed previously, most studies (Berg et al., 1992; Duncan et al., 1990; Guralnik et al.,1994; Hageman et al., 1995; Nashner, 1993; Nashner and McCollum, 1985; Nevitt et al., 1989; Overstall et al., 1977; Rikli and Jones, 1999; Tinetti, 1986) have focused on the effect of muscle strengthening and balance training on the static and dynamic postural control such as quite standing, one-leg stand, the sit-to-stand test, the test of precise movement, functional reaching, or the mobility test. Yet, research to evaluate the effectiveness of muscle strengthening and balance training on actual slip-induced fall events was lacking. This study were carried out to evaluate the likelihood of falls at pre- and post stages of training by incorporating and validating the effectiveness of training utilizing actual perturbations commonly associated with slips and falls. Method: 18 older adults participated in the study for 8 weeks: 6 individuals in balance group, 6 individuals in weight group, and 6 individuals in control group (social group). Each group met three times a week and each session lasted for 1 hour. Biomechanical dependent measures and psychosocial dependent measures were evaluated to the effects of training. Results: The results indicated that, overall, training resulted in improvements in biomechanical dependent measures. Further, regular social activities resulted in improvements in proprioception sensory sensitivity and in ankle dorsiflexion muscular strength. Conclusion: Balance training contributed to an improvement in ankle flexibility, whereas, weight training did not contribute to an improvement in ankle flexibility although either weight or balance training played a role in decreasing slip-propensity and the likelihood of slip-induced falls among older adults. An ability to integrate neuro-musculo-skeletal systems was improved by training and was a main contributor in reducing the likelihood of slip-induced falls. Proprioception sensitivity by itself did not play a role in decreasing the likelihood of slip-induced falls. In addition, the exercise training as well as social activities played a role in altering psychosocial behavior (i.e. fear of falling and independency) of older adults. The author concluded that an ability to integrate neuro-musculo-skeletal systems could be improved by either balance or weight training and could be a primary factor contributing to a reduction in the likelihood of slip-induced falls among older adults. In addition, the author concluded that the regular social activities also could contribute to an enhancement in the psychosocial characteristics of older adults. / Ph. D.

In previous studies research has shown that generation y experience resistance from older generations represented in the labor market in USA. The resistance is due to differences between the generations. On the other hand some studies say that differences are more likely to come from other factors such as gender and which stage in life the individual is in. The purpose of this study is to describe how (women in) generation y is experiencing the cooperation with colleagues from other generations and if they considers that differences due to generations exist. The study will also try to determine if the respondents are aware of each generation’s characteristics. To fulfill the purpose of the study a qualitative method was chosen in the shape of a focus group. To be able to answer the purpose an interview guide was developed from previous studies. The guide was divided in three sections; scenarios, exercises and finally questions. The focus group resulted in a two-hour discussion between four individuals belonging to generation y. The result of the study showed that generation y in Falun, Sweden did identify some of the characteristics each generation had. Further did the respondents conform that resistance due to generational differences was a problem. To answer the purpose of the study generation y felt underestimated by the older generations and expressed a certain degree of hopelessness. / Inom forskningen råder oenighet kring generationer och dess betydelse. Ena sidan menar att varje generation präglas av gemensamma värderingar och att detta i sin tur kan bidra till att konflikter uppstår på arbetsplatser där flera generationer är representerade. Den andra sidan av forskningen menar däremot att det finns faktorer som är viktigare än vilken generation individen tillhör, exempelvis kön eller vilken fas i livet personen befinner sig i. Det är en spännande kamp forskare emellan och oavsett vilken sida som har bäst odds infann sig intresset av att undersöka saken närmare. I en amerikansk studie framkom det att generation y, födda 1980-1995, upplevde ett motstånd från äldre generationer i sitt arbete. Utifrån detta skapades tre frågor som skulle svara upp på syftet som var att beskriva hur (kvinnor i) generation y upplever samarbetet med kollegor från andra generationer och om de anser att generationsskillnader existerar. De frågor som ställdes var; Vilka svårigheter upplever generation y inom arbetslivet och går dessa att koppla till generationsskillnaderna? Vad kan generation y bidra med i ett arbetslag, vilka styrkor har de? Vad kan generationsskillnader på en arbetsplats bidra med och vilka lösningar finns på de potentiella konflikter som kan uppstå orsakade utav dessa? Fyra personer tillhörande generation y bjöds in till en fokusgrupp för att, utifrån en intervjuguide, diskutera dessa frågor. Under två timmar blandades skratt med ilska och sorg när respondenterna fick beskriva de olika generationerna, hur de upplevt motstånd och vad de såg för lösningar på de problem som presenterades. Efteråt kunde det konstateras att generationer är ett komplext ämne och att det väcker känslor. Resultatet av studien bekräftade tidigare studier gällande generationsskillnaders existens. Likväl som generationsskillnader bekräftades framkom även andra faktorer som påverkar hur individer är. Precis som de amerikanska respondenterna upplevde även de svenska respondenterna ett motstånd från äldre generationer som grundade sig i en känsla av att aldrig duga. Sammanfattningsvis behövs mer forskning kring ämnet som inte bara väcker starka känslor utan också påverkar hur organisationer fungerar.

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Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Human Ecology-Personal Financial Planning / Dorothy Durband / D. Elizabeth Kiss / Using constructs derived from expected utility theory and data from the RAND American Life Panel 2012 Well Being 186 and 193 surveys, this study explored the extent to which financial knowledge, financial risk tolerance, and the uncertainty regarding the future need for long-term care were associated with long-term care insurance (LTCI) ownership by baby boomers (N = 1,152). Although extensive studies have been conducted regarding long-term care (LTC) issues facing baby boomers in the United States (U.S.), no studies have been found that investigate whether or not these specific factors were predictive of LTCI ownership by baby boomers. Regression analysis was used to estimate the relationship between the dependent and the independent variables in this study. Consistent with the hypotheses of this study, LTCI knowledge was statistically significantly associated with LTCI ownership by baby boomers. Subjective financial knowledge regarding LTCI had the greatest influence on LTCI ownership. An examination of items used to measure uncertainty regarding the future need of LTC indicated that merely thinking about needing LTC at some point in the future positively influenced LTCI ownership. Baby boomers with higher household income were also more likely to own LTCI. Results of this study may contribute to the existing literature on LTCI ownership among baby boomers. As the need for, and cost of, LTC are expected to increase as the U.S. population ages, study results may also provide information for financial advisors and other stakeholders to better engage baby boomers in ways that promote comprehensive risk management decision making in retirement planning. More specifically, study results may provide stakeholders with information to better understand factors that influence LTCI ownership by baby boomers.

The sheer size of the baby boomer cohort has prompted a great deal of research on life outcomes and potential social strain or benefit of such a large cohort. A major contingency for the baby boomers was the experience of the Vietnam War. Many young men had their life course trajectories interrupted when they were drafted to military service or enrolled in college in an effort to evade the draft. This study uses the Life Family Legacies data to investigate how the Vietnam War may have affected later-life health outcomes of this cohort. Comparing physical health as captured by activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), this study found that baby boomer veterans' outcomes are similar to those of their nonveteran peers. When comparing mental health outcomes by prevalence of PTSD, findings show that those veterans who served in combat or combat support units are much more likely to show persistent signs of PTSD. Findings from this study suggest that the effects of combat are a crucial distinction when comparing outcomes between veterans and nonveterans.

The purpose of this study was to examine the financial portfolios of near-retiree women and compare their assets to near-retiree men. This study also investigated how economic and demographic factors were associated with the probability of holding aggressive assets and the level of savings. Socioeconomic variables were used to create a profile of the investment behaviors and to examine the level of savings among near-retiree women and men. Specific variables key to the study included household income, age, marital status, education, race, and self-reported health of near-retiree women and men. The descriptive statistics indicated that overall, average levels of all asset categories for the female group were much lower than they were for the male group among near-retirees. According to the findings of this study, women tended to invest in safer assets such as CDs, savings bonds, and T-bills rather than in more aggressive assets such as stocks, business assets, and real estate assets. The results from both the logistic regression and Ordinary least squares regression analyses indicated that gender had no statistically significant impact on the investment and savings behavior among near-retirees aged 51 - 64. However, household income, age, marital status, education, race, and the self-reported health status of near-retirees were all significant determinants of the investment and saving behavior among near-retirees aged 51 - 64. For example, near-retirees, with higher income, older, married, higher education, Whites, and in good health, were more likely to own aggressive assets and reported higher level of savings as compared to other near-retirees. This study also explored socioeconomic factors associated with the level of savings among near-retiree women aged 51 - 64. The findings of this study indicated that household income, age, education, and race were significant determinants of the level of savings among near-retiree women aged 51 - 64. The results of the OLS regression analysis showed that women with lower income, younger, less education, and non-Whites reported lower levels of savings than did other women. Implications of the findings, limitations of the current study, and suggestions for future study were presented in the final section. (88 pages)

New Zealand has a well-established network of accommodations, transportation, and visitor activities developed specifically for backpackers. These tourists account for almost ten percent of the country’s international visitor expenditure. To date, the majority of backpacker research has focussed on the traditional market segment of student and youth travellers, though a few quantitative studies have also researched the needs and preferences of older travellers using hostels and backpackers’ accommodations. Though more than 50 percent of New Zealand’s international visitors are over age 40, few currently stay at this type of accommodation. Using New Zealand as a case study, this thesis explores, qualitatively, the perspectives of older backpackers: their self-perceptions, their travel motivations, their needs and expectations in accommodation. In addition, it examines the points of view of the owners of small, independent backpackers’ accommodations to gain their perspectives on hosting a multi-generational clientele and on what the implications might be of expanding this market. Key findings show that older travellers who use backpackers’ accommodations technically meet all Pearce’s (1990) original definitions of “backpacker” – they prefer budget accommodations, they are socially interactive, they travel independently and flexibly, they travel for longer holidays than do most, and they choose informal and participatory activities. However, these travellers reject the self-definition of “backpacker”, an impasse that presents a lexical challenge to both scholars and tourism marketers. The final section addresses the impacts and implications of “backpacker” nomenclature on baby boomer travellers, academia, and the backpacker industry at large.