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Little is known about the impact of senior multipurpose facilities on the quality of life of African American elders. This thesis examined the context of African American elders’ participation in these facilities. Qualitative methods were used. Fifteen in-depth participant interviews, one facility program coordinator interview and eighteen weeks of participant observation were completed. The principles of grounded-theory method were used during data analysis. Findings reveal that racial experiences played an important role in participants’ sense of community. Female and male participants engaged in different types of activities. While some participants reported physical improvements, all participants recounted social and emotional benefits as a result of participation. Participation at the facility facilitated the construction of new self identities. This study increases the knowledge of African American seniors’ participation in senior multipurpose facilities. It also provides data to generate research questions for future comparative studies in predominantly black and white senior multipurpose facilities.

Older adults with developmental disabilities often experience similar age-related health changes as their typically developing peers. However, they also face challenges associated with aging with a life-long disability. Because of the changes in life expectancy for people with developmental disabilities, there is a growing need for long-term residential care. The current study examines a sample of 90 counties in the state of Georgia. In addition to descriptive analysis, regression analysis was used to examine bed availability with county type (urban, rural, and metropolitan), age, race, income, education, and disability status as potential predictors. Preliminary analyses revealed that rural counties, on the whole, had more beds available than urban or metropolitan counties. However, these results were partially mediated by the following within county variables: adult disability status, income, older age, and racial makeup of the county.

This quantitative study examined body image and disordered eating in older males. Using a series of questionnaires and demographic questions, two research questions were explored: a) What are the characteristics of older males in terms of eating and body image? and b) Are disordered eating behaviors among older males related to dissatisfaction with body image, specifically physical appearance or physical functioning? Paired samples t-tests revealed that older males rated their ideal body figure as significantly smaller than their current figure, t(35) = -5.53, p < .01, which indicates the presence of body dissatisfaction. Twenty percent of participants were found to be at risk for disordered eating attitudes and behaviors. Furthermore, a correlation was found between disordered eating attitudes and body dissatisfaction particularly as it relates to physical appearance, (r(33) = -.486, p < .01).

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a progressive exercise program on vestibular control of standing balance, in older adults referred for home care physiotherapy because of balance impairment. Methods: Ability to use vestibular inputs for postural control in standing was assessed using the Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (CTSIB). Participants who had CTSIBTest 5 scores of < 15 seconds were accepted into the study. Participants were randomly assigned to an 8 week intervention of progressive balance exercise targeting ability to use vestibular control and high intensity progressive resistance exercise (PRE) or high intensity PRE only. Results: The difference in CTSIBTest 5 scores of the RBE Group (median 23.3 s) was greater than the difference in CTSIBTest 5 scores for the RE Group (median 0.60 s) (W = 18.0, p <0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study provide preliminary evidence that the ability to use vestibular control in older adults, referred for home care physiotherapy for balance impairment, can be modified by progressive balance training and resistance exercise but not by resistance exercise alone.

The overall objective of this thesis was to compare compensatory reactions in young and older adults following unexpected platform perturbations in the frontal and sagittal planes during gait. Eleven young (aged 18-30) and ten community-dwelling older adults (aged 65+) completed a general health questionnaire, Mini BESTest, hip strength tests, and 45 walking trials on a motion platform. The walking trials were completed in a randomized block design on a 5 m pathway that moved following right heel contact after at least two steps. Young adults had stronger hips and performed better on the Mini BESTest than older adults. Compensatory reactions (measured through gait parameters and centre of mass motion) indicated that lateral perturbations were more difficult for both groups. These measures showed that young adults were able to recover more quickly than older adults. This could be attributed to altered base of support changes that occurred immediately following platform motions. / Ontario Graduate Scholarship

Facebook offers users a mode in which to (re)construct their identity. Recent studies examining identity and Facebook explore how impression management is a major factor when participating in the site. However, a research gap exists regarding the perspectives and experiences of older adult users and how they construct their identity on Facebook. This study extends the current knowledge base on identity in online environments. Qualitative face-to-face interviews with 16 individuals (8 male, 8 female) between the ages of 48-67 followed by a detailed thematic analysis indicate that identity is not fixed; but rather, is multiple and ever-changing. Findings reveal the performative nature of identity on Facebook through the identification of seven identities: expressive, hesitant/cautious, censored, vain, controlled, confident, and validated. Results give voice to older adults, an age group largely ignored when exploring the use of social media.

As the older adults of Ontario go through the phases of aging, some might experience functional deficiency and loss of independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL). With rehabilitation and facilitation of essential health services, older adults will have tremendous opportunities in the pursuit of self-sufficiency and functional independence. The current study focused on detailing a quick-paced rehabilitation program provided to older adults in northeastern Ontario. The program of interest was the Assess-Restore program provided by the St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre (SJCCC) in Sudbury, Ontario. The study involved a retrospective chart review of 144 patients treated in the past four years, which facilitated the examination of patient charts, as well as the extraction and analysis of their functional status and capabilities prior to admission (PTA) and at discharge. Data were extracted from the Resident Assessment Instrument-Minimum Data Set Version 2.0 (RAI-MDS), which is part of the “PointClickCare” system. Although the study did not find significant changes in the level of functionality and self-sufficiency, it succeeded in effectively promoting functional restoration allowing the majority of patients to return to a level of independence in the community and avert subsequent need for residential care rather than risk further functional deterioration.

No description available.

No description available.