No Brasil, a porcentagem de pessoas idosas e sua expectativa de vida aumentam gradualmente. O envelhecimento é considerado um fenômeno natural, social, cultural e econômico. Ademais, a redução da taxa de fecundidade, diminuição de integrantes das famílias, as mudanças nos padrões de nupcialidade e a crescente inserção da mulher no mercado de trabalho reduzem a disponibilidade de cuidadores familiares; tudo isso torna o idoso mais suscetível ao stress. Assim, pensar em questões referentes ao envelhecimento e ao dia a dia dos idosos passa a ser uma necessidade dentro da realidade brasileira. Entre os serviços especializados voltados para a população idosa em nosso país, estão as ILPIs (Instituição de Longa Permanência para Idosos), responsáveis por auxiliar os idosos em suas tarefas diárias e/ou dificuldades relacionadas ao envelhecimento físico, psicológico, cognitivo e social. O aumento paradoxal do nível de stress na vida cotidiana e da longevidade dos seres humanos convida a refletir sobre as estratégias desenvolvidas para minimizar o efeito deletério do agente stressor. Assim, este estudo pretende compreender e descrever o stress, a partir da perspectiva ainda pouco estudada, de idosos em situação de dependência física e/ou financeira, com autonomia cognitiva-funcional, residentes em ILPIs. Investigaremos a relação entre a história pessoal e o nível de stress nessa população, buscando compreender e descrever o impacto de eventos estressores em sua qualidade de vida. Foram entrevistados apenas idosos em condição de autonomia cognitivo-funcional, com idade igual ou superior a 70 anos, que residem em ILPI, na cidade de Santos SP. Para tanto, foram aplicados um Quesionário de Informações Gerais, O Mini Exame do Estado Mental, o Life Events Units (LEU/VAS) e algumas Questões Complementares. Entre os eventos de vida com nível de stress mais relevantes, estão Morte do Cônjuge, Acidente ou Doença, Casamentos, Aposentadoria, Gravidez, Nascimento de Crianças na Família, Morte de Alguém na Família, Mudança na Condição Financeira, Férias e Cirurgia. Foi possível observar que, os eventos citados atingiram nível de stress altíssimo no período em que foram vividos e nível alto ainda nos dias de hoje. Apesar dos altos níveis de stress encontrados, o grupo em que houve diminuição do nível de stress corresponde a 100% da amostra / The percentage of senior citizens and their life expectancy have been increasing gradually in Brazil. Aging is considered to be a natural, social, cultural and economic phenomenon. Therefore, questions concerning this phenomenon and the daily life of the elderly people have become a necessity in the Brazilian society. The ILPIs (long stay old age homes) are the institutions responsible for assisting the senior citizens in need of special care such as carrying out daily chores and/or difficulties related to physical, psychological, cognitive and social aging. Furthermore, factors like the decrease of the fertility rate, the decrease of members in families, changes in marriage patterns and the increase of the participation of women at the work market , have affected the availability of relatives to become care takers. Therefore, the elderly have become more susceptible to stress as before. The absurd rise of stress levels in our daily lives and the increase of our longevity, invite us to reflect upon the strategies which should be developed in order to minimize the harmful effect of the stress then.That being the case, this study intends to cast light on the comprehension and description of stress in the elderly people who find themselves in an economical and/or physical dependency but are still cognitively and functionally fit and living in the ILPIs, mentioned above. We will investigate the relationship between their life history and the stress level while living in the old age homes. Only cognitively and functionally fit elderly people have taken part in our research, at the age of 70 and older. The following tests and questionnaires have been applied: Firstly, a general questions questionnaire, then The mental health status examination, The Life Events Units(LEU/VAS) and other complementary questions. Relevant events which are linked to the rise of the stress levels are: the death of a spouse, accident or illness, marriage, retirement, pregnancy, the birth of children in the family, death in the family, financial difficulties, holidays, and surgery. It is important to mention that the stress levels have reached their highest during the occurrence of these life events mentioned before, and they still have an impact on the stress levels presently. Despite of the high levels of stress, we could observe that the people in the group which had a stress reduction corresponds to 100% of the samples taken

La tendencia de crecimiento del segmento de la tercera edad tanto a nivel mundial como en el Perú y la menor disponibilidad de tiempo por parte de los hijos para encargarse del cuidado de los adultos mayores , se percibió como solución a dicho problema, la posibilidad de satisfacer las necesidades de atención de las personas de la tercera edad a través de medidas como las residencias para adultos mayores. Sin embargo, existe la posibilidad de dos escenarios por parte de los consumidores respecto al servicio: aceptación o rechazo. El objetivo general de la investigación ha consistido en determinar los elementos que principalmente influyen en el comportamiento de consumo del servicio de residencias geriátricas, por parte de aquellos adultos mayores con capacidad de decisión propia. Tal objetivo ha implicado identificar las principales necesidades que inducen a las personas de la tercera edad a contratar el servicio , determinar los factores del comportamiento del consumidor que influyen con mayor relevancia e identificar los actores que intervienen e la decisión de consumo. Para la solución del problema de investigación se ha empleado una metodología de carácter cualitativa dado que permite profundizar en los puntos de vista de interpretaciones de los individuos. La unidad de análisis ha sido enfocada en personas de la tercera edad, especificamente de 89 años a más, de los niveles socioeconómicos A, B y C de Lima metropolitana; cuyas facultades mentales y capacidades para tomar decisiones propias se encuentran con lucidez. La técnica selccionada ha sido la de entrevistas en profundidad dado que permiten un intercambio libre de información, sin ningún tipo de presión grupal, además de brindar mayor eficacia para tratar temas sensibles y preguntas que pueden invadir la privacidad de las personas. Por último, el muestreo empleado ha sido el de bola de nieve. / Trabajo de investigación

Background & Objective: Acute gastroenteritis (AG) outbreak in elderly homes is common in Hong Kong, especially during the winter. Although mainly a self-limiting condition, the associated short-term as well as long-term medical and social costs can be extensive. This case-control study aims to investigate the hygienic risk factors related to infectious AG in elderly homes at both institutional and individual levels. Predictor variables under investigation include hand wash practice, infection control practice, routine institutional hygienic practice, food handling practice, and environmental factors such as the home setting, ventilation measures and isolation room setting. / Conclusions: This study found that 'sometimes or never wash hands after toilet' was a significant personal hygienic risk factor for AG transmission. This indicated that toilet may be the most susceptible place and hands are the most susceptible vehicle for AG transmission in Hong Kong elderly homes. A higher percentage of the NOHs had a more frequent routine cleaning practice than the OHs, demonstrating that routine cleaning practice may be an economical and an effective way to prevent AG infection. / Methods: All the elderly homes in the New Territories East were invited to take part in the study. A total of 34 homes and 2,995 residents were recruited in the study sample. The data collection period was from Dec 2007 to May 2009. Cases were notified within one week after a reported AG case, either by a report from the elderly home in question, the weekly check up with the New Territories East Community Geriatric Assessment Teams (NTE CGATs), regular contact with the elderly homes by the research assistant and case referrals from the Accident and Emergency Department from the Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH). One hundred and forty cases and 280 matched controls were recruited. For every AG case reported, two sex and age (within 5 years) and elderly home matched controls were selected. Structured questionnaires were conducted in face-to-face interviews in the elderly homes by trained interviewers. Information about the ventilation and the environmental hygiene of the elderly homes was collected by observation from the research team at the beginning of the study. Descriptive analysis was performed for the characteristics of cases and controls. Multivariate and multilevel logistic regression models were applied and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for the potential hygienic risk factors. / Results: Multiple conditional logistic regression analysis revealed 'sometimes or never wash hands after toilet' OR:3.09 (95%CI: 1.28 -- 7.42) [ref gp: wash hands every time after toilet] was the major significant risk factor for AG in elderly homes, indicating the possible route of person-to-person transmission. Other significant risk factors included: Self-nutrition evaluation as 'not enough' (OR: 2.07; 95%CI: 1.05 -- 4.06), 'Being hospitalized in past month before the interview' (OR: 2.86; 95%CI: 1.16 -- 7.05), 'Simplified Barthel Index scored <15" (OR: 2.63; 1.06 -- 6.53), and 'Alzheimer's' (OR: 2.75; 95% 1.18 -- 6.40). The institutional hygiene factors were investigated based on the descriptive analysis between the outbreak homes (OHs) and the non-outbreak homes (NOHs). The results indicated that the health worker (HW) to resident ratio was much lower in OHs than NOHs (50% OHs: 1:30-55 vs > 80% NOHs:1:10-29), and a higher percentage of the NOHs had a more frequent routine cleaning practice than the OHs. / Fung, Pui Kwan. / Adviser: Ho Suzanne Sutying. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 73-02, Section: B, page: . / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 182-206). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [201-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

published_or_final_version / Public Administration / Master / Master of Public Administration

This research project aims to clarify the factors that impact successful aging in Assisted Living facilities (ALFs) in Denton County, Texas. We hypothesize that social disengagement decreases physical and mental components of quality of life. This exploratory research project employed standardized questionnaires to assess residents in the following domains; HRQOL, social engagement status, level of cognition, depression, and the level of functioning. This study collected data from 75 participants living in five ALFs. The average of Physical Component Scale (PCS) and Mental Component Scale (MCS) was 35.33, and 53.62 respectively. None of the participants had five or more social contacts out of facilities, and two-third of them had two or less social contacts. On average, those participants who were more socially engaged had higher score of MCS compared with disengaged counterparts. The level of physical function significantly affects social engagement, when people with more disabilities are more likely to be socially disengaged. Social engagement and depression significantly impact MCS, when depression is a mediating factor between social engagement and mental component of quality of life. Considering the expansion in aging population in the United States within the next three decades, the demand for high quality long-term care will skyrocket consequently. This study reveals that external social engagement can sustain HRQOL of residents in assisted living facilities.

CONCLUSION: A multi-faceted hand hygiene intervention with pocket-sized containers of alcohol-based hand rub was effective in increasing hand rubbing compliance and reducing incidence of total infections requiring hospitalization in elderly LTCFs. Its effect on outbreaks still needs further investigations. The questionnaire developed in this study may be a simple and effective method to assess the attitude and compliance change of the HCWs after implementing a hand hygiene programme. / DESIGN: Clustered randomized controlled trial / INTERVENTIONS: After a 3-month run-in period, we randomized three LTCFs to the treatment and three to the control group. The treatment group received pocket-sized containers of alcohol-based hand rub, education and reminding materials. The control group received basic life support education and workshops. They were followed up for another seven months. We measured the hand hygiene compliance of the HCWs by direct observation and recorded the incidence of infections of the residents from their hospital discharge summaries. / OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of a multi-faceted hand hygiene programme with pocket-sized containers of alcohol-based hand rub for infection control in elderly long-term care facilities (LTCFs) / OUTCOMES & DATA ANALYSIS: Primary outcomes were direct observed compliances of hand washing and antiseptic hand rubbing of the HCWs, incidence of infections requiring hospitalization and death rate due to infection of the residents, and outbreaks of the LTCFs. Secondary outcomes were change in hand hygiene attitude and self-reported compliance. / PARTICIPANTS: All health care workers (HCWs) of the LTCFs recruited by snowball sampling. Their job categories were nurses, nursing assistants and physiotherapists. / RESULTS: In the treatment group, the compliance of alcohol-based hand rubbing increased significantly from 1.5% (5/333) to 15.9% (233/1465) (p=0.001) and total compliance increased from 25.8% (86/333) to 33.3% (488/1465) (p=0.01) after intervention. Total incidence of infections decreased from 31 cases in 21,862 resident days (1.42 per 1,000 resident-day (rd)) to 33 cases in 50,441 resident days (0.65 per 1,000 resident-day) (p=0.002) and death rate due to infection decreased from 8 cases in 21,862 resident days (0.37 per 1,000 rd) to 5 cases in 50,441 resident days (0.1 per 1,000 rd) in the treatment group (p=0.01). Pneumonia significantly decreased by 0.63 per 1000 rd (p=0.001). In the control group, there were no changes in both antiseptic hand rubbing and hand washing. The total incidence of infections increased from 0.49 to 1.04 per 1000 rd (p=0.004) and no change in death rate due to infection (p=0.45). No outbreaks of influenza and norovirus occurred during the whole study in both groups. / SETTING: Six LTCFs for the elderly / The attitude of antiseptic hand rubbing on infection control increased significantly in the treatment group but there was no change under different situations in the control group. The self-reported compliance of antiseptic hand rubbing increased significantly in the treatment group. There were no changes on the self-reported compliances in the control group. The agreement of the direct observed results and the self-reported compliances was 75% (kappa coefficient = 0.5). / Yeung, Wing Kin. / Adviser: Tze Wai Wong. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 73-06, Section: B, page: . / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 100-106). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [201-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the recreational activities provided in special care units located in the Inland Empire. The population that this study sought to assist was patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and living in an Alzheimer's special care unit.

A study entitled `Phenomenological study of ageing amongst the older persons in Zambia' was undertaken with the purpose of gaining an understanding of the ageing phenomenon within the Zambian context and provide frameworks that could be used by policy-makers and health professionals to formulate guidelines or interventions relevant to the lived experiences of older persons and the meaning attached to ageing or being old, and consequently maintain or improve the quality of life of older persons of Zambia. The objectives of the study were to describe (1) the lived experiences of the older persons of Zambia, and (2) the meaning they attached to ageing or being old within the Zambian context. A transcendental phenomenological design within the qualitative naturalistic approach was used to guide the research process and to assist the researcher to reach the purpose and objectives of the study. Focus group and in-depth individual interviews were conducted to generate data from twenty-seven (27) informants. Fifteen (15) informants participated in the focus group interviews and twelve (12) in in-depth individual interviews. In total, 24 in-depth individual interviews were conducted in term of two interviews per informants, and two focus group interviews. Data collection covered a period of three months. Coliazzi (1978) and Giorgi (1985) techniques for qualitative data analysis were used and verbatim excerpts form the transcribed interviews were used to support the themes that emerged from data and to provide a richer picture of the situation. Three frameworks derived from the findings of this study: (1) framework of the lived experiences of older persons of Zambia, (2) framework of the meaning of ageing or being old and (3) framework for understanding ageing within the Zambian context. The researcher believed that these frameworks would make a meaningful contribution toward the understanding and the development of policies and interventions that would assist in enhancing or maintaining the quality of life of older people of Zambia. The main findings of the results of this study indicated three most significant dimensions of the lived experiences of the older persons (health, socio-economic and psychosocial) that need to be taken into account when planning for any programs or interventions aimed at maintaining or improving the quality of life of older persons of Zambia. These interventions and programs should also address the negative feelings or meanings attached to the above experiences. The main findings of the results of this study also showed that the meaning of being old or ageing in Zambia does not depend on the health, socio-economic and psychosocial living experiences of the older person but it depends largely on the inner values of the older persons, such as spiritual, emotional and cultural beliefs. This means that maintaining or improving the quality of life of older persons in Zambia would require comprehensive programs or interventions that should take into account the health, socio-economic, psychosocial, spiritual, emotional and cultural needs of the older people. / Health Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

Dissertation submitted in compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Nursing, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Life expectancy has increased rapidly since the beginning of the twentieth century and people aged 65 and older form the fastest growing segment of the population. With the onset of old age, comes social, physical and psychological challenges that result in morbidity and loss of independent life. For some of the socially and economically marginalized elderly this often means living in a long term facility. This study determined the effect of a dance and music programme on balance and function in the residents of a selected old age home in Pietermaritzburg. Aim of the study The study determined the effect of a dance and music programme on the balance and functional ability of the residents of the old age home. Methodology A pre-test/post-test experimental design was used in this study. The eligible participants were randomly assigned to two groups, the experimental and the control groups. The experimental group participated in the 12 week programme of a dance and music programme offered twice weekly while the control group received standard care. Both groups’ functional abilities and balance capabilities were assessed before and after the intervention. Results The results revealed that dance and music programme did not statistically improve balance and function. Function improved in the experimental group post-test compared to the pre-test. Positive feelings expressed during the classes indicate that the intervention had a positive effect on the participants. Conclusion The dance and music programme improved function. It is recommended that residents of the geriatric home be offered this dance and music programme as a long term activity. / M

"February 20, 2003" / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 586-603) / xvii, 603 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Investigates the level of resident participation in decision-making in aged care hostels in South Australia. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Psychology, 2003