Thirty percent of older adults fall every year with devastating physical and economic consequences. Physical activity is the primary recommendation for fall prevention, but less than 30% of older adults meet the physical activity guidelines of the various professional organizations. Recent work demonstrated that psychological factors were more specific in identifying fall risk but work on psychological issues related to physical activity in the older adult is limited. This study explored motivation and limits to being physically active in 76 adults with a mean age of 88 living in the assisted living setting, using concurrent mixed method research. The theoretical foundation was a 3-pronged method using self-determination, self-efficacy, and resilience theories to explore such issues as autonomy, vicarious experience, and positivism. Quantitative data were used to examine the individual influences of various psychological factors on physical activity participation through multi regression analysis. No significant relationships were found, although it emerged that fear of falling was a greater influence in limiting physical activity than balance confidence or fall efficacy. Qualitative open-ended questions further explored the research question with triangulation through interviews with activity staff. Four primary themes emerged covering function, emotions, influences, and "want" demonstrating a strong desire for healthy living and independence. Results of this study can assist the development of suitable programs for this population. Implications for positive social change include the potential to increase physical activity and possibly decrease the number of devastating falls in the older adult population.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of participation in the Otago Exercise Programme (OEP) on strength and balance. The change in a number of balance and strength measures were compared between a group of community dwelling women over the age of 80 years participating in the OEP and a control group matched by gender and age.Study design: A cohort study of two independent groups.Participants: Nineteen women over the age of 80 years who were community dwelling and participating in the OEP and 18 age matched community dwelling women who continued with their normal activities of daily living.Main outcome measures: Participants' strength and balance was measured using the timed up and go test, the step test, the 30 second chair stand test and gait velocity. Participants' fear of falling was measured with the Modified Falls Efficacy Scale and falls were monitored using a falls diary.Results: There were no statistically significant improvements in strength and balance in the OEP group and no statistically significant differences between the OEP and control group, after participating in the OEP for 6 months. The only statistically significant change in the OEP group was a slowing of gait velocity, all other outcome measures remained unchanged for both the OEP group and the control group.Conclusions: There were no statistically significant improvements in strength and balance after participating in the OEP. These results are consistent with those of the original Otago trial and the subsequent meta-analysis of all the Otago trials. The results from this study need to be interpreted with caution, as due to the small sample size the study was underpowered. The critical components of the OEP remain unknown.

Introduction: This study explored the health behaviour of older adults with COPD. Objectives included: 1) to explore the process of successfully managing COPD; 2) to identify health behaviour strategies utilized; 3) to identify factors influencing health behaviour change; 4) to understand the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). Methods: Eleven community-dwelling older adults were interviewed following PR. Interviews were coded and analyzed using constant comparative analysis, comparing and contrasting incoming data with emerging theory. Findings: Two distinct models were developed representing participants’ experience with COPD and health behaviour change: Struggling with Living: Life with COPD before Pulmonary Rehabilitation; and Carrying on with Living: Life with COPD following Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Conclusions: Older adults with COPD engaged in a limited repertoire of health behaviour strategies which were relatively ineffectual prior to participation in PR. PR had a major impact on health behaviour strategies, and on the external and personal factors influencing health behaviour.

Introduction: This study explored the health behaviour of older adults with COPD. Objectives included: 1) to explore the process of successfully managing COPD; 2) to identify health behaviour strategies utilized; 3) to identify factors influencing health behaviour change; 4) to understand the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). Methods: Eleven community-dwelling older adults were interviewed following PR. Interviews were coded and analyzed using constant comparative analysis, comparing and contrasting incoming data with emerging theory. Findings: Two distinct models were developed representing participants’ experience with COPD and health behaviour change: Struggling with Living: Life with COPD before Pulmonary Rehabilitation; and Carrying on with Living: Life with COPD following Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Conclusions: Older adults with COPD engaged in a limited repertoire of health behaviour strategies which were relatively ineffectual prior to participation in PR. PR had a major impact on health behaviour strategies, and on the external and personal factors influencing health behaviour.

This study is an exploration of the process of accessing dementia care for Aboriginal Older Adults living in Northern Saskatchewan. The research question for this project was, What is the process of accessing formal healthcare for dementia from the perspective of Northern Saskatchewan Aboriginal communities, and what factors specifically impede or encourage accessing formal care? <p>Grounded theory methodology informed the research process. Theoretical sampling resulted in a sample of thirty participants. Data were generated through eighteen in-person, semi-structured interviews; two in-person, semi-structured group interviews; and three focus group discussions including a directed activity led by participants. Analysis of data using the grounded theory constant comparison method led to an emergent theory that was verified by research participants.<p>The theory that emerged explains the basic social process at the heart of the research question. The grounded theory, The process of negotiating culturally incongruent healthcare systems explains the access to and use of formal healthcare from the perspective of those living in Northern Saskatchewan. Specific attention to the social context of healthcare access helped to illuminate the challenges faced by Aboriginal Older Adults when accessing healthcare services. The findings indicate a need for enhancing the cultural competence of healthcare provision to Older Adults with dementia in Northern Saskatchewan while providing formal support for those persons with dementia as well as for their informal caregivers.

This study is an exploration of the process of accessing dementia care for Aboriginal Older Adults living in Northern Saskatchewan. The research question for this project was, What is the process of accessing formal healthcare for dementia from the perspective of Northern Saskatchewan Aboriginal communities, and what factors specifically impede or encourage accessing formal care? <p>Grounded theory methodology informed the research process. Theoretical sampling resulted in a sample of thirty participants. Data were generated through eighteen in-person, semi-structured interviews; two in-person, semi-structured group interviews; and three focus group discussions including a directed activity led by participants. Analysis of data using the grounded theory constant comparison method led to an emergent theory that was verified by research participants.<p>The theory that emerged explains the basic social process at the heart of the research question. The grounded theory, The process of negotiating culturally incongruent healthcare systems explains the access to and use of formal healthcare from the perspective of those living in Northern Saskatchewan. Specific attention to the social context of healthcare access helped to illuminate the challenges faced by Aboriginal Older Adults when accessing healthcare services. The findings indicate a need for enhancing the cultural competence of healthcare provision to Older Adults with dementia in Northern Saskatchewan while providing formal support for those persons with dementia as well as for their informal caregivers.

Background: The growth in the number of individuals with end-stage renal disease has implications in terms of both the health of individuals, especially older adults (aged 65 years and older), and the capacity of the health care system to provide adequate treatment needed by these patients. Much has been written regarding the pathophysiology of end-stage renal disease as well as how modern advances in technology have contributed to the ‘dialysis world’. However, the literature is sparse in relation to how older adults experience end-stage renal disease and the technological complexity of dialysis in their daily lives. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of being hemodialysis-dependent for the older adult living with end-stage renal disease. Method: A descriptive method using a qualitative interviewing approach was used. Systematic focused thematic analysis guided by the Crisis of Physical Illness conceptual model allowed for the findings to surface. Data sources included individual interviews, direct observation of participants and the hemodialysis unit, along with field notes. A purposive sample of nine participants was obtained from two different hemodialysis units, both operated by Kingston General Hospital. Data were analyzed using the Colaizzi method. Findings: Five themes were identified by the participants: The Will to Live, Recognition of a Lifetime Commitment, Learning to Live with Technology, The Yin and Yang of Dialysis, and Transcending Dialysis. Conclusions: End-stage renal disease and thrice weekly hemodialysis treatment have an impact on the daily life of older adults and their ability to cope with the changes. This study revealed that despite the restrictions of being on hemodialysis, all of the participants had the will to live and some expressed the need for further education using a variety of strategies that would meet the specific needs of this population. A more in-depth understanding of how older adults experience hemodialysis is needed to provide adequate care/resources for this special population. / Thesis (Master, Nursing) -- Queen's University, 2011-09-15 13:02:28.548

No description available.

Canada’s population is aging rapidly, such that by 2031 it is estimated that one quarter of Canada’s population will be aged 65 or older (Statistics Canada December 15, 2006). It is argued that urban environments are often not adequately designed for older people and can impair their ability to live independently into their elder years (Harris 2004). Proper planning can help people age successfully in their community. This research practicum assesses three town centres within the City of Surrey to determine whether they are agefriendly based on the perceptions of residents over the age of 65. Results from the research found that areas in need of improvement included public transit, the walking environment, clustering various land uses, parks amenities, and home assistance, among other things. The practicum concludes with recommendations of areas for further study.

Canada’s population is aging rapidly, such that by 2031 it is estimated that one quarter of Canada’s population will be aged 65 or older (Statistics Canada December 15, 2006). It is argued that urban environments are often not adequately designed for older people and can impair their ability to live independently into their elder years (Harris 2004). Proper planning can help people age successfully in their community. This research practicum assesses three town centres within the City of Surrey to determine whether they are agefriendly based on the perceptions of residents over the age of 65. Results from the research found that areas in need of improvement included public transit, the walking environment, clustering various land uses, parks amenities, and home assistance, among other things. The practicum concludes with recommendations of areas for further study.