Student sense of belonging has been a topic of discussion for decades; however, senior student sense of belonging has not been looked at as closely as other groups of students. As seniors transition out of college, institutions must consider that these students become the alumni who contribute through alumni donations and share their experiences with future generations of students. Looking at data from a single very high research college campus in a rural state, the study explored variables that relate to senior student sense of belonging. Using Ahn and Davis’s (2020a) 4 domains of student sense of belonging, variables were included that fit into the categories of academic engagement, social engagement, surroundings, and personal space, along with other student characteristics. The study uses student information attained through university data and responses to NSSE survey items to explore what items impacted students’ response to feeling a sense of belonging based on 3 NSSE survey items related to sense of belonging that were introduced in the 2020 version of the survey. Data from three linear regressions showed the significance of 16 independent variables using a stepwise approach. Data showed that there were 2 variables that were significant in all 3 models: students reporting that they would choose the same institution again and students’ overall evaluation of their experiences. The data showed a wholistic picture of what relates to senior student sense of belonging cannot be determined using the variables in this study. The authors suggest that a qualitative approach would be needed to learn more about how the variables in this study and additional variables impact sense of belonging for senior students.

This study focuses on the writing of senior students in the subject English at an ACT secondary college. Several features of the ACT education system are relevant. There is a high retention rate, so the sample is a broad one. The curriculum is school based, as is assessment. There are separate courses for those seeking tertiary entrance (TE) and those seeking to complete their education at Year 12 (Accredited). The theoretical basis of the study is provided by the work of a number of linguists with an interest in school language, in particular Graham Little. 255 samples of writing have been analysed, taking account of the function and forms of language. The function, or meaning, has been analysed in terms of content, abstraction, purpose and audience. The writing in the Accredited course is evenly distributed between the human and material worlds, three quarters is informational and one quarter Imaginative. The level of abstraction shows a predominance of reporting and generalising. Writing in the TE course is 60% concerned with the human world and reaches higher levels of abstraction such as speculation and hypothesising. The audience is academic. Compared with earlier findings, this study shows more human content and higher levels of abstraction. Language functions through selective use of forms. The aspects of form analysed are vocabulary, abstraction of noun phrase, sentence length and sentence sequencing. Figures produced were largely consistent with earlier studies; however the TE group shows higher syllable counts, greater abstraction of noun phrase and longer sentences than the Accredited group. Creative writing brings the groups closest together. Handwriting, spelling and punctuation are examined. Handwriting is always legible, spelling close to 98% correct and 84% of full stops are correctly used. A small number of scripts produce most of the errors in both spelling and punctuation. The achievement of students as revealed by this study of writing is consistent with earlier studies although the students represented here demonstrate higher levels of abstraction. The curriculum contains more human content and is commendably comprehensive, although there is less poetic and expressive writing than might be expected. This form of language analysis is recommended for its concentration on the language actually produced in class, the insights it provides for teachers and the information it provides for meaningful public discussion of education.

Research indicates that today’s aging population may obtain various benefits from using computer technology. These benefits include increased self-esteem, decreased depression, increased life satisfaction, and decreased loneliness; however, few of these studies have employed quantitative measures to quantify these results. This study focused on the possible benefits related to self-esteem and life satisfaction of older computer users. Participants belonged to either a control group or an experimental group. The experimental group participated in an eight-week computer training course. The control group did not receive computer training. All participants were administered the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Life Satisfaction Index-Z at the beginning and the end of the study. The researcher hypothesized that participants who received computer training would have higher levels of self-esteem and life satisfaction when compared with the group of participants who did not receive computer training. Results of the study indicated life satisfaction for both the control and experimental group rose slightly, but was not statistically significant. Therefore it is impossible to say that the SeniorNet computer training course helped to increase aged individuals’ life satisfaction. These results may indicate that any sort of meaningful activity (either participating in a computer class or involvement in social activities at a senior community center) may increase an individuals’ life satisfaction. The results also indicated that self-esteem for the experimental group rose slightly after receiving computer training; however, these results were not statistically significant. It could be possible that the sense of mastery over a subject may have increased the participant’s self-esteem, as stated in the study by Hoot and Hayslip (1983). Further research needs to be conducted on this population, and such research may enhance an aging population’s outlook on life and themselves.

Research indicates that today’s aging population may obtain various benefits from using computer technology. These benefits include increased self-esteem, decreased depression, increased life satisfaction, and decreased loneliness; however, few of these studies have employed quantitative measures to quantify these results. This study focused on the possible benefits related to self-esteem and life satisfaction of older computer users. Participants belonged to either a control group or an experimental group. The experimental group participated in an eight-week computer training course. The control group did not receive computer training. All participants were administered the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Life Satisfaction Index-Z at the beginning and the end of the study. The researcher hypothesized that participants who received computer training would have higher levels of self-esteem and life satisfaction when compared with the group of participants who did not receive computer training. Results of the study indicated life satisfaction for both the control and experimental group rose slightly, but was not statistically significant. Therefore it is impossible to say that the SeniorNet computer training course helped to increase aged individuals’ life satisfaction. These results may indicate that any sort of meaningful activity (either participating in a computer class or involvement in social activities at a senior community center) may increase an individuals’ life satisfaction. The results also indicated that self-esteem for the experimental group rose slightly after receiving computer training; however, these results were not statistically significant. It could be possible that the sense of mastery over a subject may have increased the participant’s self-esteem, as stated in the study by Hoot and Hayslip (1983). Further research needs to be conducted on this population, and such research may enhance an aging population’s outlook on life and themselves.

The thesis deals with the apprehension of homogeneity and heterogeneity of the senior consumer market and their impact on marketing. The thesis is mapping specification and characterization of the lifestyle and consumer behavior of the 55+ generation in the Czech Republic. It aims to determine the marketing potential of the target group. Typical views of elderly people in terms of the society and companies are based on analysis of MML-TGI data, secondary data research and own primary data using both qualitative and quantitative market research methodologies. Primary data are acquired by the face-to-face and on-line questioning, and carrying out through individual depth interviews. The marketing approach for seniors is recommended on the base of findings and conclusions resulting from both -- the methodological and analytical part of the thesis.

The diploma thesis analyses education needs of senior citizens in one chosen geographical region, with emphasis on their motivation for further education. The theoretical part explains the basic concepts of geragogy and related areas. The empirical part of this thesis analyses educational needs of senior citizens by means of questionnaires and a controlled interview with a further education provider. KEYWORDS old age, education of senior citizens, motivation, senior citizens, needs, geragogy

Under covid-19 pandemin tvingades fysiska mötesplatser för äldre personer att stänga. Som följd av detta startade digitala mötesplatser. Syfte: Genom intervju beskriva äldre personers uppfattning om vad som var betydelsefullt för deras upplevelse av delaktighet i sociala digitala mötesplatser, under covid-19 pandemin. Metod: Kvalitativ design. Semistrukturerade intervjuer genomfördes med tio äldre personer som deltagit i en digital mötesplats under covid-19 pandemin. Vid rekrytering av informanter tillämpades det typiska urvalet. Materialet analyserades utifrån kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Resultat: Informanternas uppfattning beskrevs i fyra kategorier: möjligheter och begränsningar i digitala mötesplatser, individens och gruppens engagemang i mötesplatsen, mötesplatsens innehåll samt mötesplatsens betydelse för informanter. De digitala mötesplatserna bidrog till sociala kontakter och meningsfullhet i vardagen. Slutsats: Detta examensarbete visade att digitala mötesplatser skulle kunna vara ett verktyg för att främja delaktighet bland äldre personer som är socialt distanserade eller isolerade. / During the covid-19 pandemic, physical meeting places for elderly people were forced to close. Due to this, digital meeting places started. Purpose: Through interview, describe elderly people’s comprehension of what is significant for their experience of participation in social digital meeting places during the covid-19 pandemic. Method: A qualitative design. Semi structured interviews were conducted with ten elderly people who participated in digital meeting places during the covid-19 pandemic. The typical case sample was applied to recruit informants. The material was analysed based on qualitative content analysis. Result: Informants’ perception was described in four categories: opportunities and limitations in digital meeting places, the individual’s and the group’s engagement in the meeting place, the content of the meeting place, and the meaning of the meeting place for informants. The digital meeting places contributed to social contacts and meaningfulness in everyday life. Conclusion: This student thesis showed that digital meeting places could be a tool to promote participation among elderly people who are social distanced or isolated.

The diagnosis and treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders has changed rapidly in the past century. Western medicine has produced diagnostic criteria, pharmaceuticals, and different therapies, increasing public awareness of these conditions. This research investigates the potential and perceived cultural, familial, and political influences on anxiety and depressive disorders in the current biomedical system; analyzes the effects of this system on the patients within it; and compares the causality, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions cross-culturally. To accomplish these research goals, I conducted in-depth interviews with people affected by depression and anxiety in the Atlanta area. I will present my analysis of the interview data collected, focusing on the extent to which each participants' familial and cultural backgrounds and attitudes towards biomedicine affected their choices and experiences with treatment. I also explore the role of pharmaceutical advertising and marketing strategies in patients’ perceptions of their disorder and treatment options.

Our society is changing. The role which information and communication technologies (ICT) play in our society is growing rapidly and meanwhile the world’s population is ageing. ICT has enabled social network sites (SNS), which are often targeted towards younger people and is therefore less suitable for seniors who find themselves displaced again and again. Through a design research oriented study, we explored the theories of non-traditional computing to find alternative ways of using technology to better meet the needs of seniors. We have found bridging technologies to be a promising domain that could help address the life-changing consequences of population ageing. We have identified four design principles to support the design of bridging technologies, geared towards enabling seniors to interact with social network sites. These principles constitute our final contribution.

Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited / This thesis is a qualitative analysis of selection to Rear Admiral (Lower Half) in the United States Navy. Specifically, this thesis examines the variables in the career of senior US Navy officers that can be considered as factors in determining advancement at the O-7 selection board. The researcher conducted 18 semi-structured interviews with active duty and retired flag officers, using a protocol based on an analysis of archival data from flag officers promoted from year groups 1972 to 1978, and relevant literature to determine what factors are considered during the selection board process. Overall, the data indicate that select background and performance variables are important factors in the promotion of flag officers. Examples include the importance of reputation and fitness report rankings and the lack of weight given to factors such as commissioning source and letters of recommendation. / Lieutenant, United States Navy