The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of the contextual nature of literacy usage by a group of older adults living in rural North Florida. An attempt was made to determine what low-literate elderly persons perceive as their literacy needs and interests as well as the impact of the presence or absence of literacy skills on their lives. / Ten retired persons who were at least sixty years old and had less than an elementary school education were recruited for this study. Six of the informants were currently participating in a literacy program; four were nonparticipants. The principal research method used was the application of Spradley's (1979) ethnographic interview procedures and related theoretical perspectives to the cultural setting of this small group of elderly persons in one-to-one interviews. Ten case studies are provided since such descriptive data have not been available previously in the research literature. Rural elderly informants were chosen for this study since they represent an undereducated, underserved segment of the population. / Grounded theory (Glaser & Strauss, 1967) was used to explain the value literacy has to this group of older adults. Theory was discussed as it emerged from the analysis of these interviews along with recommendations for further research and implications for program development. Differences in how literacy is viewed according to gender, age cohort and program participation status are discussed. / Based on the data collected and the analysis completed, five assertions are made: (1) Participants in literacy programs change their views of literacy away from a schooling concept and begin to describe their roles as learners; (2) New reading habits and abilities can be developed during late adulthood; (3) Older adults are motivated to change by a balanced desire to satisfy coping and expressive needs; (4) Illiterate older adults have learned to compensate for the lack of literacy skills in ways that are not effective in late adulthood; (5) Possessing or acquiring literacy skills can have a positive impact on the lives of older adults. These assertions challenge existing theories of motivation and the competence of illiterate older adults. The descriptive data also document the existence of a negative impact of illiteracy on the lives of older adults as well as the positive impact of acquiring literacy skills. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 51-09, Section: A, page: 2957. / Major Professor: Emanuel Shargel. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1990.

The present study examined the effects of structured music activities versus contingent music listening with verbal prompt for decreasing wandering behavior or off-task body movement while, improving or maintaining cognitive functioning in individuals with probable Alzheimer's disease. Twelve residents of a Nursing Home diagnosed with senile dementia with the possibility of Alzheimer's disease participated in the study. An ABACAB experimental design was implemented. Analyses of variances revealed significant differences in the frequency and total percent of wandering, and the length of stay in sessions for music and nonmusic conditions. An analysis of variance also indicated no significant differences on the pre, mid, and post-test scores of the Mini-Mental State Examination. A statistical analysis of the Scheffe's Test revealed no significant differences between the two music conditions concerning frequency and total percent of wandering, and length of stay in sessions. The results of this study indicate that both structured music activities and contingent music listening with verbal prompt are effective means for reducing wandering with the geriatric population. / Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 29-04, page: 0571. / Director: Jayne M. Standley. / Thesis (M.M.)--The Florida State University, 1991.

A social ecological perspective is used to analyze county primary homicide rates for the elderly population, persons aged 55 or older. Structural, socioeconomic, medical resources, and demographic variables are analyzed in a regression analysis for primary homicide (involving family, friends, and acquaintances) rates. Neither a structural, socioeconomic, nor medical resources explanation is supported; however, several variables, particularly education, are shown to be important in explaining variations in elderly primary homicide rates. Unemployment, migration, urbanization, physician rate, percent males, and percent nonwhite are significantly related to elderly primary homicide rates. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 51-12, Section: A, page: 4280. / Major Professor: Gordon P. Waldo. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1990.

Older consumers in the United States are increasingly being recognized as one of the fastest growing and important market segments. While much is known about the size and income level of older consumers, very little is known about the overall attitudes of these consumers toward the marketplace and how they compare with younger consumers. Using consumer alienation as a way to gain insight into such attitudes, the researcher explores the use of chronological age as a variable which moderates the relationship between consumer alienation life satisfaction, support for government intervention, and attitudes toward specific marketplace factors. The relationships are examined using moderated regression analysis. The findings provide empirical insights on the use of both chronological and cognitive age, marketplace factors which are associated with consumer alienation, and on consumers over age 75. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 52-03, Section: A, page: 1003. / Major Professor: Melvin T. Stith. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1991.

The thesis of this study is that the ethical dimension of a discussion of aging and aging policy is framed by the moral norms of autonomy, dignity, distributive justice, and intergenerational reciprocity. This dissertation explicates and critically analyzes these norms which inform much of the consideration of the ethical aspects of aging policy. Its purpose is to broaden and deepen the reader's understanding of these ideas, their interrelatedness, their importance, and their ramifications for aging issues. / There is some consensus of opinion among the discussants. Both autonomy and dignity are largely defined and used in Kantian terms. John Rawls' theory of justice, the basis of this examination of distributive justice, is explicitly Kantian as well. Rawls does not address issues of aging but others have formulated Rawlsian approaches to problems of concern to the elderly. Intergenerational reciprocity is a particular kind of allocation issue. Most theories are founded on the notion that children's obligation towards their parents is based on the idea of a debt incurred. / These four closely linked ideas form the conceptual web within which much of the consideration of aging issues takes place. A good understanding of these four ideas is necessary to adequately deal with the problems, issues, and policies of the future. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 52-04, Section: A, page: 1475. / Major Professor: Leo Sandon. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1991.

Thesis (M.S.)--Boston University / PLEASE NOTE: Boston University Libraries did not receive an Authorization To Manage form for this thesis or dissertation. It is therefore not openly accessible, though it may be available by request. If you are the author or principal advisor of this work and would like to request open access for it, please contact us at open-help@bu.edu. Thank you. / 2031-01-02

<p>Abstract The increased prevalence of cognitive deterioration has increased the challenges of caring for older adults. This study?s project site offers a psychiatric program for older adults with customized care for complex geriatric mental health patients. Clinical assessment and care management are often overlooked in geriatric mental health patients diagnosed with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). The purpose of this project was to deliver an education program developed from the Staff Training in Assisted Living Residences-Veterans Administration, P.I.E.C.E.S ? model and the Castle framework to 42 nursing and allied health staff of the project site. The project question explored whether an education program on care of patients with BPSD increased staff members? perceived knowledge and competence in providing care to these patients. This education program focused on comprehensive assessment, individualized care planning, and individualized nonpharmacological interventions to manage older adults with dementia. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze performance outcomes data before and after staff education. In addition, care plans of patients were reviewed. Results included a 100% increase in recognition of core concepts of the education program; a 48% to 86% increase in staff willingness to use interdisciplinary care plans; and a 6.6% to 95% increase in documentation of key interventions in care plans for 6 behaviors of dementia. The results of this project might bring about social change by improving the skills and competence of nursing staff in managing the patients with dementia, thus positively impacting the quality of life of patients with BPSD by benefiting from nonpharmacological interventions.

<p> The social work practice problem of this doctoral action research project was the unmet mental health needs of veterans 65 and older in Puerto Rico. This action research project explored the experiences and challenges of social workers when they offer mental health services to veterans 65 and older. This study was framed using social support theory, integrating the 3 core elements of tangible support, emotional support, and informational support. The data collection technique included a semistructured interview protocol used in a focus group setting. Purposive sampling was used to identify 9 participants who were licensed social workers in Puerto Rico. Through content analysis, the findings were coded and organized into the following themes: educational background; ethics and wellbeing aspects; evaluation, interventions, and treatments; professional social and cultural competencies; social support experiences; multidisciplinary service coordination processes; and the elderly veterans&rsquo; unmet needs. The results of this study could be used by social workers and administrators to contribute to positive social change through the improvement of social work practices and the development of innovative knowledge when intervening with veterans 65 and older and their families in Puerto Rico.</p><p>

<p> The number of cases of elderly people in Spain who may be suffering from some type of mistreatment is increasing. Some elder abuse victims are unaware they are being abused. When they are aware of the abuse, they often do not seek help due to lack of awareness about available resources and fear of consequence for themselves or caregivers. Socially isolated older adults are at greater risk of ill-treatment and abuse. </p><p> Neighborhood watch volunteers are in an excellent position for detecting at-risk elders and reporting suspected abuse to police and social services. The Radars Project in Barcelona, a neighborhood watch organization, includes neighbors and local business working together to prevent social isolation. However, these volunteers do not receive formal training to detect and monitor seniors at risk of abuse. The purpose of this project was to develop an educational curriculum that will provide training to neighborhood watch volunteers in Catalonia, Spain to help improve recognition and reporting of elders at risk of abuse and neglect.</p><p>

Thesis (M.S.)--Boston University / PLEASE NOTE: Boston University Libraries did not receive an Authorization To Manage form for this thesis or dissertation. It is therefore not openly accessible, though it may be available by request. If you are the author or principal advisor of this work and would like to request open access for it, please contact us at open-help@bu.edu. Thank you. / 2031-01-01