published_or_final_version / Housing Management / Master / Master of Housing Management

Not available / text

published_or_final_version / Social Work / Master / Master of Social Sciences

The nutritional status of forty-five women aged 71 to 89 years, who met defined health criteria, was assessed by an analysis of three-day diet records and anthropometric measurements. Subjects were grouped, according to the average caloric intake at home <75%> of daily intake to reflect the dependency of the subjects. Subjects were also divided into seven groups according to the site from which they were recruited.For the total population, there was no correlation between calorie intake per day and age, and there were negative correlations between age and all of the measures of body composition. In addition, a higher intake of calories per kg was negatively correlated with weight, suggesting that the heavier subjects had proportionately lower levels of caloric intake per kg of body weight.There were no significant differences in the risk for protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) among the healthy elderly women who were subjects of this study as measured by an analysis of their dietary intake and anthropometric status, and based upon their dependency on others for <_75%> of their average daily caloric intake. It is concluded that for this population, source of food at home or away, as an indication of dependency, did not significantly affect nutritional status.When grouped according to the site from which they were reecruited, subjects in two of the groups were found to have the potential for malnutrition. Subjects in one of the groups had poor intakes of vitamins and minerals, but adequate body fat and somatic protein stores, and were not at risk for PCM. However, subjects in the other group appeared to have good diets and adequate fat mass, but very low muscle protein stores, and were at significant risk for PCM.The role of socioeconomic factors were minimal in this population as the two groups found to be at greatest risk were those observed to be near opposite ends of the socioeconomic spectrum. Therefore, it is concluded that upper income elderly are as much at risk for PCM as those in lower income groups, and that women in upper socioeconomic groups must be assessed for risk for PCM.It is apparent that the nutritional needs of most of the healthy elderly women in the study were being met. For those groups found to be potentially at risk, there was a possibility that they may not have been as healthy as was indicated, suggesting that risk for PCM is more a function of poor health which results in associated dependency. / Department of Home Economics

The purpose of this study was to compare two groups of nurses's attitudes towards the elderly and the knowledge base of the nurses as to signs, symptoms and interventions with depression and dementia in the elderly. The theoretical framework for this study was Oren's (1985) self-care deficit theory. Attitude was measured using the Koan Attitude Toward Old People Scale (Koan, 1961) and knowledge was measured using a scale developed by (Myton, Allen, and Baldwin, 1991).The population studied was registered nurses working at these state hospitals in a midwestern state and agency nurses from four agencies that provide staff coverage at these hospitals. The convenience sample consisted of state nurses (n=65) and agency nurses (n=38). A cover letter explaining confidentiality and voluntary participation was attached to each survey. Completion of the survey constituted consent to participate in the study. There were no identified risks related to participation in the study.The study did not identify significant differences between groups in any of the variables involving attitude toward the elderly, ability to differentiate signs, symptoms, and interventions for dementia and depression in the elderly. Both groups were able to correctly identify signs, symptoms and interventions for dementia and depression about one-half the time. The treatment modalities are different for dementia and depression. The problem is significant because if signs, symptoms and interventions are not identified correctly the patient will not be assisted toward recovery and self-care may decrease. The recommendation for increased inservice education on gerontological nursing are applicable to both groups. / School of Nursing

Research has shown the benefits of exercise are transient and gains achieved in geriatric rehabilitation progams are not maintained post discharge. Sedentary behaviour increases with advancing age, making levels of exercise frequency and long-term program adherence difficult to achieve in older populations. The primary aim of the study was to investigate whether once a week exercise is as effective as twice a week for maintaining outcomes post physical rehabilitation in a consecutive sample of older adults. / Thesis (PhD)--University of South Australia, 2008.

Thesis (MEd)(Human Resource Studies)--University South Australia, 1996

Research has shown the benefits of exercise are transient and gains achieved in geriatric rehabilitation progams are not maintained post discharge. Sedentary behaviour increases with advancing age, making levels of exercise frequency and long-term program adherence difficult to achieve in older populations. The primary aim of the study was to investigate whether once a week exercise is as effective as twice a week for maintaining outcomes post physical rehabilitation in a consecutive sample of older adults. / Thesis (PhD)--University of South Australia, 2008.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Texas, Aug., 2007. / Title from title page display. Includes bibliographical references.

Project (D. Min.)--Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, 1980. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 131-133).