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Background. The prevalence of low vision and blindness in persons across the lifespan means that occupational therapists will encounter these conditions across all areas of practice. Practitioners must be equipped with competencies necessary to recognize and respond to vision loss-related concerns. Purpose. This study sought to identify essential occupational therapy competencies when providing services to people with low vision and blindness. Method. The study employed a three-phase modified Delphi methodology administered through online surveys and focus group. Respondents included people with low vision or blindness, professionals with special expertise in low vision/blindness, and occupational therapists in other practice areas. Data were analyzed using an iterative, consensus-generating strategy involving quantitative analysis of competencies, qualitative input, and expert panel review. Findings. The process yielded a 51-item competency framework organized into six domains. Implications. The framework provides the foundation for a common curriculum for Canadian occupational therapy programs and for the creation of educational resources.
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PURPOSE: Prostate cancer survivors may benefit from a supportive social environment. We investigated associations of social integration and long-term physical and psychosocial quality of life among prostate cancer survivors who were participants in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. METHODS: We included 1,428 individuals diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer between 2008 and 2016. Social integration was measured by the Berkman-Syme Social Network Index (SNI) and marital status. We fit generalized linear mixed effect models for associations of SNI and marital status with patient reported outcome measures on physical and psychosocial quality of life captured between 2008 and 2020, adjusting for age, race, employment status, body mass index, comorbidities, smoking history, and clinical factors. RESULTS: Among those with baseline SNI (N = 1,362), 46.4% were socially integrated, 20.3% were moderately integrated, 27.4% were moderately isolated, and 5.9% were socially isolated. Among those reporting baseline marital status (N = 1,428), 89.5% were married. Socially integrated survivors (vs. socially isolated) reported fewer depressive signs and better psychosocial wellbeing. Physical quality of life did not differ by social integration. Married survivors (vs. not married) reported fewer urinary symptoms, but there were no differences in bowel, sexual, or vitality/hormonal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Among prostate cancer survivors, being socially integrated was associated with fewer depressive signs and better psychosocial wellbeing, and married prostate cancer survivors had fewer urinary symptoms. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: This study highlighted aspects of long-term physical and psychosocial quality of life that are more favorable among prostate cancer survivors with a supportive social environment.
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PURPOSE: Living with risk is a salient part of everyday living and although risk affects everyone, older adults are often regarded as a high-risk group, particularly older adults who are aging with a disability, such as vision loss. A prominent focus within low vision rehabilitation is the provision, and training, of older adults in the use of low vision assistive devices as a strategy to manage risks in both the home and community environment. This study aimed to unpack the influence of assistive technologies on experiences of risk among eleven older adults (aged 65+) with age-related vision loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This critical ethnographic study used home tours, the go-along method, and a semi-structured in-depth interview. RESULTS: The study identified five prevailing themes including: 1) Moving away from the individualization of risk; 2) The cost of assistive technologies as a risk contributor; 3) Practicing 'responsible living'; Technology as an adaptive strategy to risk taking; 4) Resisting the label of 'at risk'; The influence of technology on self-identity; and 5) Technology as a substitution versus supplement for social connectedness. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings highlight the importance of moving beyond a technico-scientific perspective of risk, in which risk is framed as an objective phenomenon located in older adults' bodies, and instead framing risk within a broader sociocultural perspective which moves our attention to those contextual or environmental factors that shape experiences of risk for older adults with vision loss.
Risk taking is an inevitable aspect of everyday living.An individualized approach to risk management is problematic.The cost of assistive technology is a contributing risk factor.Technology use may cause risks to social identity, embarrassment, and stigma.Technology use can help mitigate risk among older adults.
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BACKGROUND: Studies have shown improved survival among individuals with cancer with higher levels of social support. Few studies have investigated social support and overall survival (OS) in individuals with advanced prostate cancer in an international cohort. We investigated the associations of marital status and living arrangements with OS among individuals with advanced prostate cancer in the International Registry for Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer (IRONMAN). METHODS: IRONMAN is enrolling participants diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer (metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, mHSPC; castration-resistant prostate cancer, CRPC) from 16 countries. Participants in this analysis were recruited between July 2017 and January 2023. Adjusting for demographics and tumor characteristics, the associations were estimated using Cox regression and stratified by disease state (mHSPC, CRPC), age (<70, ≥70 years), and continent of enrollment (North America, Europe, Other). RESULTS: We included 2,119 participants with advanced prostate cancer, of whom 427 died during up to 5 years of follow-up (median 6 months). Two-thirds had mHSPC. Most were married/in a civil partnership (79%) and 6% were widowed. Very few married participants were living alone (1%), while most unmarried participants were living alone (70%). Married participants had better OS than unmarried participants [adjusted HR: 1.44; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-2.02]. Widowed participants had the worst survival compared with married individuals (adjusted HR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.22-2.94). CONCLUSIONS: Among those with advanced prostate cancer, unmarried and widowed participants had worse OS compared with married participants. IMPACT: This research highlighted the importance of social support in OS within this vulnerable population.
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Neoplasias de la Próstata Resistentes a la Castración , Masculino , Humanos , Anciano , Estado Civil , Sistema de Registros , Europa (Continente) , Apoyo SocialRESUMEN
Health professionals and care partners of persons living with dementia have expressed that learning needs related to dementia care are a priority. There are currently a variety of training programs available in Ontario (Canada) to address aspects of dementia care, but no commonly accepted description of the core knowledge, skills, and abilities, (i.e., competencies) that should underpin dementia-related training and education in the province. The aim of this study was to review current evidence to inform the later development of competency statements describing the knowledge, skills and actions required for dementia care among care providers ranging from laypersons to health professionals. We also sought to validate existing dementia care principles and align new concepts to provide a useful organizing framework for future competency development. We distinguished between micro-, meso- and macro-level concepts to clarify the competencies required by individuals situated in different locations across the healthcare system, linking competency development in dementia care to broader system transformation. This review precedes the co-development of a holistic competency framework to guide approaches to dementia care training in Ontario.
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Competencia Clínica , Demencia , Humanos , Demencia/terapia , Personal de Salud/educación , Curriculum , OntarioRESUMEN
Age-related vision loss (ARVL) has been shown to interfere with older adults' occupational engagement. The primary purpose was to examine the role social networks play in facilitating/constraining engagement in desired occupations for older adults with ARVL. This study adopted a constructivist narrative methodology. Five older adults, ≥ 60 years of age with ARVL, participated in three virtual interviews, which were coded using thematic analysis. Three overarching themes were identified: (a) Diverse Social Networks Fulfill Different Occupational and Psychosocial Needs, (b) Retaining a Sense of Independence through Seeking Reciprocity in Social Relationships, and (c) Community Mobility and Technology Support as Essential for Preserving Social Relationships. Findings broaden understandings of how informal/formal social networks are involved in shaping visually-impaired older adults' adaptation to ARVL and related occupational changes. Findings may help improve the quality and delivery of low-vision rehabilitation services to optimize their contribution to occupational engagement.
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Red Social , Trastornos de la Visión , Humanos , Anciano , Trastornos de la Visión/psicología , Trastornos de la Visión/rehabilitación , Relaciones Interpersonales , NarraciónRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Most older adults want to age in place, in their homes and communities. However, this can be challenging for many, frequently owing to lack of supports that allow for aging in place. Naturally occurring retirement community supportive services programs (NORC-SSPs) offer an approach to help older adults age in place. Although qualitative studies have examined the experiences of NORC-SSP participants, little is known about how participation in NORC-SSP programming affects participants' social networks. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the experiences of 13 NORC-SSP residents who participated in Oasis Senior Supportive Living (Oasis) and how participating in NORC-SSP programming, specifically based on the Oasis model, influenced their social networks. METHODS: Participants were recruited, using convenience sampling, from 4 naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs) in Ontario, Canada. All participants (13/13, 100%) had participated in Oasis programming. Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with participants. Social network theory informed the interview guide and thematic analysis. RESULTS: In total, 13 participants (n=12, 92% women and n=1, 8% men) were interviewed. These participants were from 4 different NORCs where Oasis had been implemented, comprising 2 midrise apartment buildings, 1 low-rise apartment building, and 1 mobile home community. Overall, 3 main themes were identified from the interviews with Oasis participants: expansion and deepening of social networks, Oasis activities (something to do, someone to do it with), and self-reported impact of Oasis on mental health and well-being (feeling and coping with life better). Participants noted that Oasis provided them with opportunities to meet new people and broaden their social networks, both within and outside their NORCs. They also indicated that Oasis provided them with meaningful ways to spend their time, including opportunities to socialize and try new activities. Participants stated that participating in Oasis helped to alleviate loneliness and improved their quality of life. They noted that Oasis provided them with a reason to get up in the morning. However, the experiences described by participants may not be reflective of all Oasis members. Those who had positive experiences may have been more likely to agree to be interviewed. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the participants' interviews, Oasis is an effective aging-in-place model that has been successfully implemented in low-rise apartment buildings, midrise apartment buildings, and mobile home communities. Participating in Oasis allowed participants to expand their social networks and improve their mental health and well-being. Therefore, NORCs may offer an ideal opportunity to build strong communities that provide deep, meaningful social connections that expand social networks. NORC-SSPs, such as Oasis, can support healthy aging and allow older adults to age in place.
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Low vision assistive devices are often positioned as enabling continued social participation and engagement by older adults in everyday activities; however, previous research suggests that the use of such technologies is restricted by various environmental factors. With little attention previously paid to the discursive environment, this critical discourse analysis critically examined how aging persons with vision loss and assistive technology (AT) were constructed and the occupational possibilities promoted and marginalized through technology use in six Canadian newspapers. In total, 7,289 articles were screened, 1,867 articles underwent a full-text review, and 51 articles were selected for data analysis. Results highlight four key discursive threads related to the framing of disability and AT, positioning of seniors with vision loss, and the ideals and occupations to be attained through AT, and point to the importance of re-configuring discourses addressing AT for seniors with vision loss to expand occupational possibilities and embrace collaborative design approaches.
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Dispositivos de Autoayuda , Anciano , Envejecimiento , Canadá , Humanos , Participación Social , Trastornos de la VisiónRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs), unplanned communities with a high proportion of older adult residents, offer a model to support older adults to age well in place. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive description of the methods used to identify and engage NORCs appropriate for the development of supportive service programming in Canada. METHODS: Three steps were used to identify and select NORCs in which to develop supportive service programming including: 1) identification of potential NORCs using Canadian Census Dissemination Areas, the Ontario Marginalization Index and Google Maps, 2) engagement of property owner/manager to determine the availability of common space for communal programming and willingness of the owner to support programming and, 3) engagement of older adult residents within the NORC to co-design programming. RESULTS: Four cities in the south-east, south-central, and south-west of Ontario, Canada were identified to develop NORCs with supportive service programming. Using the methods described, six NORCs were identified, landlords and older adult residents were engaged, and programs initiated between April 2018 and March 2019. The sites included two private high-rise apartments, a city-owned low-rise subsidized apartment complex, two multi-building private high-rise complexes and a mobile home community. An average of 35 (min 20, max 78) older adult members were engaged in an average of 20.5 unique activity sessions at each site per month. On average, social (54%) and physical activities (30%) were more common than nutritional (10%) and knowledge-sharing (8%). CONCLUSIONS: The increased prevalence of unplanned, geographically-bound NORCs creates an opportunity for governments, social and health service providers and policy makers to support healthy aging in their communities. Our experience with the creation of six new NORCs with supportive service programming provides a tested set of methods that can be applied in other communities.
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Envejecimiento Saludable , Jubilación , Anciano , Canadá/epidemiología , Ejercicio Físico , Humanos , Ontario/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
This study investigated the experiences of older adults with technologies they own and determined how they value them. Thirty-seven older adults participated in a Show and Tell co-creation session at a one-day workshop. Participants described why they loved or abandoned technologies they own. Their responses were recorded and analysed using Atlas.ti 22.0.0. Seven main themes representing experiential value in older adults emerged from the analysis: Convenience, Economy, Learning and Support, Currency of Technology, Privacy and Security, Emotions and Identity aspects of their experiences. This qualitative study has resulted in implications to design that recommends (a) Design for product ecosystems with technologies and services well-coordinated and synchronized to facilitate use of the technology (b) Create awareness and information on privacy and security issues and technical language associated with it (c) Make anti-virus and anti-phishing software accessible to older population (d) Design technologies as tools that allow older adults to identify themselves in the community and family (e) Create services that make technologies and services in the ecosystem affordable for the older adults. The outcomes of this study are significant as they provide recommendations that target systemic issues which present barriers in the use of technology.
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Ecosistema , Tecnología , Anciano , Humanos , Privacidad , Investigación CualitativaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: With the global population aging, there is a demand for older adults to age in place, that is, to live and age well in their home and community with some level of independence. Community-based housing models exist and may support this process. This scoping review aimed to describe and synthesize the ways in which community-based housing models relate to older adults' aging in place and identify strengths and gaps in the literature. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The housing models explored were villages, naturally occurring retirement communities, congregate housing and cohousing, sheltered housing, and continuing care retirement communities. This exploratory scoping review examined international peer-reviewed literature published from 2004 to 2019. Six databases were searched using terms related to housing models and older adults. Forty-six articles met the inclusion criteria. Descriptive numerical summary and thematic analysis were used to synthesize study characteristics and findings. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed 4 themes relating to aging in place in the housing models: Social Relations, Health and Well-being, Sense of Self and Autonomy, and Activity Participation. Further analysis identified housing-specific characteristics that appeared to pose barriers to, or enable, aging in place. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: To best support aging in place, the findings of the review suggest multiple characteristics worth considering when developing or relocating to a community-based housing model. Further research is required to understand how facilitating characteristics can promote aging in place for community-dwelling older adults.
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Vivienda , Vida Independiente , Anciano , Envejecimiento , HumanosRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: There are a growing number of older adults with combined age-related vision loss (ARVL) and dementia. Existing literature shows the pervasive impact that both diagnoses have separately on the participation of older adults, however, little is known about the societal participation of older adults with both conditions. As such, the aim of this scoping review was to explore the combined impact of ARVL and dementia on the participation of older adults, with a specific focus on highlighting strategies that help mitigate the impact of ARVL and dementia on participation. METHODS: This study utilized a scoping review, informed by the framework by Arksey and O'Malley [1]. Two researchers independently ran a total of 62 search terms across four categories in six databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO), with an initial yield of 2,053 articles. Grey literature was also included in this scoping review and was retrieved from organizational websites, brochures, conference proceedings, and a Google Scholar search. The application of study inclusion criteria resulted in a final yield of 13 empirical studies and 10 grey literature sources. RESULTS: Following detailed thematic analysis of the empirical and grey literature sources, four themes emerged regarding the impact of combined ARVL and dementia on the participation of older adults including: 1) Managing the pragmatic aspects of a dual diagnosis; 2) Diverse approaches to risk assessment and management; 3) Adopting a multi-disciplinary approach to facilitate care and; 4) Using compensatory strategies to facilitate participation. CONCLUSIONS: The four themes highlight the challenges older adults with these combined diagnoses experience, which limit their opportunities for meaningful participation. Given the scarcity of research on this topic, future research should identify the type of ARVL and dementia diagnoses of study participants, conduct qualitative research about the lived experiences of older adults with a dual diagnosis, and broaden the geographic scope of research.
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Ceguera/epidemiología , Demencia/epidemiología , Trastornos de la Visión/epidemiología , Anciano , Envejecimiento , Comorbilidad , HumanosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Given population aging, the meaningful involvement of older adults in influencing policy and programs through participatory action research (PAR) is increasingly vital. PAR holds promise for equitable participation, co-learning, community mobilization, and personal and social transformation, however, little scholarly attention has been given to critically evaluating how PAR has been taken up with older adults. The objective of this review was to critically evaluate the use of PAR with older adults. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A critical interpretive synthesis (CIS) of 40 PAR studies with older adults was conducted. Critical engagement with the articles identified dominant tendencies, limits of these tendencies, and proposed ways forward. RESULTS: Within the majority of articles reviewed, older adults were not prominent partners in PAR given their often limited involvement in designing the research questions, learning research skills and knowledge, and implementing findings for change. Furthermore, power differentials between researchers and older adults were evident, as older adults were often positioned as participants rather than partners. Finally, this article demonstrates various boundaries on the foci of studies related to inclusivity and sustainability. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: This study revealed that the promises PAR holds are often not fully realized in projects with older adults, given that they are rarely positioned as equitable partners, co-learners, or agents for change. The findings have the potential to stimulate further uptake of PAR research with an older adult population, highlighting areas for change in systems and research practices.
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Investigación Participativa Basada en la Comunidad/normas , Investigación sobre Servicios de Salud/normas , Investigadores , Anciano , HumanosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND.: Age-related vision loss (ARVL) is a progressive process that adversely affects older adults' occupational engagement. As such, older adults often employ a variety of psychological adaptation strategies. PURPOSE.: The purpose of this study was to identify those psychological adaptation strategies employed by older adults aging with ARVL. METHOD.: This metasynthesis searched and identified 21 qualitative articles that described a link between psychological adaptation strategies and occupational engagement. FINDINGS.: The psychological strategies identified were categorized into five themes. The strategies of persisting with hope, positivity, and acceptance and portraying a self-image consistent with independence, competence, and self-reliance were well established in the literature, while other themes were more emerging, such as using humour, relying on religious/spiritual beliefs, and comparing the self to others. IMPLICATIONS.: By understanding the psychological adaptation strategies employed by older adults with ARVL, occupational therapists will be better positioned to guide their clients toward positive adaptive patterns.
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Envejecimiento/psicología , Ceguera/psicología , Terapia Ocupacional/organización & administración , Adaptación Psicológica , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Ceguera/rehabilitación , Femenino , Esperanza , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Investigación Cualitativa , AutoeficaciaRESUMEN
La recherche-action participative (RAP) apporte une perspective intéressante pour la recherche abordant l'exclusion et l'inclusion sociale des personnes âgées. Les exemples et réflexions sur la RAP impliquant des personnes âgées sont rares, en particulier à l'étape de l'initiation de la recherche, lorsque l'action participative cyclique est mise en place. Dans cet article, nous décrivons le démarrage d'un projet de recherche-action participative avec des personnes âgées et analysons la concordance entre ce processus et les principes clés de la participation, ainsi que son arrimage aux structures de recherche typiques. Les résultats soulignent les tensions entre le développement de relations de plus long terme et les demandes de financement préparées dans de courts délais. Cette étude montre comment les conceptions traditionnelles de la recherche peuvent influer sur la création de partenariats équitables et met en évidence la nécessité d'élaborer des lignes directrices en matière d'éthique et de publications qui traitent explicitement des approches participatives. Ces observations clés pourront être appliquées pour utiliser les potentialités de la recherche-action participative, qui consiste à aborder les enjeux importants à travers un travail collaboratif et une approche équitable intégrant les personnes les plus affectées.Participatory action research (PAR) is well suited to research that aims to address social exclusion and inclusion in older age. Illustrations of and reflections on PAR with older adults are scarce, particularly the initiation stage, which sets the stage for the cyclical participatory action that follows. In this article, we describe the initiation of a PAR project with older adults and reflect on the alignment of this process with key participatory principles and fit within typical research structures. Findings point to the tensions between developing relationships over time and time-sensitive calls for funding, how traditional conceptions of research can influence creating equitable partnerships, and the need for development of ethical and publishing guidelines that address participatory approaches. These key insights can be applied to help achieve the potential of PAR: to address issues of concern by collaboratively and equitably working with the people most affected.
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Investigación sobre Servicios de Salud/métodos , Anciano , Empoderamiento , Humanos , Conducta SocialRESUMEN
To date, attention to the environmental production of disability among older adults with age-related vision loss (ARVL) has been limited. This critical ethnographic study aimed to reveal the ways in which environmental barriers produced and perpetuated disability for 10 older adults with ARVL. A modified version of Carspecken's five-stage approach for critical ethnography was adopted with three methods of data collection used, including a narrative interview, a participant observation session, and a semi-structured, in-depth interview. Findings revealed how disability is shaped for older adults with ARVL when they encounter environmental features that are embedded within an ageist and disablist society. These findings are illustrated via presenting analysis of three commonly discussed activities: shopping, eating, and community mobility. Our discussion suggests that addressing the environmental production of disability requires inclusive social policy, advocacy, and a focus on education in order to develop and sustain age and low-vision-friendly environments.
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Actividades Cotidianas , Envejecimiento/fisiología , Calidad de Vida , Baja Visión/psicología , Personas con Daño Visual/psicología , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Investigación CualitativaRESUMEN
PURPOSE: In this paper, we have sought to stimulate a critical dialog regarding the ways in which disability has been largely conceptualized and studied in literature addressing age-related vision loss (ARVL). We suggest an expansion of this largely biomedically informed research area to include alternative frameworks, namely critical disability perspectives. METHOD: To demonstrate the potential contributions of adopting a critical disability approach to enhance understandings of ARVL, this article outlined the primary tenets of the biomedical and social models of disability; the key aims, emphases, and assumptions of critical disability perspectives; and provided examples of how such an approach would lead to new research foci in the study of ARVL. RESULTS: The paper highlighted four qualities of critical disability perspectives that future ARVL research should ascribe to, including (a) a focus on interdependence over traditional notions of independence; (b) a broader conceptualization of 'normalcy'; (c) the influence of language as a means of describing or labeling disabled persons; and (d) the influence of the socio-political environment in the creation and sustainment of disability. CONCLUSIONS: This paper encouraged the incorporation of critical disability perspectives to provide new ways of conceptualizing, researching, writing about, and practicing in relation to ARVL. Implications for Rehabilitation The application of critical disability perspectives to expand the boundaries of low vision research can broaden low vision rehabilitation services (LVRS) in ways that more effectively attend to environmental features shaping and perpetuating disability for clients with age-related vision loss (ARVL). Low vision research, informed by critical disability perspectives, would inform a shift away from the exclusive focus on independence towards an acknowledgment of interdependence. The integration of participatory research approaches in ARVL research could generate new insights to inform rehabilitation by enhancing space and respect for the stories and knowledge of older adults aging with vision loss. Greater attention in low vision rehabilitation should be paid to how older adults' experiences of disability are tied to both the environmental context in which they exist and by the limitations caused by their impairment.
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Envejecimiento/patología , Investigación Biomédica , Personas con Discapacidad/rehabilitación , Trastornos de la Visión/rehabilitación , Comprensión , HumanosRESUMEN
PURPOSE: Conceptualizations of risk in seniors' rehabilitation emphasize potential physical injury, functional independence and cost containment, shifting rehabilitation from other considerations essential to promoting a satisfying life. In a two-day multidisciplinary planning meeting we critically examined and discussed alternatives to dominant conceptualizations. METHOD: Invitees reflected on conceptualizations of risk in stroke rehabilitation and low vision rehabilitation, identified and explored positive and negative implications and generated alternative perspectives to support rehabilitation approaches related to living a good life. RESULTS: Current risk conceptualizations help focus rehabilitation teamwork and make this work publically recognizable and valued. However, they also lead to practice that is depersonalized, decontextualized and restrictive. Further research and practice development initiatives should include the voices of clinicians and seniors to more adequately support meaningfully living, and foster safe spaces for seniors and clinicians to speak candidly, comprehensively and respectfully about risk. To ensure that seniors' rehabilitation targets a satisfying life as defined by seniors, increased focus on the environment and more explicit examination of how cost containment concerns are driving services is also necessary. CONCLUSION: This work reinforced current concerns about conceptualizations of risk in seniors' rehabilitation and generated ways forward that re-focus rehabilitation more on promoting a satisfying life. Implications for rehabilitation In seniors' rehabilitation, considerations of risk focus on physical injury, functional dependence and cost containment. Focus on provider-defined risk of physical injury limits examination of patient goals and patients' histories of judging and dealing with risk. Focus on functional dependence and cost containment may lead to practice that is depersonalized and decontextualized. Abandonment of ableist and ageist thinking and an explicit focus on person-centered definitions of risk and a satisfying life are recommended.
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Envejecimiento , Calidad de Vida , Rehabilitación de Accidente Cerebrovascular/normas , Baja Visión/rehabilitación , Anciano , Humanos , Medición de Riesgo , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: While previous research has explored the meaning of positive aging discourses from the perspective of older adults, the perspective of older adults aging with a disability has not been studied. In fact the intersection of aging and disability has been largely underexplored in both social gerontology and disability studies. METHOD: This critical ethnography engaged ten older adults aging with vision loss in narrative interviews, participant observation sessions, and semi-structured in-depth interviews. The overarching objective was to understand those attributes that older adults with age-related vision loss perceive as being the markers of a 'good old age.' The authors critically examined how these markers, and their disabling effects, are situated in ageist and disablist social assumptions regarding what it means to 'age well'. RESULTS: The participants' descriptions of the markers of a 'good old age' were organized into five main themes: 1) maintaining independence while negotiating help; 2) responding positively to vision loss; 3) remaining active while managing risk; 4) managing expectations to be compliant, complicit, and cooperative and; 5) striving to maintain efficiency. CONCLUSION: The study findings have provided helpful insights into how the ideas and assumptions that operate in relation to disability and impairment in late life are re-produced among older adults with age-related vision loss and how older adults take on an identity that is consistent with socially embedded norms regarding what it means to 'age well'.