“It's a nice country but it's not mine”: Exploring the meanings attached to home, rurality and place for older lesbian, gay and bisexual adults

An ageing population across European nations, including the United Kingdom, brings with it new challenges for health and social care services and precipitates social policy initiatives targeted at meeting the care and support needs of a rapidly expanding number of older people. Ageing in place is one such policy driver—policy efforts that seek to promote the maintenance of older citizens residing in their own homes for as long as possible with minimal state intervention. Current generations of older lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people have endured homophobia throughout their life histories, and sexual identity can shape perceptions and experiences of ageing, including experiences of home life, community and place. Our objective is to examine the meanings attached to home and place for older LGB adults living independently across three dimensions: rural places as “home,” connections to LGB communities, and social care provision in the home. We present interview findings from a mixed-methods study on the social inclusion of older LGB adults in Wales. Twenty-nine LGB-identifying adults (50–76 years) self-selected to participate in semistructured interviews between 2012 and 2013. Thematic findings from interviews indicate varying and contradictory meanings attached to home life in rural places, the importance of connection to communities of identity across geographical and online localities, and a high degree of ambivalence towards the prospect of receiving social care services in the home. We argue that a more nuanced understanding of the subjective meanings attached to home, rurality and community for older LGB people is needed to fully support LGB citizens to continue to live independently in their homes

Do we really get to choose our own story? (Re)imagining community support with transgender and non-binary older adults

Today’s transgender (trans) and non-binary older adults are some of the first 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals to live openly with diverse sexual and/or gender identities (Services & Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders & Movement Advancement Project, 2010). As a result, we can also expect to see the greatest number of trans and non-binary older adults ever recorded; trends that reflect Canadian population growth (Witten, 2003). Despite the growth in number of trans and non-binary older adults, the need for trans and non-binary folx to negotiate ageist and cis/heteronormative societal expectations for gender and aging becomes more, not less, relevant. Specifically, histories of cis/heteronormativity may come together with, and are compounded by: (1) general fears and concerns for aging, (2) challenges finding community support within the LGBTQIA2S+ community that is inclusive of aging and old age; and (3) challenges finding community support for aging and old age inclusive of trans and non-binary identities. Actual and perceived forms discrimination, harassment, and/or violence, which stem from transphobic, ageist, racist, classist, ableist, and homophobic attitudes and stereotypes, impact opportunities and barriers to community support and influence one’s ability to age “well” (Bauer & Scheim, 2015; Cahill, South, & Spade, 2000; Fabbre, 2015). As a result, trans and non-binary older adult bodies manifest a distinct social location, which create barriers for easily finding and accessing community supports that value these interconnected identities. Community supports (i.e., family relationships, friends(hips), online forums, formal programs and services, pet companionship, self-care), when experienced through bodies that are old or trans and/or non-binary bodies, often have a positive impact on wellbeing (Mock et al., 2020). In particular, literature on engagement with community supports cites benefits such as; reduced risk of mortality and depression, better cognitive and psychological health, and better self-perceived health and health behaviours (Gilmour, 2012). Given this recognition, it is reasonable to assume that community support may become even more relevant to counteract experiences of ageism and cis/heteronormativity lived together by trans and non-binary older adults (among other labels of interconnected discriminations). Building on findings from Bauer Pyne, Francinio, and Hammond (2013), I approached this inquiry that sought to hear experiences of community support as a social justice issue impacting the well-being of trans and non-binary older adults who live in communities across Southern Ontario. Using a scaffolding of queer and critical gerontological theories to think with, this case study (Thomas, 2011a, 2011b, 2013, 2016) explored how the interconnections of aging, old age, and gender identity influence (and are influenced by) trans and non-binary older adults’ experiences, perceptions, and desires of/for community support in Southern Ontario. I conducted: (1) unstructured narrative interviews with nine trans and non-binary older adults, (2) semi-structured program evaluation interviews with six community organizers, (3) over 20 hours of observations took place in various settings, and (4) initiated collection of over 140 documents for analysis. By (re)presenting the data that emerged as an interactive story (i.e., branching narrative or “Choose-Your-Own-Adventure” story), we begin to see the multiplicity, complexity, and juxtaposition of trans and non-binary older adults’ experiences, perceptions, and desires of/for community support. Through the multiple branches of the interactive story, we will explore the kinds of community support that exist—or are perceived to exist—within the lives of trans and non-binary older adults, in order to better understand the aspects of community support that are affirming, beneficial, detrimental, unfulfilled, ignored, or imagined from the perspective of transgender and non-binary older adults and community organizers. In so doing, we catch a glimpse of how community support functions (or not) within the lives of trans and non-binary older adults in relation to sense of aging, gender identity, and wellbeing. While this inquiry centres living narratives that embody the interconnections of aging and gender identity, I also acknowledge and take-up discussions of race and class as they connect to the lives of trans and non-binary older adults. Ultimately, working to understand the triumphs and challenges presented by the interconnections of aging, gender identity, and community support opens up opportunities for transferrable knowledge about community support that enables a re-imagining of the ways trans and non-binary older adults engage with their communities—within and beyond Ontario

Technological Change in the Retirement Transition and the Implications for Cybersecurity Vulnerability in Older Adults

Retirement is a major life transition, which leads to substantial changes across almost all aspects of day-to-day life. Although this transition has previously been seen as the normative marker for entry into older adulthood, its influence on later life has remained relatively unstudied in terms of technology use and cybersecurity behaviours. This is problematic as older adults are at particular risk of becoming victims of cyber-crime. This study aimed to investigate which factors associated with the retirement transition were likely to increase vulnerability to cyber-attack in a sample of 12 United Kingdom based older adults, all of whom had retired within the past 5 years. Semi-structured, one to one interviews were conducted and subsequently analysed using thematic analysis. Six themes were identified referring to areas of loss in: social interaction, finances, day-to-day routine, feelings of competence, sense of purpose, and technology support structures. We discuss the implications of these losses for building cyber-resilience in retirees, with suggestions for future research

An Exploration of Experiences of Transdisciplinary Research in Aging and Technology

Transdisciplinary research (TDR) involves academics/scientists collaborating with stakeholders from diverse disciplinary and sectoral backgrounds. While TDR has been recognized as beneficial in generating innovative solutions to complex social problems, knowledge is limited about researchers' perceptions and experiences of TDR in the aging and technology field. We conducted a qualitative study to address this knowledge gap by exploring how members of a pan-Canadian research network on aging and technology perceived and experienced TDR. Thirty members participated in semi-structured interviews. Interview data were analyzed thematically. Participants identified benefits that can be gained from implementing TDR, including mutual learning, improved capacity to understand and solve problems, and community engagement and empowerment. Participants also identified challenges to implementing TDR: communication issues and conflicting priorities among team members; tensions between traditional and TDR approaches; and difficulties identifying partners and developing partnerships. In addition, contradictions between TDR principles and participants' understanding of them became apparent. Nevertheless, some participants described successful strategies for implementing transdisciplinary principles in their projects: stakeholder engagement; language and goal sharing; and open, respectful communication. We offer recommendations to support TDR in aging and technology that focus on education and reform of the culture and values that can constrain efforts to practice TDR.Im Rahmen transdisziplinärer Forschung (TDF) arbeiten Wissenschaftler*innen mit Stakeholdern unterschiedlicher disziplinärer und sektoraler Herkunft zusammen. Während es mittlerweile akzeptiert scheint, dass TDF hilfreich ist, um innovative Lösungen für komplexe soziale Probleme zu generieren, ist das Wissen um Wahrnehmungen und Erfahrungen transdisziplinärer Forscher*innen im Bereich Alter(n) und Technologie vergleichsweise gering. Mittels einer qualitativen Studie mit Mitgliedern eines Pan-Kanadischen Forschungsnetzwerks haben wir versucht, diese Wissenslücke zu schließen. Mit 33 Mitgliedern des Netzwerkes wurden teilstrukturierte Interviews geführt, die thematisch analysiert wurden. Zu den berichteten Benefits von TDF gehörten u.a. wechselseitiges Lernen, verbesserte Möglichkeiten zum Verstehen und Lösen von Problemen  sowie Zugehörigkeit zu und Einbettung in die jeweilige Community. Erlebte Herausforderungen betrafen insbesondere kommunikative Schwierigkeiten und Prioritätskonflikte im Team, Spannungen zwischen Vertreter*innen von traditionellen vs. TDF-Ansätzen sowie Hindernisse beim Identifizieren von potenziellen Partner*innen. Zusätzliche waren Widersprüche zwischen TDF-Prinzipien und deren Verständnis durch die Interviewten offensichtlich. Einige der Gesprächspartner*innen haben gleichwohl Strategien beschrieben, die auf eine erfolgreiche Implementierung transdisziplinärer Prinzipien verweisen, nämlich das Engagement von Stakeholdern, das Teilen von Zielen und Sprachen sowie eine offene, respektvolle Kommunikation. Hiervon ausgehend bieten wir Empfehlungen für TDF zu Alter(n) und Technologie mit einem Fokus auf Bildung und auf eine Reform von Kulturen und Werten, die in der Praxis Bemühungen um TDF entgegenstehen

Seeing the wood for the trees. Carer related research and knowledge: A scoping review

This NIHR-SSCR funded scoping review provides a comprehensive mapping of what is known about carers and caring, and aims to help inform policy, practice and research in relation to carers. The review was undertaken by searching 10 electronic bibliographic databases, supplemented by additional web searches to identify academic research, grey literature and wider knowledge. The analysis adopts a selective thematic approach covering: carer variables - the characteristics of different types of carer and different caring situations; types of care - the nature of needs of the cared for person and the features of the care situation; the impact of caring – resilience and coping, employment and health; and carer support and needs assessment. The final section highlights key messages identified from the review. It found that caring involves all sections and age groups of the population, with people are likely to experience one or more periods of caregiving over their lifetime. The uniqueness of each caring relationship is also highlighted. In relation to types of carers, knowledge about ‘hard to reach’ groups, such as BAME and LGBT carers, remains sparse. Older carers are also relatively invisible in policy and research terms. It found that much of the knowledge about carers identified in the review relates to their characteristics, their lived experience and the nature of their caregiving, with relatively less being known about the effectiveness of interventions to support them. The report concludes by offering suggestions for policy and practice. An appendix provides a bibliography of the 3,434 items identified in review, classified into 17 types of reference

Children and the internet: An exploration of Year 5 pupils’ online experiences and perceptions of risk

The internet is becoming increasingly integral to children’s lives. Consequently, it is vital that children are educated in how to protect themselves online and how to become responsible online users. This action research study addresses significant gaps in existing research by exploring children’s online experiences, alongside their understandings of risk, from their own perspective, in order to inform a personalised and relevant internet safety curriculum within the research setting. The study utilises a mixed-methods approach, combining a comprehensive quantitative survey with a subsequent qualitative group interview with a sample of 14 participants. Findings suggest that, despite being proficient online users with an awareness of what constitutes online risk, many children largely fail to apply this knowledge to their own online practices. The study demonstrates the importance of educators and schools understanding children’s online activities in order to respond to their needs and concerns effectively. Based on the research findings, it is recommended that similar research is actioned across primary schools, and that schools appoint pupils as internet safety ambassadors to provide educators with insights into children’s current online activities, alongside providing peer guidance and support from a pupil perspective. These recommendations could be significant for the online safety education of children and young people in the wider context

Damned if they do, damned if they don't: negotiating the tricky context of anti-social behaviour and keeping safe in disadvantaged urban neighbourhoods

Young people's relationship with anti-social behaviour (ASB) is complicated. While their behaviours are often stereotyped as anti-social (e.g. ‘hanging about’), they also experience ASB in their neighbourhood. In this study, we explore young people's own perspectives on ASB, comparing results from ‘go-along’ interviews and focus groups conducted in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Glasgow, Scotland. This article discusses how young people's everyday experience of ASB was contextualised by social factors such as cultural stereotyping of marginalised groups, poor social connectivity and spatial marginalisation within their neighbourhood. Furthermore, we found that these social factors were mutually reinforcing and interacted in a way that appeared to leave young people in a ‘no-win’ situation regarding their association with ASB. Participation in ASB and attempts to avoid such involvement were seen to involve negative consequences: participation could entail violence and spatial restrictions linked to territoriality, but avoidance could lead to being ostracised from their peer group. Regardless of involvement, young people felt that adults stereotyped them as anti-social. Our findings therefore provide support for policies and interventions aimed at reducing ASB (perpetrated by residents of all ages); in part by better ensuring that young people have a clear incentive for avoiding such behaviours